Having the rather unique perspective (except for T and Etienne!) of surviving all four EpicWoman camps, I can honestly say that this year was the best yet! It’s been interesting to see how the paradigm has been tweaked and refined to accommodate the needs of the different crews of campers each year. And it was especially fun to compare/contrast the ‘Going Long, Going Hard’ epic experience last week with our version of epic camp….we clearly enjoyed a kinder, gentler experience–but with much of the same end result. (Definitely better weather!)
It’s also been fun to see the awesome evolution of the schwag over the years from T’s generous sponsors—Zoot, GU, and Fuelbelt–as new products were developed. Love the Gu Roctane (which wasn’t available to us at EpicWoman 2010, and also peanut butter flavored gel!), and the cool aero black bike bento (which looks fast just strapped to my top tube!). Also, my collection of Zoot shoes and gear nearly rivals that of my friend who races on the Zoot team! (Each version of running shoe is clearly an advancement in design and materials than the previous year–can’t count the number of folks who have admired my various Zoot shoes over the past 4 years 
) It nearly goes without saying what a welcome addition the Coffees of Hawaii has been at the last three camps–sure would’ve been nice to have big pots of that to keep us going the first camp as well!!
Ironically, though not surprisingly, re-entry to the ‘real world’ has been particularly tough this time around (i have had to keep reminding myself this week that it’s not necessary to constantly be pre-fueling and refueling 24/7—it’s okay to be hungry back here in the real world! It helps that now i have to do the marketing and cooking, instead of having delicious and nutritious meals and snacks constantly available!). I had such a great time with the gals last week….this was the first time that i was not completely ready for the week to end! I think I’ve finally learned how to take care of myself fully and properly at an EpicCamp–the importance of which cannot be underestimated–and to truly leave all my expectations at home, quiet my mind, and embrace the moment. With this mindset at epic Woman camp, the sky isn’t the limit….but the boundaries are much farther than we perceive them to be! ’Empowering’ doesn’t even begin to describe the experiences that i have brought home with me from my 4 epic camps. Mahalo again to each and every one of you who made it possible for me to be here this year!