What does it take to be a champion? This.

These balloon-like bags will fill with oxygen from the tanks. Sarah breathes from the bags, at a concentration that equates to slightly below sea level.

Sarah purchased this tank herself… and the note attempts to thwart would-be O2 thieves.

Here is the oxygen mask. Look comfortable?

Nate helps Sarah don the mask…

…while Jacob from USAT begins to fill the bags with oxygen.

Velcro straps hold the mask on.

Now the real work begins.

Nate takes note of all the data, including lap wattage, cadence, heart rate, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE).

Sarah coasts briefly as she begins a recovery interval. One down, several more to go…

Heart rate starts to rise as Sarah continues her intervals.

It’s hammer time! If Sarah trains well, this is the view that the competition will see.

Sarah gives everything she has… can you say “pain cave”?

The first tank started only 1/6th full. Sarah made short work of it, and required a tank change during the session.

Finally done.

Hard training doesn’t get you much of anything in the short-term, except fatigue and a lot of this dripping off the bike.

There is an identical oxygen rig set up nearby on a treadmill. No O2 running for Sarah today, however.

The OTC has a lot of new equipment… and even some relics.

Two Alter G treadmills are here to help injured runners stay in shape.

The day’s output. Yes guys – those intervals were at 270+ watts.