Training & Support

The Valley of Fire ‘RV’ curriculum is a high-intensity, 6-day mission engineered to weaponize heat and rugged terrain. Our sessions are strategically timed to the “Desert Window”: we capitalize on the cool, high-contrast light of sunrise for our primary efforts, and utilize the midday heat for purposeful thermal adaptation. As a guest, you are following a tactical blueprint that respects the demands of the Mojave, ensuring you master the red rock climbs and open-water stretches with the precision required to thrive.

The Disciplines in Action

Lake Swims

We dive into the pristine, deep-water enclave of Echo Bay on Lake Mead. To ensure safety and elite navigation in the open water, every group swim is flanked by dedicated SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) pilots.

Running

Running in the desert is our primary tool for heat acclimation. We utilize quiet lakeside roads with sessions strategically placed to maximize cardiovascular strain while managing core temperature.

Cycling

Our focus is building “Desert Power” on the undulating, high-grip roads of the Northshore and Valley of Fire. From 60-mile endurance blocks to intervals through the red sandstone canyons, SAG support is there just in case.

Elite Support & Recovery

Active Recovery

Unique to our desert outpost, we utilize the shoreline for SUP-based core stability work and sunset “red rock” mobility walks. These sessions are designed to flush the legs and maintain athletic suppleness without the impact of additional road miles.

The Campfire Q&A

Every evening at 6:00 PM, we gather at the Ho’Omau central hub for 20 minutes of “any talk goes” discussion with Andy Funk. We’ll deconstruct the day’s heat-management data and discuss the tactical nuances of desert racing.

Recovery Tools

24/7 access to our mobile recovery unit featuring Normatec Elite systems and professional-grade tools like rollers and massage guns. Essential for maintaining blood flow and recovery in a high-thermal environment.

Athlete Requirements

Fitness Baseline

To ensure a cohesive squad experience, we recommend the below fitness baselines. We will generally break up the group to allow faster athletes to bunch together in a designated “Elite” squad. The benchmarks below are not “cut-off” times, they ensure that you can safely navigate the desert volume and rising temperatures with our “main pack of riders”. Final pace groups will be refined following our pre-camp Athlete Audit.

Cycling W/Kg

You should be able to maintain a steady effort at 2.7 W/kg for 2 hours or more.

Running Pace

Comfortable with a 9:00/mi pace on rolling terrain for a minimum of 90 minutes.

Swimming Pace

Ability to complete 1.5K of continuous open-water swimming at a 2 min/100y pace or faster.

Bring Grit

The desert is beautiful, but it is raw. Bring a resilient mindset and a sense of adventure. We are here to master the heat and find our edge—but we do it with the camaraderie of the squad and a shared appreciation for the red rocks.

The 2027 Valley of Fire ‘RV’ camp is engineered for rapid restoration in a high-thermal environment. Our dedicated Recovery Hub is available 24/7, providing the professional-grade tools required to maintain athletic durability throughout the 6-day block.

Normatec Elite in 3x Sizes

Massage Guns & Foam Rollers

Idillic Paddleboard Recovery

With over two decades spent at the intersection of endurance sports, high-performance nutrition, and athletic entrepreneurship, Andy’s approach to training is rooted in real-world results. His resume isn’t just a list of 119 race starts or multiple Ironman World Championship finishes—it is a testament to a life lived in motion. From conquering the solo 365-mile Vegas In 24 challenge to founding Ho’Omau Endurance, Andy has spent twenty years deconstructing what it takes to perform when the environment turns hostile.

For Andy, the Valley of Fire isn’t just a scenic backdrop; it’s a familiar proving ground. He has personally engineered the route architecture and heat-acclimation protocols for this 6-day mission to ensure every athlete finds their physiological edge. Whether you’re discussing fat-oxidation at 95°F or tactical pacing through the red rock canyons, Andy brings a level of insight that hits the mark 9 ¾ out of 10 times.

To foster a culture of transparency and growth, Andy leads a daily 20-minute “Campfire Q&A” where the floor is open for any topic—from granular data analysis to the mental game of endurance. You’ll find Andy right beside the squad for the majority of the swims, rides, and desert runs, providing real-time feedback and leading by example in the Mojave heat.

2027 Training Camp Leader

Ho’Omau Chief & Founder

11 Sports Coaching Certifications

119 Races Completed

Multiple Ironman WC Finisher

6x 1st Overall – 9x Podiums

15x 1st AG – 20x Podiums

Holds FKT for Vegas In 24 (L.A. Route)

Sports, Health & Nutrition VC

Served on 10+ Board of Directors

Serial Startup Entrepreneur since 18

100% Plant-Based since 2017

Dad of Triplet Boys (yes, all athletes)

Married to Cancer Surgeon Dr. Kristi Funk