A gruelling running session around Coot Lake kick started a busy day two for the four players currently on a high altitude training camp in Boulder.

Cale Hooker, Michael Hurley, Jobe Watson and Michael Hibberd all took part in the endurance running around the reservoir at the picturesque Lake.

With the sun shining and clear skies present the players battled through the altered conditions breathing heavily throughout the run.

Hooker said the challenging conditions were bringing out the best in his teammates.

“It was our first day of full training and we started with a trip out to Coot Lake, the boys are running really well considering the conditions.”

“Jobe is flying up the front with Hibbo and Hurls running really well as well.

“We are definitely feeling the affects of the altitude while we are running but you can feel the benefit as well.”

“We are doing some hard work and really enjoying it.”

Following the run around the iced over Coot Lake the players headed to the Bubble at Colorado University for their first skill session of the trip.

It was the first time the players had touched the footballs on the trip and provided a welcome relief from the hard slog of running and hiking mountains.

“It was nice to touch the footy again, we haven’t gone too close to Hurls because he lost his bag on the trip and is running low on jocks,” Hooke quipped.

“You keep your distance from him but other than that it has been really fun.”

A weights session at Colorado University’s Dal Ward gymnasium closed out a full second day schedule for the players who are set for a rest day with massage and recovery on day three.