Rocks and push-ups are so 2012. This Summer we’ve decided to focus on Burpees and Sandbags…750 Burpees to be exact. That is our goal for the week, and today we polished off 125. During orientation, we got up close and personal with the sandbags. We lifted, threw, hoisted, twisted, squatted and sprinted our 20 pound sandbags all over the field.
Teamwork was essential for the groups to conquer the challenges presented at orientation. Strategy is a concept that takes thought and communication. Some groups embraced that. Some just did not have the time for it. In the end, what impressed the coaches was just how many different ways the athletes came up with solving the problems. Hidden behind the challenges were exercises geared to train quickness, balance, strength, and agility. Skills that pay dividends down the road.
Right before dinner it was time to learn the Obstacle Course. The athletes did not run it, but inspected and visualized it for tomorrow’s training runs.
After dinner we focused in on agility with pole games and relays. Then we added in some pressure to work on the mental side of sport. This group of athletes upped their game when the clock came out. The athletes kept pushing the limit farther and farther until many ended up crashing while laughing hysterically. Our last “training session” was two practice rounds of the jello drop. Eye-mouth coordination is way under-rated.
In the dorms it was time to wind down so we read the ELITEAM Notebook and wrote in our journals. In the boys down, there were extra burpees going on before bed. Finally though at 9:00 sharp, it was lights out and it is quiet.
QUOTES FROM THE KIDS:
What activity did you like the best this afternoon and why?
Conor- Sandbags because I met sweet baby Jesus.
Ian M- Fit Lite because I felt like I had the force when I activated it.
Thomas- Team Relays because of Chad and Dan.
Morgan A- Pole drop it was fun.
Reed- Pole drop relays because they were active and kept you moving.
What was your most challenging moment, and how did you push through it?
Morgan A- Lifting the sand and I tried.
Reed- I didn’t have one but if I chose one the sandbag workouts. I knew it would help me the next time I do them.
Julia- 100 burpees. I just did it even though it was painful.
What’s the best part of your day so far?
Conor- Seeing the smile on Thomas’s face.
Thomas- Conor
Julia- Snack was pretty darn good!
How do you feel about burpees? Can you do 100 every day?
Conor- They are painful. Yes.
Reed- Burpees are fine. Yes, I can do 100-125.
Julia- They are tough! My legs feel like human jello!
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