Today at ELITEAM…
Our Daily Challenge was “Fitter”. The goal was to complete 30 minutes of Planks by bedtime. A big goal for sure, but everyone was on-board. We started with 5 minutes of planks during morning warmup, and reached our goal by 8pm, barely.
After French Toast and scrambled eggs we hit the RPC gym for an hour of physical testing. We use the US Ski Team protocol and all 45 athletes jumped, sprinted and push-upped their way through 10 tests. I spent some time at the 20 meter sprint and went head to head with many of the campers, batting only 50%. We’ve got some fast athletes here!
After testing we stayed in the gym and grunted through three rounds of circuits. With 17 stations, it’s a tough workout, but always one that’s filled with high energy, determination, laughter and blaring music. It’s often a camper favorite, but admittedly, not as much of a favorite as Dodgeball. The first of our two Dodgeball games today was inside with official Team Dodgeball rules in play. The competition was fierce!
Following Mac & Cheese for lunch, we settled in for a Notebook mtg where we talked Sports Psychology. The highlight for me was the campers sharing stories about failures and mistakes and what they learned from each set-back.
Next we split into two groups for the remainder of the afternoon, rotating half way through. One group was in the kitchen. We cooking “Ooey Gooey Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins”. We also talked Sports Nutrition, taste-tested “Almond Butter Cup Fat Bombs”, and finished with a game of Family Feud Nutrition Style. The other group was in the RPC taking on a variety of challenges, including TRX, an obstacle dual SL and a tricky balance course. BALANCE COURSE VIDEO LINK (It’s sideways, but you’ll get the idea!)
“Taco Tuesday” did not disappoint and everyone was refueled for a final hour of activities. We got a little crazy with “Teddy’s Games” of fun and silly competitions including wrapping a coach in toilet paper and executing a team synchronized swimming routine (on the grass). Finally we settled in for a 30 minute yoga routine to stretch out our sore muscles and get relaxed for bed. At 9:02pm, the dorms were perfectly quiet. Another great day!
CAMPER QUOTES-
1. How did your Ooey Gooey Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins turn out? And what’s the key to making a great muffin?
Reilly K- They looked amazing after thorough banana mashing! The key is to keep the wet and dry ingredients separate as long as you can!
John S- My muffins turned out great, as far as I’m concerned. The key is to follow the instructions.
Sam L- They went great! Jack and I worked well together. The key is to measure well and to remember the ingredients you used.
Chuck L- I thought that they worked out great and the key to making a good muffin is not overdoing measurements (Luke!!!!)
Henry M- The strategy was to mash up the bananas ALOT.
Jack Sw- Mix it a lot. Give it a lot of love!!
Alex K- The banana was black. The key is to be a good cooker.
Shane C- Follow the instructions. Smash bananas well.
Harry W- My muffins turned out quite alright, and were very fun to make! The best part was learning about the ingredients and the positive impact they made on our bodies. It was important to keep track of measurements.
Alli B- If you measure the ingredients right, the consistency is really good and it makes them better.
Tinley S- They turned out great! The key is to put healthy ingredients in them.
Chloe M- The key is using the exact measurements. It was fun making them.
2. How did today’s training help you become a better athlete?
Reilly K- We made a goal of 30 mins of planking in one day! We definitely improved our core and toughness! Also, we discussed the many aspects of mental health!
John S- It helped me with my balance, which is key.
Sam L- It helped my mental game with the meeting plus the burning planks increased my grit and core strength.
Chuck L- I think today’s training helped me find the inner strength of myself when I wanted to quit.
Henry M- Yes because the planks show endurance.
Jack Sw- It helped with my endurance and grit. And I’m sore. That’s good though. It means you are working hard.
Alex K- GRIT helps me persevere through tough workouts.
Shane C- We did a lot of planks.
Harry W- All of today’s training improved my balance, strength and made me persevere.
Alli B- It made me believe that I was more capable than I thought I was.
Tinley S- It helped my strength.
Chloe M- It made me stronger and I pushed my limits.
3. What was your favorite activity today and why?
Reilly K- My favorite activity was dodgeball beyond a doubt! All the Elkies were put on one team and dominated both games for a win!
John S- The Swedish dodgeball because I love dodgeball.
Sam L- Dodgeball because it was crazy.
Chuck L- Probably dodgeball because of all the competition.
Henry M- My favorite was Swedish Dodgeball.
Jack Sw- Dodgeball because it is fun and also a workout. I love it.
Alex K- Balance course because it was hard and fun.
Shane C- Swedish dodgeball because it was fun.
Harry W- Definitely the balance obstacle because I felt accomplished to complete it.
Alli B- Dodgeball, it is really fast paced and fun to play.
Tinley- Swedish dodgeball.
Chloe M- Obstacle course. So fun and when I finished I was proud with myself.
