Scrapes, bruises, cuts, skinned knees and sore muscles. They are worn like badges of honor here at ELITEAM. Maureen got hers rocking the Berg Und Tal when she just missed her landing. Charlie got his slipping on a root rounding a corner of the Obstacle course at full speed. Zoe took a gate in the chin, but after a quick ice session was back at it full speed ahead. That is what happens when you are pushing it to the limit.
Today the campers were dialing in technique on the courses and the times are dropping dramatically. The Quickfeet Slalom started at 7 seconds and now the record stands at 5.95. The Berg Und Tal’s record dropped from 14 seconds to 12. And the Obstacle course is primed for record speed tomorrow at the Olympics. Funny how practice, coupled with inspiration, with a little visualization thrown in results in improvement.
Friday means Sandpit day and this year we set a new, tougher course for the campers. It started with a slow inspection run to study and memorize the course. That was followed by two training runs to learn and test out different tactics and techniques. Then it is full on hammer-time race run! Impressive was the word of the day. See video here… VIDEO 1 & VIDEO 2
Some quotes from the Girls:
SANDPITS:
“It looked scary at first, but when we ran it, it was fun. You give it everything you got cause all you’ll do is fall.” – Anna
Asked what her focus was, Bo replied, “To beat my brother”.
“It was hard not to fall. You definitely needed good balance.” – Alice
“Scary at first, but once you did it, it was not a problem. It was fun to push yourself to get faster times.” Gabbie
INSPIRATION:
Gabbie likes the quote: “Every Accomplishment starts with the decision to try.”
ROPES COURSE:
“When you get nervous up there, stop & breathe & close your eyes.” – Isabelle
My favorite is the Vertical Playpen. You have to be brave and trust the belayer and know that everything is going to be OK, so just keep on going.” – Olivia Harris