Today was half physical and half mental, plus we threw in some yammalicious muffins and a skype with USST athlete and World Cup winner Steve Nyman. Steve’s message to the kids… “Dig deep. That’s when you see the rewards.” Perfect timing on that one from Steve, as today there was physical pain in Dan’s Killer Leg Routine and mental pain in the High Ropes Courses, as we saw many of the kids fight through some tough moments.
Up in the high ropes today there was both risk and reward with lots of goals being met and surpassed. With the knowledge that they were belayed and safe, the campers upped the ante and pulled off some amazing feats… our first ever 360 grabs on the Trapeze, a longer more intricate Tightrope traverse, and blindfolded Duos at 45 feet in the air. Everywhere you could see the campers fight through nerves and fight through barriers. It’s rewarding for our staff to see an athlete begin the climb apprehensively and end it with confidence.
Up the hill, on the field, and in the gym it was leg strength, leg endurance and leg agility. The highlights were backwards tuck jumps uphill, a slow squat utilizing rubber bands for resistance, and the gym obstacle course. One camper told me that he wished gym class back at school could be like the gym agility course here at ELITEAM everyday. Not only did the kids have a ton of fun and teach their brains and muscles how to work together, but I think they’re inspired to keep it up when they return home.
After finishing yet another set of 50 push-ups, Ben said to me. “If anyone asks how to get a 6-pack really quick, just tell them to go to ELITEAM”. By the way, all the campers are at 450 push-ups after a day and a half!
It was a huge day of activities here. Tomorrow, mountain biking!
Random quotes overheard today.
My legs are already numb. – Coach Zack
I was throwing bullets.- Coach Joe
I don’t know what went wrong. – Coach Dan
What we did this morning feels like it was a week ago.- Olivia
If I was from Calgary, I could probably do it on the first try. Tom
Oh no mayday! We’re going down.- Tom
Quotes from the 1st floor in the Boys’ Dorm:
The best part of today was…
The ropes courses because they are really fun and challenging and it also makes me feel awesome about myself.- Oliver
Going swimming. It was so refreshing!- Cole
The pond. Jumping for the balls was awesome and I caught a frog. – Finn
I liked the Dangle Duo because Alex and I flew through it.- Kyle
The ropes course because I pushed my limits.- Brian
How did your legs feel during the Leg Routine on the hill?
It depended on the exercise but they always hurt.- Colin
They felt burning.- Matt
They felt sore!- Patrick
The legs of mine hurt so much like they already fell off and then they got stuck back on.- Finn.
They hurt, but I pushed it and I was glad I did.- Kyle
Terrible (but good).- Brian
What is the trick to having a fast, clean run on the Berg und Tal?
Getting into a rhythm and keeping it. – Oliver
If you imagine you’re shaking someone’s hand and slap your downhill foot on the board. – Cole
To keep a slow steady pace and not rush.- Patrick
Having a stable upper body and a fast lower body.- Colin
Staying balanced and concentrating.- Matt
Being focused and ignoring your hurting legs.- Finn
Just go and rip. No holding back.- Kyle
What was your most challenging moment in the Ropes Course? How did you push through it?
I had so much trouble on the trapeze. It took me two tries to finally get it.- Cole
I was having trouble on the Vertical Playpen but I just lifted myself with my arms.- Colin
The tight wire was the hardest part. I took a deep breath and continued.- Patrick
What did you learn about yourself today?
I can keep pushing myself no matter how hard it is!- Cole
That I am good at the Dangle Duo and need to work on my flexibility.- Matt
I learned to not waste all your energy at the beginning of a race.- Patrick
That I am not as afraid of heights as I thought.- Finn
I can push limits.- Brian
No matter how hard it hurts, you can do it. – Colin
I learned that if I push my limits, I am unstoppable. – Kyle
Leave a Reply