Training Day 4

The day started out rainy and cool but by afternoon was warm and sunny.  We met the route setters for the competition as we were unloading the vans at the gym  this morning. They were amazed at the size of our team, jokingly asking if we added new categories because we have so many climbers. The Russian Team and Slovakian Team were also at the gym training today. Rita impressed us all with her ability to fluently speak Russian. She has made a strong connection with the Russian team since the world competition last year helping to connect the youth climbers of the world a little more. Today's training took a different format as the lead wall is closed so the route setters can set for the competition.The kids climbed in the bouldering area of the gym from 10:00 - 2:00 today. By the time lunch came they were all super hungry.

When we had finished lunch we loaded up in the vans and headed to a new park for afternoon activities. In addition to basketball there was soccer, Frisbee and climber style gymnastics on the playground structures. I have to say these guys were impressive with how fast they could pick up skills on the "parallel bars" and the "high bar". Margo and Coach Dave , both former gymnasts, provided coaching and demonstration of various stunts. The strength our climbers have becomes even more apparent when you see them master other sport maneuvers so easily.

The group voted to go to a local fruit market today instead of our usual run to Safeway. The employees there commented that they had never seen so many people come in at once. I am sure there sales for the afternoon went up significantly with our visit. For those of you coming up for the comp there are many fresh fruit and vegetable markets and farms where you can pick your own produce around Victoria.

Back at the dorms we had team meeting, dinner and then a couple of hours of free time. Dr. Mark provided post workout care to those with minor muscle strains and soreness. More of the climbers are seeking out his services as they become aware of what he has to offer them. Having a dedicated medical staff available to our team is invaluable.

The Canadian Climbing Team checked into the dorms today. Their coach suggested the teams have a soccer or Frisbee game against each other. Hopefully both of the teams schedules will have time for this.

 Shane Messer joined the team today. We are so glad he is still able to be here and help coach the team after the arrival of his first child Eli. Congratulations to Shane and Melanie!

Tomorrow's schedule will be much like today's. The coaches have some new and fun team building activities on the agenda for tomorrow. Check back tomorrow to hear all about it :-)

                                                                        REST DAY

Yesterday was the team's first rest day.  Everyone got to sleep in late, which was much needed and appreciated. First stop of the day was The Royal British Columbia Museum. The museum has many awesome exhibits. If you have time when you are in Victoria it is definitely worth checking out. After the museum we all went across the street to The Old Spaghetti Factory for lunch. The restaurant did a great job of serving the group of 49 (we did have reservations, thanks to Chelsea for setting this up).  After lunch we returned to the dorm so everyone could change and get ready to go the beach.

The beach had a park and tennis courts right by it. The kids found a variety of ways to entertain themselves. There were handstand contests, frisbee, burying others in the sand, swinging, trying to master "The Mexican Stick Trick" that Josh introduced everyone to, exploring the beach and posing to see who could look the coolest in a pair of USA sunglasses. Joe, Claire and Hannah spotted a seal out in the water. Several waded in the water but there was no swimming since there were no lifeguards on duty. (Plus the water was really chilly).

After the beach we returned to the dorm for team meeting followed by dinner. After dinner the sport climbers had another meeting lead by Dave to go over further IFSC rules and scoring. Understanding these will help our climbers score those extra critical points in the competition.

Shout out to Coach Stan for leading our speed climbers the last few days. Stan left last night but will be back for the comp next week. Tomorrow Shane Messer joins the group of coaches! The team is looking stronger everyday and are so psyched for the competition next week.

Note to parents: WIFI has been very sketchy at the dorm the last couple of days. I know many of the kids were trying to contact home last night but having trouble. Wifi was working this morning.