Those competing in sport continued working on the different stations that the coaches set up for them. Everyone is giving it their all these last few days of training. The coaches are pleased with their increased endurance, power and strength. It appears that all of the climbers, both speed and sport, have become acclimated to the climate here. The coaches have been stressing the importance of remembering to focus on their breathing when they are climbing as it helps them to stay relaxed both physically and mentally and not become pumped as quickly.
Lunch was picnic style by the gym again today. It was catered by "The Red Barn Deli and Market" providing sandwich trays (homemade bread, locally made cheese, fresh veggies and meat), meat and cheese trays and fresh fruit trays. The Red Barn Deli is just about 10 minutes from the gym. I would highly recommend parents check it out when you are here for the competition. The Canadian Team had speed practice immediately after our team. Several of our team members watched the first part of their practice after lunch. The news media presence is growing daily at the gym. Michaela and Josh were both interviewed by local television media today.
After lunch the climbers all wanted to go back to the dorm for some down time. Today was the third day in a row of climbing. So, after our daily stop at Safeway we headed back to the dorms. Several people took the opportunity to do laundry. A big group played ultimate Frisbee. Our climbers played the Canadian Team in a game of Ultimate Frisbee last night, sadly our team lost. However they want it to be known that they only had 14 players and the Canadian Team had 26 players. I think a rematch is probably in the works. One strategy being discussed is to have all 49 of our team show up to play against their 26.
The dorm building we are staying in is completely ours. This is a GOOD THING as the athletes have completely taken over. There is a large common room in the basement where several watch movies every night. The dorm pranks and tricks have started, all in good fun. I am little surprised it took a week before they began.
Tonight we are going on A Ghostly Tour of Victoria. It is an hour and a half walking tour of the reported haunted places of Victoria. The Canadian Team went recently and highly recommended it. Will let you know how it goes tomorrow.
REMINDER: There will be a parent meeting here at the University of Victoria on Wednesday night from 5:30 -6:15 for those who are in town and want to attend. We will meet in the courtyard next to the dorm. The address is :
3800 Finnerty
Building and Room Number SS 2013
University of Victoria
Craigdarroch Office Building
Parking Lot #5, off Sinclair Road
Victoria, B.C.
V8P 5C2Please be aware that you need to pay for parking. There is a kiosk in the lot where you can pay.
We said goodbye to Chloe Masseant today as she was just here for training camp. For those of you who do not personally know Chloe she is a youth C climber from Oklahoma City. She quickly became a favorite with the athletes and staff. If there was any activity going on you could bet that Chloe would be part of it. She initially started camp not feeling very comfortable with lead climbing but quickly became very efficient and confident with it. I have a feeling that this will not be Chloe's last world training camp and more than likely she will be competing for the USA team one day.
We welcomed Krista Dorsten, USA Climbing director of membership and marketing camp today. So glad to have her here for the remainder of camp and the competition.
Last but not least we all want to wish Coach Chelsea a very Happy Birthday! Thanks for spending your birthday with the team.
