Still other athletes have chosen to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to ski training this fall, continuing a routine of ski-specific training five to six days per week. Since school started, ASC comp and devo team athletes have put in numerous hours on rollerskis (specificity becomes even more crucial as winter draws nearer); skiwalking; running -- up mountains, along rivers, over rolling singletracks -- wherever!; strength training -- through core strength, plyos, specific strength work... and more! These athletes have trained through the heat, wind, rain and even hail. So far, their work this fall has been extremely impressive, and is evident in their marked improvements.
A small group of ASC devo athletes -- Julien B., Dylan S., Brandon H., Patrick M. and Bri P. -- joined up with Mammoth's Connor K. for a weekend camp at Camp Richardson in South Tahoe earlier this month, and it was a fabulous, jam-packed trip! I had a blast leading the group through our series of adventures, which included running near beautiful Fallen Leaf Lake and along the South Shore's bike path system; classic rollerskiing; hiking to the summit of Mt. Tallac; hanging out on a beautiful beach; both being rained on and having our camp rained on while we were away -- sans rain flies for some of us!; cooking (and eating!) delicious camp food; and, of course, lots and lots of laughs!
Fun memories were made for sure, but so was a lot of progress in just two-and-a-half days. Each athlete pushed themselves to new heights, at their own pace, as several "firsts" and "furthersts" were achieved, from Connor's first rollerski (which he dominated!), to Dylan, Julien and Brandon's first trip all the way up to the top of Blackwood Canyon on rollerskis; to both Connor and Bri's longest run ever; to nearly everyone's first trip up Mt. Tallac; and to Patrick's longest run, rollerski and hike all in the same weekend! I was really proud of impressed with not only the work everyone put in, but the attitudes they showed while doing it. Each athlete embraced the camp experience and found a way to challenge themselves throughout the weekend's activities. And, for the most part, it seemed to be enjoyable! (Or maybe I'm just being delusional?! :)
At any rate, it was a great weekend, and a great way to wrap up the summer and kick off the fall. And before we know it, we'll be wrapped up in the kickoff to winter. Did anyone else see reports on snow in the forecast next weekend..?!?!
-- Coach Kara
Our final workout of the summer. Mt. Judah.
Patrick makes his way up Mt. Tallac.
Bri makes her way up Mt. Tallac.
Pit-stop on the way up Mt. Tallac.
Making our way back down the mountain.
Yes, Dylan hiked all the way up Mt. Tallac with this big bag of cheezits.
Made it to the summit - just in time for rain!
About halfway up...
Bri and Ben make their way up Blackwood Canyon, despite the rain.
Dylan and Bri at Blackwood Canyon, practicing their double-pole.
