Fitness Testing 2008

(New York Four, Jenna Flateman, Alison Price, Tyshawn Henry, & Daniela Mogro)

Fitness training is ongoing and a significant part of this journey. However, fitness testing 2008 is complete. While the masses in the New York Metro area made their way through rush hour to work, four of us, Jenna Flateman, Daniela Mogro, Alison Price and myself, made our way to Bronxville High School for 8:00am fitness testing. Woohoo!!! Assistant WNT 7's coaches Drew Fautley and Chris Ryan facilitated. New York teammate and recent birthday celebrant, Annie Collier came out to time and lend support. Thanks AC. Thanks to all teammates who sent texts and good luck vibes. Special thanks to Bronxville High School for hosting us!

Today's Special Testing Menu
10m
40m
10x100m
pull ups
push ups in 1 minute
bleep test

Personally, my goal was to improve upon my times and numbers from Little Rock. I'm happy to report that end was achieved. (Chris I should listen to you more often. I'm glad I ran the 40 again.) Contrary to last month, I felt better physically, and more confident. During the 100's I was especially relaxed. Maybe next time I'll get a 10. But for now the official chapter on testing 2008 is closed. Next time up- January 2009!


(Jenna and Daniela)


Alison, Annie, Daniela, & Jenna in between tests

November Madness: Final Four

New York Rugby Club @ Sweet 16's (courtesy of Frank the Tank)

On the home front, I'm going to Disney World! Well not really. However, my club, NYRC won both matches in St. Louis defeating, Glendale and NOVA respectively. In less than 2 weeks time, we'll head to the Orlando area for the Final Four.

From USA Rugby

Senior Women’s Club Championships Match-ups
November 7-9, Sanford, Fla.
Championship Semis
Berkeley All Blues vs. Minnesota Valkyries
New York vs. Beantown

Plate Semis
Twin Cities Amazons vs. Keystone
NOVA vs. Washington Furies

Bahamas Recap- World Cup Qualifier

The USA qualifies for the World Cup in Dubai, earning the 2nd seed for the North American- West Indies Region. See http://blog.uswomensrugby7s.com for more information.

Final, USA 14 - Canada 19, sudden death over time
Semi-final, USA 59 - Guyana 0
Quater-final, USA 67 - Cayman Islands 0
USA 52 - Trinidad 0
USA 45 - Guyana 0
USA 45 - Bermuda 0

Henry goes to St. Louis

(Henry waits by the door)

Do you know what time it is? Well, it's time to head to STL. That's St. Louis for those of you not up on your airport codes, the city with the Arch.
The little black bag, I've been flying with experienced a malfunction of sorts on my way to Bronxville Camp last month, so I've switched to "Henry," an older, smaller yet reliable kit bag. Minus earplugs, I have everything. I'm impressed that I was able to fit everything, kit and non rugby gear into Henry. A famous and way more popular President once said, "the older you get the bigger your kit bag gets." Henry's smaller than my last bag, but will get the job done.

BTW, Can you name that President?

Drew Fautley, Assistant WNT 7's coach has been providing text updates to the blog from Miami. He will continue to do so as the team heads to the Bahamas. Thanks Drew! Follow the team on twitter or check back here for scores.

I trust and hope everyone in Miami is healthy. Tomorrow I expect to officially be "released" from the USA squad as a non traveling reserve. This will make me available to play for my club in Sweet 16's this weekend in St. Louis. Between the NAWIRA World Cup Qualifier and Sweet 16's, it's going to be a busy rugby weekend for American women.

Just back from a running work out. I've felt pretty good the last two days. The fact that my feet were pain free was especially helpful. Since the summer, I've been experiencing different types of pain, in not one but both feet. Unlike the time, I got frostbitten toes from playing rugby in the snow in Iowa, this pain has not subsided. At times, it's been painful to walk. So I finally went to a podiatrist. One diagnosis, Achilles tendonitis is the one the plagues me the most, at times wreaking havoc with my ability to have quality running workouts. For now orthodics and stretching are key to taking care of my feet.

Foot issues aside, being 100% present during my workouts over the last two days has improved the overall quality. With two major work events last weekend now over, I was not thinking about projects or what I had to do. Instead I was focused solely on running: is my form right? how's my turn over frequency? how's my foot striking the ground?

Part of my feedback after the Arkansas camp was to improve the intensity of my workouts. I believe taking care of my feet and being present will definitely help me achieve that.

Update: Adventures of the Pink Cape

The Pink Cape has left the borough of Kings for the Island of Manhattan, currently residing with one Super Carrie.