Mixed Emotions about Testing

How do you think they're feeling?


Kirsten, Kitt, and Flatemen


Amy, Ines, and Teena



SBJ

Little Rock Camp: Day 1

Greetings from Little Rock. The New York contigency that flew out of EWR made it safely. Sitting at Newark yesterday afternoon, I was thinking LaGuardia would have been so much more convient. Upon landing in Houston, I heard about the US Airways flight that landed in the Hudson. Most players made it last night. Daniela apparently was due to fly out of LaGuardia yesterday afternoon and will join us later today.

This morning, Group 2, had a quick dip in the pool followed by a nice breakfast. Group 1 started earlier at 6:30am. They should be on their way back to the hotel now, as Group 2 readies to leave for our first round of testing. Pull ups, juggling, vertical leap are some of the items on the menu. Following lunch both groups will go to the track for the running portion: 10m, 40m, bleep test, ten 100's.

Today I thought about the "Q" word. At the gym, there was the grey haired man on the treadmill and the twentysomething practicing left handed layups. In the yoga room, I could hear the clock ticking. I was feeling the pressure. Little Rock camp is 3 weeks away and I don't feel ready. On top of this, I've been fighting with my insurance about physical therapy visits. Matt, my PT, told me to stop running, prescribing the pool as a substitute. Since I haven't seen him since early December I'm not sure if I should start running again. I don't feel pool workouts are enough. Any running test, bleep or ten 100's, sounds especially dreadful.

Fitness, aside, I got to thinking about money. For a decade, I've been fundraising for rugby. Raffle tickets, raffle tickets, program ads, more raffle tickets, now calendars. What are the Men's National Team (MNT) players selling? I am fortunate and have worked hard to be in the current pool. As a benefactor, I've witnessed the improved funding of the Women's National Team since 2001. Emil, Al, Jules, and others have worked tirelessly to this end. Although, this WNT program may be the most funded in USA Rugby history, I still feel a burden of sorts. If I don't sell calendars how will I be affected? What does this say about my commitment to the program? Will there ever be a day when a woman can just train?

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