We knew today would be cold, but we didn't expect the 34 degrees that met us at we arrived at the track.
Every skater who registers receives the same packet, which includes a paragraph on items to bring to clinic. Some of the items that are typically recommended were; chapstick, sweatshirts, t-shirts, uniforms, gloves, lycra/spandex for your legs, arm warmers, ear warmers, sunglasses and many other items. The weather in Colorado changes often .... all in the same day!
Yesterday most of us got sunburned and it was almost 80 degrees. Today the high was around 52 degrees. Most of the girls packed well. The guys were a different story! I can hear it now, "Mom I don't need that stuff. Just leave it here." Well they were the ones complaining about how cold it was!!! One of the World Class Men pulled a pair of gloves off of a coach... just in fun, but the coach let him keep them through the drill. Others were trying to wrap their sweatshirts around their legs. Guys, next time listen to your mom. LOL
Today's schedule consisted of intense, informative and an innovative information on how to do the "Double Push". This "new technique" was introduced by Joey Mantia and Michael Cheek. But giving credit where credit is due, I understand that the original information came from Eddie Matzger. Either way it was a success for the whole group. The skaters really got into it and didn't want to quit until they got it right.
Next on the itinerary were passing drills where the skater in front of the paceline would drop back into the middle of the pack at the exact same time the last skater in the same paceline would pass to the same spot in the middle of the pack.
They finished with an interval drill that would show what each skater was truly made of. One lap on the banked track equals 200-meters. They had one lap to build-up. The next five laps were at a much faster pace with some of the times dropping down into the 17's for the World Class Men and into the 20 second lap times for our young Freshman and newer Junior World Class skaters. Once they finished their 1000-meters they would drop inside the red-line and had to remain together with their group as group 2 and then group 3 would go. Only one group was on the track at a time, allowing for more passing and racing that fit each of their groups level. Originally they were scheduled to do this 10 times through, which would equate to a 10K. The 2-3 minute rest between their 1000-meter race is just enough to simulate intervals at the beginning of the season. Although the drill called for 10 times through, weather would again dictate that only 8 sets would be completed. I think the skaters were EXTREMELY relieved that Mother Nature and time (we were at the end of our practice session anyway).
The skaters say they have really enjoyed the "different content" of this clinic. There are still 2 days left and the weather appears to be warming-up over the next two days. We are looking forward to 8-hours of training again tomorrow.
More pictures were added to the photo gallery today. Over 330 photos total in just 2 days of training. Check them out here; http://www.flickr.com/photos/58909696@N00/sets/
Linda
