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FAT AND FITNESS ON DAY 3 OF CAMP February 10th 2009

I know that Karen and others are very interested in our LA camp, so here is what transpired on day three. We had a quiet morning with only a meeting and some body fat measurements to interrupt our TV time.

Body fat measurements and testing are not my favorite activities, mostly because I never find these kinds of tests and figures are adequately explained by coaching staff. I have have been around way too many young women who have become preoccupied by body image, and they can be shattered by what they perceive to be "poor" results. This time, I was pleased to see that the testing was done quickly and efficiently, and we have been promised an explanation of all the measurements and the purpose of the tests, once all the information is gathered.

These kinds of tests can so easily lead to bigger issues with athletes, so having a sit down with the training staff later in the camp to discuss the results, and the reasons for the tests being done, is critical. Even the chance to ask questions is a great idea, so all kudos to the staff for being aware of the problems.

We had a good meeting with the coach, even if the process was a long one. I enjoy the meetings mainly because each one reveals a little more about our new coach. We players do not really know her at all, so getting to learn about her sense of humor, her thoughts on the game, her likes and dislikes, are all interesting and entertaining. Many of the technical points we cover in the meeting are quite basic, but I like that. She is starting from the very beginning and working her way forwards. This was, there can be no excuses. There were a number of questions and answers. Some of these were slightly lost in translation, but that added to the overall mood of the gathering and we are definitely improving our Italian .... the coach is also much better in English than many people may think.

This afternoon’s session was finally, “the one.” We had the dreaded and long-delayed fitness test. To be quite frank, I just wanted to get the darn thing over with. so I was pretty happy, although not overjoyed, to see the cones and equipment set up when we arrived at the field. We didn’t mess around, and were soon lining up to listen to that annoying British dude who announces the beginning of the test. Anyone who has run a beep tests knows what I am talking about. I have decided that if I ever meet that guy on the tape, he is going to get nothing but a swift kick to the vitals from me. I hate him that much!

Everyone did quite well, and just having the thing behind us was huge for our attitudes. This was the first time that many of us were running the yoyo version of the beep test. It is quite different, and I have yet to decide whether which one of the tests I dislike the least. I was pleased with my fitness at this stage of training.

The rest of the practice was spent in shadow play, some fast foot and agility work with our trainer, and then on to a scrimmage. We did slightly better than the other day, but I am still worried that Carolina will think that she made a big mistake in joining our team. However, if we continue to improve as much as we have in the last few days, perhaps she will be reassured. Already things are looking up, and more than anything else, most of us are just rusty from our long winter break.

There was some exciting news for me tonight as we saw the arrival of the team’s video coach, Linda Consolante. Linda and I played together on our very first soccer team, the Strawberries, when we were 5 years old, and we have continued on as teammates through the ranks to the National squad. We played locally, regionally, provincially and then nationally together. Linda was part of the 2003 FIFA World Cup team. It has been ages since we last saw each other. She is now the assistant coach at the University of Northern Arizona, as well as our video coach. I am going to love having some time to spend with her.