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RHIAN'S SOCCER JOURNALS:

CYPRUS PREPARATION CONTINUES 18th February 2010

Camp continues apace in Cyprus and at 9:00 am this morning we began fitness testing. This started with flexibility tests, closely followed by the dreaded caliper test ( a.k.a the fat test ). My flexibility is something of a concern to me, and even when I am not stiff I have trouble getting even close to my toes. I therefore awoke half an hour early to limber up in the hotel’s heated pool and ease my muscles.

Probably, this kind of commitment is not what fitness testers want, but I figured that they wouldn't be too upset with me as I was showing initiative and doing some preparation. Nobody saw my efforts, nor did I touch my toes. Just imagine what my flexibility score might have been if I had not trained for it.

Because of all the battery of tests, we did not have long before we had to board the bus and head to training. Today's practice started with a warm up with Betty, and she basically had us running some agility work with cones, hurdles and ladders.

Then we were split up by position. Much to my chagrin, I was put in with the defenders. I keep hoping to play midfield, or forward. I have now been playing as a defender for a year and even though I have come to like this position, and definitely come to respect its subtleties and demands, I keep hoping that one day I may be moved forward once again.

For the next part of the session, we worked on ball movement, and on positioning in certain kinds of situations. This is not thrillingly exciting stuff to do, but it is critical in the long run. In the middle of the practice, we were sent off to do some more running. Then, we played a game at the end of the practice.

After heading back to the hotel, we all migrated like lemmings to the ocean and immersed our legs in some cold sea water. I was fine with just my lower half being submerged in the cool wet stuff, but a few of the braver ladies went for a swim. Most memorable swimmer today has to be Carm. I think I heard someone describe her attempts in the water as what a one-armed swimmer might look like. She seemed unable to do anything more than paddle around in a circle.

After showering, eating and getting some physio treatment, a few of us headed into the city of Larnaca. Before departure, Cindy, D., Sincy and I had two destinations in mind: First to Starbucks; then for the rest of us except Sincy, we wanted to go to the local fine glassware shop. We wanted the glass because we believe very strongly that Sincy should score her 100^th goal while we are here. And, when that momentous event takes place, we as a team, want to be ready to present her with something: Something that she may even like. We therefore forced her to accompany us to the Larnaca store to pick out a "trophy" for presentation. She came reluctantly until we bribed her with promises of Starbucks' coffee.

Tonight at 6:00 pm, we went through a technical meeting where we reviewed tactics and team shape before heading to supper just after 7:15 pm. The rest of the evening is pretty quiet, other than watching TV and receiving physio treatment. For me this is a good thing, as I am still feeling every muscle right now.

A demain, Rhian