The Games in London are On!

I made a guest appearance at the City of Lakes Loppet Adventure Camp to talk to the campers about my experience at the 2010 Games and to share the excitement of the 2012 Summer Olympics.

I am usually quite happy to not have a television, but it has been tough to not watch the Opening Ceremonies and first few days of competition live.  My days are still super busy as I wrap up my final week of Physiology.  My favorite study break is to stream the video highlights for the days competition and read articles about the different athletes.  I love learning everyone's story and their struggles and triumphs towards becoming the best.

I look forward to joining my CXC teammates in Colorado for an altitude training camp at the end of the week.  I hope the place we are staying has a television. Best of luck to my In The Arena teammates as they compete in the next few weeks: 

Kristin Hedstrom, women’s lightweight double sculls: Sunday, July 29th (heats) at 5:50am ET; Tuesday, July 31st (repechages) at 5:10am ET; Thursday, August 2nd (semifinals) at 5:30am ET; Saturday, August 4th (finals) at 5:00am ET

Sarah Groff, women’s triathlon: Saturday, August 4th at 4:00am ET 
Lea Davison, women’s mountain bike: Saturday, August 11th at 7:30am ET

Gregg Center of Excellence

On the outside our house is a simple 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 674 square foot bungalow.  The house feels way bigger on the inside with a full basement which we quickly transformed into the Gregg Center of Excellence.  Similar to the multi-million dollar USSA Center of Excelence in Park City, Utah but basically the Craigslist version.  Don't let the dirty walls scare you, most everything you need is in it for good solid training.

Angela on the treadmill.  Perfect for those super hot days or late nights.

Mellia and the squat rack

This gym is for working out, not hanging out!

The newest addition a Conept 2 Ski Erg for specific measurable double pole training.

Working out can be fun!

The neighborhood crew earner their new (lightly used) running shoes after their workout.  Huge thanks to Santi and Carolyn, Fox Rivers Sports, Salomon and Gear West for the shoes.

Studying

After a break from formal education for the past 8 years (where does the time go?), I decided to jump back in to school and studying.   I just finished an intense 5 week anatomy class. After being away from school for so long I had a steep learning curve when it came time to study and review for the next day's exam or lab practical. I have never found myself sitting still for so long in my entire life! The class was fantastic and I loved learning every bit of information in the condensed format.

Preparing for the Final Exam.  I had a test each day of the week leading up to the final too.

Uphill Sprints

Focusing on class has allowed my hamstring/glute injury a chance to heal and I have been feeling really good running.  Last weekend I filled in for a friend in the Tri-Loppet 5km and felt great.  I ran even faster than last year.

Tomorrow, I start my next course, Physiology.  I again look forward to learning a lot. There have been many topics that I wish I could have reviewed way back when I was a young athlete. I am in the process of fulfilling my prerequisites for PA school.  My goal is to start full-time school in May of 2014, so right after the Olympics.