BEING 10

After Placid camp I worked with a class at New Hingham Elementary for a week. My trusty flip and I were welcomed into Mrs. Whitcomb's 4th grade classroom (thanks Mom!) with open arms!

The kids were required to do a technology project and man did they run with it! Upon my arrival they had sets, props, scenes and details right down to the smallest thing, already worked out. It must have taken some serious planning to have that all ready for my arrival. It is not an easy feat to take 18 kids, two plots and 4 partial days to come up with a movie. Any work they did prior to my visit was vital.

The 4th graders were driven and stayed focused. Proof that regardless of how big the task or how many obstacles stand in your way, if you work hard and work together, great things happen! I must add that many hours of work were put in after the school-bell rang. Thanks for giving me a hand on the back-end Mom! She stayed up past 11pm every night planning, editing, making sure everyone was in pictures and well represented in the video, burning DVDs and doing all of the thankless work that is necessary of any teacher. So here is one, at least - THANKS!!!!

The following are the videos that were made by the 4th graders. Stay tuned at the end for an inked up slide show (thanks ITA for the tattoos!!!) ENJOY!

0:00 - The Troll's Adventure (outdoor group's movie)
1:46 - Troll Invaders (indoor group's movie)
3:12 - The Process slide show
5:59 - Tattoo slide show

FALL

can your backyard do this?

Lake Placid camp has come to a close, summer is long since gone and I am at my folks place in Massachusetts taking it easy this week.

I woke yesterday, went for a roller ski, spent 2 hours with my mother’s 4th graders, went for an hour run, raked and mowed the front lawn, did some video editing and got 9-hours of sleep before doing it again today. So by taking it easy, I mean doing the same as usual but in a different place with some yard-work added in...

My training thus far this year has been really good. I am increasing my hours by 100, which is a huge jump. It is a risky leap but a move I am confident with and must make. I have been entirely healthy, narrowly avoiding a few colds but generally staying 100% all spring and summer.

There is a big year of competition ahead with world cup and world championship teams to be made. I have made improvements in technique - specifically double pole and quickness in freestyle. I have gotten stronger as well, seeing results from upper body hypertrophy in the weight room. I am fit, happy and hungry – a great place to be right now!

As the fall progresses, more focus will be placed on interval sessions and less on overall volume (although hours will stay relatively high for another month or so).

The Placid camp was a good one this year. I did not participate in the time trial but was able to hitch a ride in a chase car to catch a few good shots (as well as some video that will be posted soon). To see full-size images, click on the picture.

women's pack, gettin' their hurt on

The day was beautiful. The sun was out, the colors were changing and there was rumored to be snow at the top. The start was moved down the road about a mile due to summit conditions but all was well and sunny at the start.

Towards the last mile or two the course entered the clouds and although the sun was visible below, the trees lining the road were in a snowy shade. Shown to the right, Kris Freeman in his final mile.

Compton, finishing strong (off the ground) in the last 100m

Caitlyn Compton followed the lead pack (Liz and Mo) until making her move in the last 1/2 mile. Skiing smart, relaxed and confident she took the lead and was the first female across the line.

Colin Rod passes one last girl* before crossing the line

*The men started 10 minutes behind the women