October 10/09 10:21 am - CCA Track Camp Day 3 - Victoria, BC

Posted by Editoress on 10/10/09
 

It was an early morning for the first riders getting tested on the final day of the Victoria Track Training camp as they started producing maximum power at 7:30 am.  While half the riders in the group did MAP testing, the other half did an easy road ride and participated in a cycling specific yoga class.  The instructor talked about the importance of body alignment, flexibility as it relates to riding a bike, and breathing exercises to help open up the rib cage and maximize breathing space.

After lunch it was time for the classroom session with Dr. Samuels, the medical director for the Centre for Sleep, who creates sleep programs for several sport teams.  "All week we have been reminded how important sleep is so it was very beneficial to have a sleep doctor to show us how to maximize our sleeping patterns and deal with jet lag. Dr. Samuels was engaging and informative and we were really lucky to have his expertise" said Monique Sullivan.  The session sparked several discussions about sleeping aids and when they should and shouldn't be used, and introducing new techniques to alter sleep patterns.

The final session of the camp was presented by Kirsten Barnes, a sport psychologist with the Canadian Sport Centre Pacific, and tied in several elements that had been learned over the previous days of the training camp.  The topic of mental toughness was presented in a new light for=2 0many of the riders, breaking it down in to different elements and skills that can be worked on.

A version of Mini Golf was next, where Steph Roorda proved to herself that "if placed in direct competition I can improve my mini putt score 150%. My team lost in the end, not due to lack of effort, but all I can say is, you can't win them all."  The session provided some insight in to goal setting, the type of environment and expectation that help them focus, and the importance of keeping a daily training log.

All in all, the training camp was a success and the athletes head home with a lot of new information that they can begin to apply to their training, racing, recovery, lifestyle, and overall health.

Report and photos courtesy CCA

Photo gallery by Richard Wooles