Our speed block is complete here in LaParva.  We had excellent, excellent training and conditions.  Hard snow, mostly clear skies, one air and 90 seconds in length.  Juniors don't usually got training like this.  A big Thanks to the staff here at LaParva and our staff for making it happen. 

I am sure the athletes got a lot out of it.  Going fast with the wind their face, getting off the ground, being able to link long smooth turns are skills we consistently need to develop that we seldom get the opportunity to do so at home. 

Saturday is a day off for us.  Sleep in and relax, before we go back at slalom on Sunday and Monday.  We might have to take another day during the last week in between our last day of slalom and some more GS work. 

jb

You could not have asked for better training down here at LaParva.  Yesterday was a bluebird day that warmed up nicely in the afternoon, however the snow surface stayed mid winter conditions.  It was our first day of SG training on the downhill course, El Descenso.  The guys really skied well and learn a lot from their seven runs throughout the morning.  The highlight being of course, a nice jump they built us at the top about 4 turns in that sends the guys about 20 meters over the first pitch.  The flight time will increase a bit today as the track gets faster and we bring them in with a little more heat.

Everyone really enjoyed themselves and I cannot tell you how important this is for their development.  This is why we make the long trip here, the quality of training is just amazing.  Day 2 of SG today, I am sure it will be a good show.

jb     

Were online this morning.  It's very tough going down here this year with the internet service.  But while it's up here's the update. 

Not much snow, much like the winter we had in VT, but where there is, it's hard and the training is quite good.  We are just about through with our first block, where we worked on basic skiing and really focused on body position and being able to feel the center of the body.  The boys received some good volume and many runs of free skiing to enhance what they are feeling in the drill work. 

Today they get a little gate work and then some free skiing on SG skis.  We are in the process of getting the speed track ready for our SG sessions; wed-fri. of next week.  Then we will work back to some tech. 

If i can get some pictures up in the next couple days, I will, but i am not promising anything. 

Best
jb

We wrapped up our July Conditioning Camp with a little of this;

The boys and girls are getting to be pretty good climbers.  Making some really good moves, learning what they can do, trusting themselves and their teammates and thinking on their own.  It's really only you and the rock once your 30-40 feet up.  You have to make your own decisions, have the concentration and the will to press on. 

That way when you meet conditions like this;

you can overcome!

Great camp!  Everyone did a really awesome job, the staff was impressed.  Everyone pushed themselves, some found they can push more and I believe many improvements will be made by the fall. 

See you all in Chile!  Here are a few more shots. 

JB

Great Camp and Beautiful weather for this years Alpine Conditioning Camp.  As we wrap things up tomorrow we have been busy getting a lot done.  We started off with some Games of Strength, followed by a team relay up to Deer's Leap from Gifford Woods.  Of Course, our special "Navy Seals" training.  That's a long day!  Today we had a uphill time trial, on bikes, up to the top of Middlebury Gap, 2,144 feet.  The athletes definitely suffered a little on that one, however the staff didn't think it was tough enough so some road down the other side below Breadloaf before returning. 
Tomorrow we conclude things with some climbing and a strength session.  Thanks to all who attended and really nice job.  For the 3 years I been here we have really come a long way with our fitness and we are continuing to push the limits even further!

jb

and there's always time for community service!!  thanks Guys and Girls!

More challenging conditions for our last day on snow for this camp.  It was GS again and it was foggy to say the least. 

All turned out OK, the salt took, we put out the runway lights and the boys skied well.  A bit tired after this four day block, we cut things after 5 runs, packed up and headed for Hood River for lunch.  We arrived in Portland about 4pm, just in time for a little cart driving and batting practice.  Then the red eye crew headed for PDX.  Safe travels boys, great camp for you guys!

We leave the Pacific Northwest and head east tomorrow, until next time?  Thanks

jb