Supporting Team USA

So finally, the whole team is back together. Everyone was back in California on Sunday, and we had a light lift of Monday as a recovery. Tuesday morning we had off from our normal training session, but we got back into Tuesday afternoon with a little running and practice. It was obvious that the those who returned from Europe were still a little jet lagged and finding their legs. Overall, practice went pretty well considering everything that has been going on lately.

Today was pretty exciting because we got to test out our heat chamber. From now until the team leaves for the games, we are doing all of our lifting sessions in the heat chamber. Since there are 24 of us still training, it is a pretty tight area for a workout. With a few modifications and the heat level + humidity making it feel around 95 degrees, it got pretty hot in there. Needless to say we were all DRENCHED by the time we got done our approximately 45 minute workout. The whole point of this "heat chamber" is to help us practice acclimatization to the very hot temperatures we will have to play in while in China. So far (day one) we did pretty well!

One of the most exciting parts of today came later though. We have the priviledge of working with Colleen Hacker, a sports psychologist who also works frequently with the US Women's National Soccer Team. Tonight they were playing a game in San Diego verse Brazil- always a great matchup! Colleen was very generous and hooked us up with tickets. Our team was lucky enough to be able to sit (stand rather) down on the side of the field for the game. We all had a great time cheering on our fellow Americans and Olympians. It was great to see the US come out with a 1-0 victory as well, off of a spectacular goal by Natasha Kai. We all wish their team the best of luck as they finish up their training and head off to Beijing!

We were missing one today though. Rachel Dawson, also a blogger (make sure you check out her site if you haven't already!) headed up to LA to attend the ESPY's today! It will not be aired until Sunday at 9pm, but make sure you turn it on and watch for her! She is up for Best Female College Athlete! :)