So a few weeks have gone by, and I have gotten onto the ice ONCE this summer. It was really nice, once I got use to the feeling of being on the ice again. It took me about 10-15 minutes to get use to being on my edges, but shortly after that, I was back up to where I had left off at the end of the semester. I could also feel that my edges were stronger, which means that my off-ice work really does help. It may also been partially due to me having the "whatever happens, happens" attitude at the rink that day. I didn't have high expectations knowing that it had been a while since I've been on the ice, and the first few times back are usually the most awkward.
I've been keeping in close contact with my coach over the summer, and we're planning on starting my Pre-Bronze MITF this fall, which I'm really excited about. He is totally confident that I will be able to pass the test, but we're still going to take our time with it. I'm also wanting to take my Pre-Bronze FS test as well, as their requirements look very do-able.
Since my 5K, I have officially "finished" my C25K program, but my distance needs a bit more work. What I've decided since then is to work with a running program called, "Zombies, Run!" It's not a training program per se, but I am hoping to continue with improving my distance with the program, since each "mission" is about 30 minutes (still not quite getting the 3.1 miles...ugh!). I'm still figuring out things with the program, so it may take me a bit to get use to. However, this is a program that follows an audio story line, and you basically run during the whole program.
Basically, a zombie apocalypse occurs in an area called "Abel Township," in only about 60 people survive. They're in desperate need of supplies to help rebuild their area. Several runners had been sent out, but are killed by zombies, except for you. So, as you are jogging, you get instructions from Abel Township "Base" commanders (so to speak) on where things are at for you to gather and take back to Abel. The problem, of course, is the zombies, and they will "chase" you (as indicated by a beeping sound), and so you have to run like heck to get away from them. This serves as an interval training like program, because you can actually lose items if the zombies catch you! Once you have "finished" the mission, you can return the supplies to build up the "base," and then tackle the other "missions," to help continue to rebuild Abel Township.
I tried the program for the first time a few days ago, and overall really liked it. You can also use music from your ipod with this app, as two or three songs will play before you get the set of instructions. I did run into a few kinks on my end, but I think that's just partially me figuring out how the app works. My biggest bugger right now is figuring out when the mission actually "ends," because it seems to just continue on and on. As much as I like it, I can only run for so long, and I did get attacked by one of the zombie mobs earlier as a result (rats).
As for where to run in this program, I totally recommend doing the run in a fairly populated area (such as a university campus), as it makes it more fun, especially when there are people around. You can pretend much easier that way that they are zombies when that time comes! Plus, it's kinda cool if you're given a landmark (such as a hospital on the left), and there's a building that's big enough to be a hospital. It just adds some visual interest.
I also don't know if this counts for off-ice training, but I also tried my hand at a climbing wall today in a local pool. The climbing wall was in a 12 foot deep pool, and once you get to the top (or decide to stop), you "free fall" into the pool down below. This was a first for me as I have never done a climbing wall before, and I have a fear of heights, when I don't feel totally secure. It's not a huge fear, but I felt the fear kicking in just slightly. I also pictured this wall as sort of like a vertical game of "Twister" because of the different colored knobs that were used ("Left hand, green! Right foot, blue!").
The climbing wall is a A LOT harder than it looks, especially when someone makes a huge splash from the slide just across the ropes. You have to hold on fairly tight to the climbing knobs, be able to use your body weight to reach, pull, and balance yourself up there. However, despite my fear of heights, I gave it a go, and got between 1/2-3/4 way up the wall. If I get the chance to do it again, I want to see how far I can push that fear aside (don't look down!), so that I can get higher, and maybe even reach the top. :)
That's pretty much it for now. More to come next month, so stay tuned!
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