From 50 to 30

(Greeley, CO) The University of Northern Colorado, the other UNC, hosted Team USA's Top 50 camp this week. The best rugby players in the country (minus the contracted 7s players-tough loss there) came together for a week of fierce competition. The format of the week consisted of 2 head to head matches with a few training sessions in between.

rest & recovery

Being that I was just getting back into the game, I had a few concerns going into camp. I hadn't played a rugby game since the 7s World Cup back in June 2013 (15s since 2012). I had been training, but only for about a month-after taking 3 months off. I was more concerned with my rugby instincts than my fitness and I knew I needed to be the best I could be given the circumstances. Luckily, Em did some skills with me in SD that showed me I wasn't too far off the mark going into camp-confidence boosted.

NBC Universal interview

Seeing my friends, the 7s reunion especially, was fabulous! I was so excited to see everyone, hang out and laugh until my sides ached :) and that's just what happened from moment one! After a few days of fun, on and off the field, was Game 1. I have to say it wasn't my best rugby performance, but I still managed to have fun and smile throughout.

Post first match was quite difficult for me. I have been far removed from the competitive environment that often goes with high level rugby and wasn't adapting well to the tensions and anxiety that seemed to float around game reflections and new team selections. I felt a bit swallowed up by it all and confused about how my mental state was forming in this space. It wasn't until after a much needed hallway coffee date with Kimber that I worked through it and felt calm in my own skin again. Thanks boo ;) 

Now it's time for Game 2! Today we play each other again, with slightly different lineups. I'm excited to put some intensity into my play and to fire up some energy on the field. Tonight, in much less dramatic fashion than the green mile that was the 2010 World Cup selections, an email will be sent out listing the WC team and reserves. Of course this is the big moment we all came here for, but staying in the moment is much better than wondering about the future...

Backwards blogging...

A lot has happened in the month since my last post! Let's move backwards through time and catch up :)

I am now in Colorado playing rugby! This week is the Top 50 camp for the USA Women's 15s team. At the end of this week the World Cup team will be announced. We play 2 matches against each other which will be the main determining factor for selections. The pressure is on, so everyone is looking to perform at their best and make it onto the traveling roster of 26. 

Last week: I was in San Diego! Who'da thunk I would be back in the sunshine state so soon?! It was magnificent! I got to see friends, lounge in the sun, play at the beach and eat yummy California food. My first order of business in Cali was a coaching certification course. After a full day of learning and coaching I passed and elevated my coaching skills another level.

I stayed with Em, Katie & Char (and the baby boy) for the week. It was like old times-late night (6-8pm because we're old and tired) tv and chatting sessions and lots of couch time :) 

2 weeks ago I was still in Colombia! I finished my time at the farm by making a really awesome chair. I left my mark by way of American flag. That chair is easily the most beautiful thing I have ever constructed ;) 

My time in Colombia was truly incredible. My life has changed for the better, I feel much more relaxed in spirit and at ease with myself. I have learned a lot about being alone and happy, about food and well-being, and about finding joy in every moment, everything and every person. I feel an overall happiness inside me that I can build up through practiced thought. And although I am no better at making decisions, I know my process of indecision a lot better now ;) 

I'm working to tke all that I've learned and use it in what was my everyday life. Starting with the rugbysphere I am working to integrate joy and vegetarianism into my world. Up next...ranch life!