(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.
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| 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.
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| 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...
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...
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