2012's Finale - Part I

December 31, 2012

When you fully immerse yourself in the training trip experience, sometimes it's difficult to put into words just how unique the lineup of routines and challenges is.  The reflection and reaction need to be staples of the trip.  Without sincere reflection of the work you are putting in, the good habits become much more fleeting than they do solidified.

The final long course practice of 2012 was meant to be a grueling routine of fin work incorporating orange and blue levels of power.  We broke into two groups:
Ice Kingdom: E'lan, Bri, Janai, Keely, Darien, Ben, Miles, Ham, Emeka
Bone Chillers: Ashley, Shaianne, Benta, Kelvin, Darell, Trent, Matt, Cam

Each group executed 2100 meters of fin work with two different objectives; Bone Chillers were more sprint-based with the Ice Kingdom mixing long-distance IM with base-free work.  Even though two unnamed Bison could not finish the workout, those that stayed did a nice job pushing each other through the timed set. (6x50s in Pink + either 4x200s in Orange or 6x100s in Blue/Orange.)

Here are two quick looks from the morning:

Despite the 6:22AM EST chill, we prepare for the 2100 meters of fin action.

Bri and Janai exit the pool after a job well done.

The thing I like about this two photos is the massive difference in sunlight.  The math will tell us that only 1 hour and 35 minutes have passed, but it looks like two completely different scenes.  For all of you out there that have never experienced swimming outside, it can seem like an excruciatingly long time during a practice that has such stark backdrop contrasts.  The effort was there this morning.

The master plan was to show some reactionary videos about the practice the team just endured.  Unfortunately, the content was immersed in rated-R language and could not be shown with some type of waiver.  Even after a second and third take, it was better to allow the team some time to gather themselves before asking some questions.  The good news is we did manage to make a super video (click to the left) giving you a small glimpse at our living arrangements as well as the breakfast routines that some of the Bison chose to partake in. 

Some interesting notes from this video:
* Notice how Ben doesn't want to hear Trent sing anymore, so he begins to narrate.
* The team is all situated on the first floor of the Homewood Suites.
* Mohamed took that plate from the three people chasing him.  That's why he was walking so fast.
* None of the strangers in the video volunteered to be in the video.
* Ashley continues to star in all of the videos. 
* Yes, Darell talks like that all of the time.
* If you want to learn like Emeka learns, click here.
* Look how Trent goes to chop the eggs with the spoon and chops nothing.

Enjoy.  We'll check-in later.