Volleyball, Dodgeball and Strength Training!

I finally got on board with Level 10 Fitness! Level 10 Fitness is a gym in Manhattan Beach, but every time you go in you have a small group or personal training session. I am joining the group of volleyball girls that already go there so I will mostly be going in a small group setting. I'm pretty excited because I can't wait to get my leg strength back to what it used to be but I'm a little nervous considering the trainer there is nicknamed "Mere-death", haha. I've heard nothing but good things about her though and she was really nice when I met her the other day! It was also a good sign that when I walked in Misty May and her dad were in there working out! If the best beach volleyball player ever works out there... I guess it's good enough for me too!! :)

My first session which includes testing so that they can see where I am and "base work" is tomorrow at 8 am. Wish me luck!!!

Also, I have my last night of dodgeball tonight! It is the semi-finals and finals of play offs. Theme this week is white trash... should be fun!!!

Oh, and I have my second week of Tuesday night 4's volleyball league :) Staying busy as always!!

USA IDQ #2

Well, we came out 5th overall, which was kind of disappointing, but at the same time, still a great finish! After a second place finish in the first International Development Qualifier (IDQ), Dana and I were really hoping to finish top 3 to clinch another spot in a NORCECA event where we would represent the USA. Unfortunately, we came up short of that goal, but we learned a lot over the weekend!

The main thing I learned??? Quit going to 3 games so that I'm not so tired on the second day of a tournament!!!!! :) On Saturday, we had pool play, so we played 3 matches. Two of which, we went to the 3 games, and most of those games were close ones! It took a lot of energy, but it was good to know that we could find a way to win even when we weren't playing our very best volleyball. The one match that we won in 2 games was still tough because the wind was pretty strong so it took a lot of concentration not to mention a lot of extra work physically to make sure we were taking care of the ball. We went 3-0 the first day, so, it was a good day at the office!

Sunday was a shorter day however. We won our first match (in 3 again!!!!). And, we could tell we were both a little tired after that match. We had a little bit of time to rest though, and we ate a little to get some fuel. The next team we played were the eventual champions! They were a great team all around and made us work for every single point we got! There were at least 20 rallies during the match that went back and forth over the net 5-6 times. (A normal rally may last 2-3 times over the net... maybe) Anyway, the problem was they ended up winning all of the long rallies, and the match...

My coach, Nancy Mason, was there though and was able to give me some good insight on what to work on! It was so great having her there because not only was she able to give me tips in between matches, but she is now able to build practice around specific things for me to work on!!

Next step in my volleyball life.... A STRENGTH COACH!! I went in and talked to the Level 10 Fitness people today... I should be starting in the next few days. Wish me luck!!!! :)

Did I mention the trainer at Level 10's nickname is "Mere-death" - haha

Monte Carlo!!!!!!!

Just a quick note until I have more details and more time to write it all out, but.....

I'M GOING TO MONTE CARLO!!!! My friend Cayley Thurlby and I will be representing the USA at tournament in Monte Carlo mid-April!!! I cannot wait to go!!!!

As I get more details I will write more about the event!!

How are you so good at recognizing shapes and colors?

My 4 and 5 year olds at school have been teaching me :) I think I've got most of them down now!

Ask me anything

What ultimately led you to choose to pursue beach volleyball professionally over continuing to play indoor overseas (Puerto Rico, Europe or wherever else)?

I still haven't given up on indoor volleyball, but I have just fallen in love with the beach game! I can't think of a better office than the beach :) But, if a great opportunity came up for me to play indoor, I would probably take it. I'll always love indoor volleyball as well!

Ask me anything

Pledge of Allegiance

I just wanted to share this awesome video with everyone. Scott's Grandma sent it to me and I feel like it's so important! I think it's crazy that Red Skelton talked about the "Under God" part of the pledge of allegiance and how sad it would be if it were ever to be removed as if the idea were far fetched. And yet, there's actually been discussion within the last few years about removing it. So sad! Or as I would say to my kids at school "How very sad!"

http://media.causes.com/604250?p_id=42563578*

When our little lone star (that would be you) first moved to So. Cal, did you experience any degree of culture shock?

Getting adjusted is an ongoing process ;)

Ask me anything