First weekend of training - Check!

First team meeting/workout completed! We met at the Sports Basement in the Presidio and after a few announcements and icebreaker/name games (turns out there are THREE Tina's on the ski team, the Tina Trifecta! ;) the coaches led us through some cross-country ski specific strength exercises we should do as often as possible and that we'll be doing every week at our coached track work outs and then we were off on our hike! A quick 25 min. out and 25 min. back hike - started at Crissy Field (pictured above) and climbed up the hill and past the golden gate bridge and started in on one of the coastal trails. It flew by and honestly, I kind of wanted the hike to last a little bit longer. I was thankful that it didn't because after our return to sports basement, a group stretch and a snow dance (I really can't believe that I am going to be a person who wishes for the snow this year! My friend Jennie who loves loves loves the snow is thrilled that I am joining her snowy bandwagon this winter) it started to rain. Luckily the rest of the morning was planned to be spent indoors. We had a delicious potluck, a leukemia & lymphoma jeopardy session with gummy lifesavers as prizes and a quick clothing clinic.

I need more gear!! Specically: a midlayer fleece, a rain or water proof lightweight shell jacket, a water backpack to carry water, food and layers on the mountain, new socks, gloves, hat and a pair of waterproof pants as well. Conveniently, right after I got home, my mom calls to tell me her work makes these really thin fleeces that are specially made to be windproof and that she's making me one and my roomie has a water backpack I can borrow for the season. Sweet! Two things off my list already! :)

It was great to meet everyone on the team. There is a lot of spirit and excitement and wisdom on the team. Past participants are eager to share their knowledge of training and racing and the sport in general, which I find very helpful. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone better as the weeks go on. On tap this week: First coaches track workout, I'm going to try to start developing a weight/strengthening routine at my gym and I'm looking forward to next weekend's team hike in the Redwoods!!! You really can't beat a hike in the redwoods. :)