One of the toughest parts of trying out for the team is figuring out how to train. They tell you that you will be tested for your athleticism in four different tests (more on that later) and that they don't expect you to have any experience in actually driving a sled.
I should clarify now what I am actually trying out for. They say that if I pass the four tests and show exemplary driving ability that I will then be asked to train with the development team for the remainder of the season. If I do well there it seems that I would then compete on either the America's Cup level or the Europa Cup level for the next couple of years. If at any point I do very, very well at those levels, then I would move up to the World Cup Circuit. The World Cup Circuit is the creme de la creme and that's where I would get my opportunity for the World Championships or the Olympics. So, obviously, I am nowhere near trying out for the Olympic team. That being said, I am one step closer and that only motivates me more. If the development team is where I would start then I want to make it through that tryout so that they have no choice but to invite me to train with them.
The Four Item Test that they administer has four parts to it-a 30 meter sprint, a 30 meter fly-in, a vertical jump test and a 5-hop test. The 30 meter sprint is from a frozen start while the 30 meter fly-in is a 30 meter sprint but with a running start. The vertical jump test sees how high you can jump from a stationary position and the 5-hop test sees how far you can jump hopping five times with two feet.
I figured that the best way to train is to train different aspects of my body with different trainers. I first researched for a speed training school to work on my sprints and found The Parisi Speed School at USTC in Downingtown to be my best option for that. I know that the best way to maneuver a sled while lying down is to have a strong core and good body control so I will be working with my mother's Pilates trainer to help develop my core muscles and overall body control. I also wanted to meet with a Dietician to discuss my diet and the best way to eat for this type of training. I also wanted to continue lifting weights for my upper body and to get into a swimming routine for my endurance. My whole goal is to go in to this tryout in the best shape of my life and I feel that this routine and these exercises would really help me accomplish those goals.
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2 comments:
Ben,
First of all, kudos on the blog--I think it's a fantastic idea to chronicle your physical journey through the written word. And as a member of the Lieb family, I think we all know how important it is to have things written down so "certain people" don't forget, embellish, or completely make-up the events in your life...
The reason I am commenting on this posting and not your latest is because I wanted to comment on a subject matter mentioned in this posting: the dietician. Since this posting, you have had the pleasure of meeting with your dietician. In the interest of exposing all aspects of this experience to your readers, I think it is important to relay the information that I have received about this encounter... First of all, Ben's dietician is apparently one of the most gorgeous women he has ever seen (she's a dietician--no secret there--it's her job). Second of all, said dietician has told Ben that he needs to consume at least 4,000 calories a day to keep up with the workouts that he does for his training. So let me get this straight...basically, you have a beautiful woman telling you that you need to eat anything you want and as often as possible... While some people may be jealous to hear that you are working with such a good-looking young lady, I think it is quite obvious that almost everyone in our family is going to be much more envious of your required caloric intake. Upon hearing this information, I for one, have decided that in my next life, I'd like to come back as Ben Lieb.
Well written article.
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