Cross training

The season is winding down for Ruri as we have decided against going to Nationals this year. It is partly the summer travel plan (going to Japan and grand parents coming to US) but mostly Ruri didn't think that she is ready. It's also very costly (probably will cost over $1500 for the whole week + travel etc.

Anyways, Ruri took a break from skating because of her school activities. She went on a week long science camp. After she came back, she found out that she could skate with more power and accuracy. Perhaps a short rest breaks your body and mind from making the same mistakes again and again. In the one lap burn, I had Ruri skating behind me and she clocked 11.1 second. I think that is her best time so far. I had skated 11.2 lap also. Coach has taken the video of the one lap burn exercise, and at least I can see Ruri had faster footwork, and was crossing the whole corner. Later on in the relay, I skated an 11 second lap (I guess getting a push does make you go faster:-).

Over the Memorial day weekend, we bought three road bikes (used ones) and gotten rid of our one gear kids/commute bikes. I'll put some photos up soon. Takeru and Ruri right away loved them, I did two 15 miles ride with Takeru already, and on Monday, I went skating with them on a 20 mile trail. This is what I have been waiting for, to have Ruri and Takeru go as fast (if not faster) than I could on skate. Cycling will be a very good cross training for Ruri. Since I ride to work (having just moved into my own office, so I can keep my shirt/pants in my office, get a shower if needed, and change) I'm also getting my cross training.

I'm contemplating either San Francisco marathon or NAPA valley marathon in the next two months. Stay tuned.

Trophy and more

Just came back from the last meet of the season....Ruri got her trophy of the season: She was first of standard elementary girl in the region. This is a point trophy which takes the whole season's points in total. However, she didn't do very well in this meet. She was very worried about the slippery floor, and didn't seem to be able to step in the corner. Where, I told her the floor is slippery for everyone and she need to think about how to handle it (by small steps and fast feet) rather than just avoid the problem. There are a lot of things she need to work on, but for now the celebration. Here are some photos I took.

Ruri on the podium.


Ruri with her teammates.


Our team take the standard challenge cup for the region.

Finally some videos!

I borrowed the DVD of the recent indoor meet held at Milpitas and uploaded them to youtube (this is the solution for anybody in this day and age...this is what you need, borrow the DVD, go to internet cafe, upload it to youtube, you are done:-)

The first video is Ruri's standard elementary long race (700m), Ruri did well and gave a chase to the second (girl from Washington club) to the last.



The second video is Ruri's freshman and below open. She started way at the back (as most of Milpitas girls) and moved finally to 6 (unfortunately the placement only goes to top 5 in open). This was a gutzy performance as she passed some freshman big girls and came very close to 5th.