OVAL MASTERS CAMP 2007 - DAY 5

While most masters campers were showing the signs of fatigue from 4 days of training, 74 year-old Peter Blokker came bouncing into the track-side warm-up area looking fresh and ready-to-go at 7:15 am. And off we went with an indoor run that wasted no time heading up the stairs into the spectator seating area. Heart rates and body temperature quickly reached active operating levels and after some dynamic stretching and plyometrics, it was time to go on the ice.

The morning ice session focused on corner drills beginning with balancing on the right skate in a crossover position with the left skate fully extended (and off the ice if possible). Interspersed with laps concentrating on corner tempo building, this drill was repeated with a partner allowing each skater to experience leaning into the turn in the crossover position.

Video recording continued for skaters with helpful analysis by camp coordinator and Calgary Speed Skating Association coach Graeme Koelwyn.

The post-ice warm-down session featured home-made authentic Italian pizza outdoors on the picnic table courtesy of Silvia Tassara.

The morning's technical seminar focused on custom boot construction by Calgary boot builder James Lewis.

Prior to the afternoon outdoor warm-up, campers posed for a group photo adjacent to the Gaetan Boucher sculpture on the patio outside the Oval. Then it was off to the soccer field for a friendly masters-only game. Some campers elected to rest under the shade of the adjacent trees.

Finally, the last ice session of the camp was structured as a pre-race day program including a few warm-up laps, accel's, corner builds and a 400m tempo, ending with both flying and standing starts. Despite the suggestion to hold something in reserve for tomorrow's racing, many masters continued focusing on technical improvements with helpful coaching by Neal, Abby and Kevin.

Ten skaters will return to race tomorrow morning where they have been seeded into pairs for 500m and 1500m time trials. For many others, farewells were exchanged as they headed for home or other adventures of various destinations.

Many thanks to Silvia who organized and distributed contact information for all participants.