Since returning, I have started attending Tricking and Freerunning classes to address my latest Parkour focus on flips. Tricking incorporates elements of martial arts kicks which can then be used to increase momentum when flipping or twisting through the air. During this class, I have been working on my back flips. It doesn't seem like it should be very difficult, but last weekend I did my first black flip on the trampoline. It was an exhilarating rush to finally accomplish something I had been wanting to do for so long. I'm hoping to progress to the mats and the Air Trick without needing a spotter.
Freerunning is all about flips and is my new favorite class. I'm often the only one there, so I get tons of one on one attention and can choose to work on whatever I want. I've been working on front flips off of elevated objects, side flips, and wall spins.
I have also been to a Women's Parkour class and did my first six foot lache. Accomplishing this was one of those moments where I started thinking there was no way I would be able to do it, and within a few minutes, I was feeling pretty comfortable with the new skill.
6 Foot Lache
My next overarching focus will be on building confidence. It's not uncommon for me to "chicken out" or take a really long time to try something. I know this is partly because I am still recovering from an injury and am afraid of hurting myself again, however, I need to find a way to move past it. I often hesitate at several points during obstacle courses and this adds unnecessary seconds to my overall time. It is especially frustrating when I continue to pause, even after I've done the obstacle and know I can do it. Last weekend, I was working on wall spins. On my first two attempts with the sharper angle, I did the spin without any issues. Then, I started over thinking the move and was unable to complete another one. I really wish I could find a way to stop psyching myself out and be more confident in my training.
The past two weeks I have started participating in a writing group. I think it will ultimately be a big step towards writing a memoir. It's not uncommon for people to tell me I should write a book, and this seems to be a good starting point. I am enjoying the process so far and I am interested to see where it will take me.
This week was Spring Break, so we took a mini camping trip to Moab. I was definitely disappointed that our campsite was nothing more than dirt and a fire pit, as I much prefer to at least have an outhouse. While there, we went mountain biking. I rented a really nice mountain bike to help me take advantage of some of the trails. The upgraded bike definitely made a difference and I found myself attempting much more than I would on my current bike. We rode Sovereign, Porcupine Rim, and Klonzo. This was my second time on the Sovereign trail, and it was a relatively mellow ride. The next day, we were shuttled to the top of Porcupine Rim, which was a 17 mile, mostly downhill ride. I really enjoyed the first half, but started to get tired partway through and was anxious to finish during the second half. We split off from the group for the third day as I was in need of a shorter and less technical ride. Klonzo seemed to be perfect for this, and if I go again, this would be a good first day ride. While I enjoyed the trail, I was still pretty tired and sore from the previous two days to fully experience it. Unfortunately I spent all my time mountain biking trying to catch up with the group, and didn't take any pictures.
