National Team Camp 1

I have been attending biathlon camps at the U.S. Olympic Training Center (OTC) in Lake Placid, New York for many years now, but this one was different. I had always been there training in the shadow of the National Team but this time I was there training with the National Team.

When I first arrived I met the new USBA shooting coach Jonas Johansson, and met up with some friends like Sean Doherty and Susan Dunklee.

Our first workout was some L4 race pace intervals at the new roller loop behind the Ski Jumps. Due to the Time Trial we had in Fort Kent only two days earlier I felt gassed and unable to go fast.

That afternoon I was able to meet With Jonas in the SCATT room to work on shooting. (SCATT is a program that allows you to see where you’re aiming on the target via a laser that is attached to the end of the rifle.) After a Solid two hours of working on getting in and out of position and shooting at paper, Jonas and I were able to come up with some good thing to work on while shooting, and keys to think about.

Some other “adventures” that happened during the camp was a Hike up Big Crow, Little Crow and Hurricane mountains. Unfortunately it was foggy and rainy that day so there was no view (literally couldn’t see 10 feet)

There was a Rhythmic Gymnastics event at the OTC this Weekend so there were about 250 15 year old Girls at the OTC this week. After talking to a small group of them (just trying to be friendly) there was constant “HI BRIAN!!” whenever I walked in the hallway, entered the cafeteria or strolled through the lobby.  I did find some time to watch a little of the competition. I wasn’t sure how the scoring worked, or what was going on at all really. But some of the routines were pretty impressive. 

Overall I would say the camp was a success. It was good to meet my new coaches and teammates, also to see how typical National Team training sessions go. I look to bring this professionalism back to FK and use it in my everyday training.

Thanks for visiting, Follow me on Facebook, Instagram (@brhalligan) and twitter (@bhbiathlon)

Also I added some pictures of my newly finished stock! (I know some of you have been asking for pictures)

reverse dimpled pistol grip

Standing finger slots

Reverse side pistol grip

newly finished stock!

Maddie and Casey atop Big Crow

Me atop Big Crow

Little Crow

Hurricane Mtn

Lots of pins at OTC

I love the Adirondacks 

Skiing to the jumps

Song of the week... 

"Dreaming" by Smallpools

Back On That Training Grind

Week one of Fort Kent living is in the books and I am finally back to full time training. (I know I was boring a lot of you with golf course stuff). It is good to be back in “The County” there has been beautiful weather so far, except the drive up, which was pretty rainy and miserable. But, as I sit here on this beautifully warm spring afternoon, in this relaxing rocking chair looking down the St. John Valley at the U.S. and Canada fitting together like a puzzle, seemed together by the St. John River, I can honestly say, it is good to be back.

view of Canada from the house

Since getting here on Wednesday I have been hard at work training. Mountain bikes in Canada, rollerskis at the 10^th Mountain Outdoor Center, runs down the never ending Heritage ATV Trail and even some shooting. Getting back on that training grind makes me feel so at home, and even motivates me to work harder. 

Biking down by the range

Before and after of my and Casey's bike ride.
It's hard to tell but in the "after" we're very dirty

As much of a physical sport biathlon is, it’s an even more mental sport. And this year I have decided to up my mental game. I have been reading a book called “Mind Gym” by Gary Mack. This book has been great in pointing out what the difference is between athletes with good talent and those who become legends. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to up their game on the field, trails, court or even at the office or place of work. These techniques can help you in everyday life if applied correctly. Another book recommended is “With Winning in Mind” by Lany Bassham. I read it last year and will be reading it again soon.

On the maintenance side of life, I had to replace a flat tire after a ride on Sunday. The spare tube I had had a hole in it so that was no good. However, I was able to find another tube in my bag of assorted stuff. unfortunately that one exploded in my hand because I pumped it up too much (I don't think I pumped it up too much, It said 65 PSI and it was only at 50 at the time). Anyway the blast was enough to wake up the neighbors little yipe dog. On a brighter side, my Coach Seth and I put the finishing touches on my new stock (hand piece, staining, you know rifle stuff), Thanks for stopping by, feel free to send me a friend request on Facebook and follow my on Twitter @bhbiathlon and Instagram @brhalligan4

Aftermath of the explosion

Your song of the week is...

"Stolen Dance" by Milkey Chance

May Recap!!

This week my blog update is just a may recap video. Obviously due to all the work on the golf course, most of the video is on a golf course... enjoy!