July 15, 2009
Throughout the summer, the Seattle Pacific sports information team will pose a question to various Falcon athletes.
What is your favorite summertime way to stay in shape and prepare for next season?
Jocelyn Charette
Women's soccer
It's by following my fitness packet entirely. What pushes me to do this is knowing that the amount of effort I put forth during the summer is going to make our team that much stronger. Additionally, to get touches on the ball and game fitness in, I play on summer soccer teams. That allows me to travel, play the game I love and gain new friendships and experiences.
Justin Felt
Men's track and field
My favorite thing is to lift several times during the week and play pick-up basketball games. Basketball is a great way to get cardio in and have fun at the same time. I hate running long distances, so I'd rather play ball. I'll also get some sprints in to stay in shape.
Daesha Henderson
Women's basketball
I like to stay in shape by swimming and running outdoors, like through Discovery Park.
Jane Larson
Women's cross country/track
There are these gorgeous soft bark dust trails right behind my house that I have been running on for years now and know like the back of my hand. I'm so excited to run on them and other trails again this summer. I'm also looking forward to doing some hiking and backpacking with friends, and doing some swimming, weights and hot yoga.
Chad Meis
Men's cross country/track
Summer is an important time to train for any sport, especially cross country. Even though the actual racing season doesn't start until September, the potential for success is determined by how strong of a base you lay down before the season starts. For me, summer training looks like a steady progression in mileage every week from June until mid August, emphasizing longer, slower runs and trying to hit as many soft-surface trails as possible. Heading in to my senior year, I'm hoping to peak at around 90 miles a week toward the end of summer.
Joelle Perez
Volleyball
I love to work out and go running, so that helps me stay in shape. I enjoy hiking, and that also helps me stay in shape.
Carter Swanson
Men's rowing
Aside from going to the gym after work every day (almost), I have really enjoyed mountain biking to keep in shape. Mountain biking is such a fun way for me to get outside, get a great workout that is challenging every time, and really have fun pushing the limits of my craziness as I bomb back down the trail.
Laura Willis
Gymnastics
One of my favorite ways to stay in shape is swimming. I used to be a diver, and I love the water. Swimming gives me a great workout, yet involves little impact on my body. Another way I stay in shape is following the strength and conditioning program given to us by Tim Nausin (a trainer who helps many of the SPU teams). He provides an extensive program that really helped me stay in shape last year. Last fall, I came back much stronger, and I hope to do the same this year. Finally, I enjoy training at my old gym, Kips Gymnastics, to keep my skills and routines polished.
Andy Wolverton
Men's soccer
Trying to maintain a high level of fitness over the summer is a difficult thing to do on your own. It takes a lot of dedication. However, it makes it much easier to train with other players – people who will push you. I spend a lot of time training with my former high school and club teammates who still play in college.
