Since my last entry about the trip to Glasgow, I have experienced so much more of Belfast and am really embracing my stay here. Training twice a week with Queen’s has been comforting to be back in a rugby training routine. We played Ards on Sunday and it was a great friendly game of 10s. I felt as though the continuity of our team just brightened up the gloomy day. The ball handling was great and having all that room to run around the field helped us get points on the board.
Outside of rugby, I have made my way to the Titanic Museum, seen a few comedians and even a hypnotist! Although I did not get hypnotized, it was fun to watch people just do what they’re told. The Titanic Museum was wonderful, definitely could have stayed there longer than I actually did. It made me want to watch the movie with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet again, better yet the new 3D version out now! I think my favourite part was Celine Dion singing in the background at one of the last exhibits.
Aside from catching a minor cold, I have been battling it because I won’t rest long enough to let it pass. Apparently, running around a hazy pitch without anything but a jersey and shorts on doesn’t help either. However, this particularly foggy Halloween afternoon I got to referee my first game here in Belfast. Woohoo! I was pleased to finally hold my whistle again, and had all of my prior coaching flood into my head as I haven’t refereed for nearly a month. It was the QUB’s third 15 versus Stranmillis’ first 15. This quick pace, high intensity game ended with Stranmillis taking the win 12-8.
Later that Halloween night, I was really glad to see that Halloween parties and costumes are taken just as seriously here in Belfast as they are in the States. The costumes are just as elaborate and creative and I absolutely love the innovative outfits some people put together. This year my favourite one I saw was definitely Bruce Springsteen!
Back on the realm of rugby, I have been able to use my previous work experience and supervise the strength and conditioning weight room at The Dub. The wonderful world of strength and conditioning is so awesome because it is the same no matter where you go!
The type of strength programs, phases and so forth will always make sense to any strength and conditioning professional. I worked at Montana State University with the strength and conditioning coaches and worked with football, basketball, track and field, volleyball, tennis, and skiing. I supervised the weight room, was familiar with all their programs and actually created the program for the spirit squad. I have also found the PEC to be wonderful as well, I attended a group fitness class and surprise surprise… same type of class you see in the States! I am a group fitness instructor in America and I love how the atmosphere is the same here too.
KPICASA_GALLERY(Ireland2012)
Corrections, comments or questions?