Rise n' Shine - Early Morning Training

We fully expected the early morning workout to be an important part of our daily activity. However, we were somewhat unprepared for the degree of importance as our start time on the first day was moved up a half-hour: line-up at 5:30 a.m. Our collective groan could be heard to echo right up the ski slope. As we groggily and stubbornly dressed, shaking the last vestiges of jet-lag from our consciousness, our joints and limbs seemed to adapt fairly easily to the demands placed upon them in this new environment.

The first morning, our workout consisted of light warm-up and stretching exercises that acclimatized our bodies and minds to increasingly more intense activity. After an hour, we were refreshed and invigorated and looking forward to more. This enthusiasm was a helpful disposition since our announced training for the next morning was a haul up the formidable ski slope looming behind us.

As promised, the next morning we marched right up the mountain which felt like the trek from the corner of Hearst and Oxford Streets to International House through the heart of the Berkeley campus: all uphill at a 70-degree incline. After a brisk, labored climb up the ski slope and several missteps in the muck, we were privileged to a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. It also led to sprints and tree-kicking, and an equally treacherous hike back down the mountain.

Upon our return to level ground, we were treated to the sight of Dr. Min getting his early morning workout: all 18 holes worth.

The rest of the week we continued with warm-ups, stretching, and kicking exercises to greet each day. And, to our benefit, the June weather held so that each day was filled with bright sun shining down upon our exertions.