Blogging With Brooke: Pleger Representing BGSU On International Stage
July 31, 2014 | Women's Track and Field
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BGSU senior hammer thrower Brooke Pleger will represent the Falcons when she competes for Team USA at the U-23 North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) International Athletics Championship in Kamloops, British Columbia Aug. 8-10. Pleger will compete in the hammer throw on Aug. 8 at 7:20 pm. But prior to that, she has the unique opportunity to train at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. During that time, Pleger will be checking in with BGSUFalcons.com and blogging about her trip. This is the first entry.-- Photo Gallery of Brooke's trip to Olympic Training CenterBrooke Pleger's Team USA apparel" alt="33149" src="/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?thumb_id=15&image_path=/images/2014/7/31/IMG_8783.JPG" />Brooke Pleger's Team USA apparelTuesday, July 29 (BGSU throws coach) Matt (Conly) and I got dropped off at the airport by my mom, and got right through baggage check and security. We boarded our plane on time, and even landed in San Diego a couple minutes earlier than expected. After collecting our luggage and picking up the rental car we started the journey to the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center. It was about 30-40 minutes from the airport to the training center. Once we arrived we were directed to athlete check in. We both had some paper work to fill out/turn in, and then we were able to get our room numbers and ID badges. The ID badges get you in to your room and all the buildings at the training center.
After we dropped our bags in our rooms, we could hear our stomachs growling so we headed over to the cafeteria for "Taco Tuesday". After finishing dinner and chatting with some of the other throwers and athletes at the training center, we went back to our rooms to rest after the long day of travels.
 Countdown clock to the 2016 Olympics.Wednesday, July 30 This morning I woke up around 6am feeling alert and ready to attack the day. My body wasn't quite adjusted to the pacific time zone yet and it felt like 9am. I waited a little bit for my roommate and fellow NACAC teammate, Brittany Funk, to wake up and we headed over to the cafeteria for some breakfast. Afterwards we went to check out the track and throwing area. I must say, it is one of the most impressive throwing areas I have ever seen. There are four different hammer cages, around eight different discus cages, two javelin runways and multiple shot rings. It is quite an incredible set up.
I went out to practice at 10:30am, and took around 13 throws. Then we went up to the weight room and got a short lift in. We did a little bit of exploring and found an athlete lounge area. After some exploring we had some lunch and then spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing. I compete tomorrow in a meet they are putting on here with the rest of the senior athletes. These are the athletes that have been to the Olympics or World championships. For that reason, we treated today as a "pre-meet" day.
So far, after one day at the Olympic Training Center, I can say I am extremely impressed with the facilities, and the food. Looking forward to seeing what the rest of this week will bring!!
