October update... the unit

October flew by and November is around the corner. But although it seems the time escapes us, we are accomplishing a lot. We spent October break in Rangeley (which Filly will recap at some point in time, he’s just trying to keep you on your toes) and the camp was blessed with beautiful weather, PR-smashing improvements, and high quality workouts.

This past week was spent by most on getting back into an academic routine and focusing on physical recovery. On Saturday the group headed out to North Haven island by ferry with the other Maine college ski teams (Colby, UMPI, Bowdoin, UMO club) for a 15 kilometer freestyle rollerski effort. For some it was an opportunity to take bites out of a previous time, and for others it was an opportunity to race 15 k’s for the first time. For everyone it was a great learning experience; we discussed the lessons taken away from the (long) day on Sunday morning after another great combo OD effort. The highlights were working together with teammates on the course, figuring out what was too hard and what wasn’t hard enough, and putting in a hard effort on the wheels... which for some was also a new experience! And we got those mountain-dwelling western creatures out on the ocean for a fresh breath of salty air and, for all of us, a real change of scenery.

What I have been thinking about since Rangeley camp wrapped up is the power of “the unit.” Each effort I am amazed at what unique strengths everyone brings to the table, and these strengths hold hands with humility and respect. When we can put these strengths and qualities together and add in Becky and Matt’s support, the potential for success is high and the potential for fun limitless.

Last week at Bates I heard a South African judge speak on human rights. What stuck with me from his presentation was the African philosophy of “Ubuntu”. Ubuntu is a philosophy about respecting and supporting your fellow humans; one who practices Ubuntu does not feel threatened or jealous when others have success, realizing that he or she is part of a larger whole which is greater than he or she can be alone. In South Africa, Ubuntu means, “I am what I am because of who we all are” or simply “I am because we are.”

Skiing may be an individual sport, but there is beauty in being part of something larger and more powerful than any individual. Look around, see the opportunities... and get after it! -tara

roller ski to condor's a few weeks ago, thanks for lunch Deb!

wadey whatcha wanna do (when you're feeling a little seasick!)

big mens must be skiing.. but here the womens team loving the freshmen boys

these are some #artsy shots from wade... look at that black corduroy (good pavement!)

[...they did actually race... must have been too fast to capture the moment]