Daily Routine

So I was asked what my daily routine is now that I'm in France playing hockey. I can tell you one thing, my mornings no longer start with a 5:15 am wake-up call!!! As much as I loved getting up that early to head to the gym for Boot Camp, then a full day at the office, I'm easing into a little bit of a different routine.

I'm up at 8:00 am every morning as I need to eat. Usually a big breakfast of eggs, cereal, orange juice, and some fruit. After breakfast, I might run out to grocery store or bakery if I need anything. I eat something light around 10:30 am, usually a granola bar and some yogurt or fruit and baguette and also prepare a shake for later as well as an electrolyte filled sports drink (these are for during and after the morning workout).

At 11:00 am I head to the rink (about a 10 minute walk) to get ready for the morning workout. We usually put in about an hour and fifteen minutes of off-ice strength and conditioning work. After the workout, it's time for that previously mentioned protein shake before we head back to the apartment.

Lunch is eaten as soon as I get home and usually consists of a sandwich (made from fresh baguette of course), some fruit, and whatever else I feel like.

Typically I need to take a nap at some point in the day to get ready for the evening practice, so sometimes, this is a great time take it. An hour in the sheets does wonders for the athletic body. Around 3:00 pm, I'll walk to the grocery store or go somewhere in Asnieres just to get out and stretch my legs. At 4:00 pm I call Mindy and chat with her for 10 or 15 minutes (the highlight of my day!!!).

Dinner is around 5:00 pm as I need to eat well in advance of practice. Usually some pasta or rice with chicken and salad. After dinner, I usually read or watch a movie or nap if I need it. Nothing exciting about it.

Practice is at 8:15 pm, so I usually head to the rink around 7:15 to hang out with the guys, tape my stick, and get dressed for practice. As I mentioned, practice is at 8:15 and goes for an hour and a half. We skate, and skate, and skate some more.

Tip of the day for minor hockey coaches: I'm playing division 2 pro hockey in France and we do nothing but work on the fundamentals. Skating, shooting, passing, and stickhandling. We haven't even touched systems. It's all about the fundamentals (Stevey - I have some great new drills for you ;-) )

After practice, another protein shake is consumed in the dressing room before we head home. We usually make it home by 10:30 at which point another meal is consumed. This one is pretty random, but cereal, sandwiches, yogurt, and fruit have all found themselves on the menu. After eating, I need to settle myself down so I can eventually go to sleep. An hour or two of reading or a movie usually does the trick. Lights out about 12:30.

And that's my day...hope yours was as fun-filled as mine.

Saint