Getting Ready for Camp!

In July, I posted Preparing for my First Gymnastics Camp, anticipating my very first adult gymnastics experience at FlipFest. I am writing this on the eve of our departure and I must say I am shaking with excitement.

We are quite a trio, as you’ve seen on my Instagram, TikTok and YouTube pages. Somehow, as shaky as I am looking towards this experience, being on the journey with them definitely gives me confidence.

This summer, I have been diligently preparing my body for this experience. I’m at the gym three to four times a week and I’ve built more strength and mobility in the process. I have also broken some big mental barriers recently. See the video below…

I’m happy to report that I’m feeling strong and ready to jump (flip?) into FlipFest.

After chirping together last week about the Olympics, the three of us are now in travel prep mode. We’ve got our bags packed: snacks, gym necessities, first aid, Flipper’s paraphernalia, and then some. Now, all we need to do is get in the car and go.

Yet, as ready as I am, I’m really nervous.

What am I so nervous about?

Sure, I have the general concern about “what if I forget?” Honestly, we’ll be spending three days in summer camp and we have a car. I’m not super worried. But there are things that I am processing in real time.

It’s so new

I always get anxious when I’m doing new things. I’m a creature of habit. While I love variety, something this “out of the box” rattles me a bit. I know that I’m good on my feet and can manage in most situations, the anticipation gets my heart jumping.

No Whammies

This is my new motto. Basically, don’t get hurt, no accidents, get home in one piece. Going away this far from home to do GYMNASTICS certainly gives me pause. The last thing I want or need is to come home injured. No thank you.

Lots of people

I’m also a creature of quiet and calm. While I know there won’t be children running amok, there are around 90 participants. That’s a LOT of people! I tend to get distracted in large groups. I’m a little antsy about the number of bodies who will be working out together. I know we are all in the same boat, but it’s still a lot.

Lots of travel

It’s about a 12-hour road trip. Twice. At least I love my travel companions. Our personalities compliment each other nicely. Still, it’s a long time to be sitting in the car, waiting to get out and bounce around.

Lots of workout time

There are four gym sessions planned: one on Friday, two on Saturday, one on Sunday. After two hours in our gym, I need serious rest and recovery. And when we are together, we tend to workout hard. So, we will have to pace ourselves and not blow everything in the first two hours.

My plan

To deal with all of these overwhelming things, I know I have to practice mindful presence.

• Be in the moment: By paying attention to what my body is telling me, and pulling back when I need to, I’ll be okay.
• Documenting: The videos, pictures and blogging help me to remember and unpack the experience as I go.
• Baby steps: Like in my flipping, I have to take things one step at a time.
• Lean on my girls: I couldn’t ask for better, more enthusiastic companions for this adventure. They make me laugh, lift me up, and believe in me. I trust them implicitly, and that makes me feel much better.

I am looking forward to meeting at least one internet gymnastics friend, Leilah McCarthy. She is badass. Leilah has been pushing me to compete for months. I think that trying a camp is a better entrance into that sort of thing.

Once I’m in the car, I’m going to go where the road takes me. So stay tuned – I’ll have lots more to report in the coming days!

You can catch up and keep up at the links below!

YouTube Channel: The Geriatric Gymnast
Instagram: @staceywritesandflips
TikTok: @staceytirro
Geriatric Gymnastics Website: staceytirro.com