With sessions kicking off at 6.30am each day, Dennis and his 16 teammates have passed the halfway mark of their high performance training camp in Doha, Qatar.
Although the past four days have been the toughest physically for each of the players as they battle temperatures in the mid 30s, the Club has made the most of the world class facilities at their training base, ASPIRE Academy for Sports Excellence.
To break up the intensity of their training schedule the players have been able to experience some of the Qatari hospitality, visiting a local souk, movie theatre and the local shopping mall.
Dennis took time out of his schedule in Qatar to answer some questions about the training camp and life in Qatar:
How is training different this week, compared to last week when you arrived?
Well the first few days were really a trial, just to get used to the weather and the routine. This week it has really stepped up. We had a very solid day yesterday, a lighter one today to recover for what is going to be another hard session tomorrow. But the excitement is up and the boys are embracing it all. It is about the physical work as well as building the team through this time together.
What is a normal day like?
• 5:45am - wake up
• 6am- saliva test
• 6:30am - altitude bike session
• 8:00am -breakfast
• 9:30am - prep for training
• 10:30am -meeting
• 11:30am -skills with conditioning
• Depending what group you’re in, either 3:30pm or 4:30pm weights
• 7pm -dinner
• And for myself asleep by 9pm at the latest
What is your favourite training activity and why?
Even though it’s probably the hardest, I would have to say the skills training out in the heat. This is probably because the vibe amongst the group is at its highest and it’s always good to kick around the footys.
What is your least favourite training activity and why?
It sounds silly but the skills session is also my least favourite. The main reason for saying that is because you’re working so hard during the session, only to find out we have extra running at the end, this just blows you up. The other one that is tough is the early morning bike ride, mainly because it is so early and you are tired.
Who are you rooming with? How is it going?
Rooming with Aaron Joseph, which I always do on away trips so I can’t complain, it’s pretty normal. I have spent the last 3 weeks with him, including our trip away.
Are you noticing any differences sleeping in altitude?
I am not noticing it a whole lot, sometimes I feel I need to breathe through my mouth, instead of my nose to just get that little bit more air in. However I am not noticing a big difference.
What is the food like?
The food has been good, big breakfast, great lunch and dinner with a large variety. Had a great night out in the souk markets where we had an amazing meal. Also visited Villagio (big shopping mall) which was exciting as we had a great meal and I got to take on the boys at some go-karting.
