We tried: Training with the Brumbies

And I probably should have done just that. For here is the bad news. A week later I can barely walk after a session of We Tried "Training Like a Brumby". I'm sore in places that haven't ached for years. I've got grazes on my shins. But I've got a smile on my face that I can't erase.

I have no grandeurs of delusion, my playing days are long over, I've somewhat joined the ranks of those people who look at professional athletes and wonder what it is they do all day.

Now I know.

Well, not really, but Brumbies athletic performance director Ben Serpell gives me a taste of a regular Monday morning session. The players are nowhere in sight - I'm telling myself he told them to come in late that day as to avoid any jealousy concerning my glutes - and I have his undivided and patient attention.

First of all I'm introduced to physiotherapist Pip Bush. When the lads come in she's part of the team who strap ankles and knees and wrists and whatever other joint might need some support to get through the session. I mention a little recurring plantar fasciitis and she straps accordingly. I wonder if I can get her along to Sunday's hockey.

Then it's into the gym. A quick stretch with some rollers and, somewhat ironically, a hockey ball to pinpoint pesky muscles. Next we're focussing on major muscle groups, with the glute stretch and some squats and lunges and moves which work on hip flexors and balance.

I'm aching to get hold of a Gilbert so when we start some sprints and Serpell throws me a ball to hold I almost burst with excitement. I think exercise is a little bit pointless sometimes unless balls are involved so I'm in my happy place.

Until I get outside. It's been about 25 years since I've hit a tackle bag but I'm kind of impressed Serpell doesn't try to correct my technique. I think I surprise him with the intensity at which I hit it. Sometimes a girl just needs to belt things.

But then he belts me. He has me doing drills where I'm laying on the ground, jumping up to shuffle around a cone, hitting the tackle pad, replicating what might happen at the breakdown. Again and again, 30 second reps, 30 seconds off. I get through four in the allotted time, the players get through seven he tells me. I'm thinking that my work rate is quite high, but I'm knackered after two minutes, the players do it for 45 minutes. And then they're back into the gym.

And so am I. Serpell has set me up for the 200 Club Challenge. Apparently props Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa are members, able to press 200kg on a barbell. I can't even budge it off the rack.

The Brumbies do this session a couple of times a week, other days its game play or recovery sessions in the pool, or video sessions, or actual game day. There's not a lot of time to rest. There's not a lot of schlepping about on the lounge.

But that's all I can pretty much do for the next week. I have never been so sore. Even at my peak. But every morning when I gingerly get out of bed I'm reminded why I sit up in the cold at Canberra Stadium right through winter, why I hang out the sidelines of a club game, or scream like a banshee at my son's rugby games. I just love it and to get a little taste of what was actually involved was a privilege.

While the Brumbies won't be looking to sign me for the 2018 season, the session gave me a greater appreciation of what's actually involved in being a professional athlete. Sigh, if only I was 30 years younger I reckon I could give Lou Burrows a run for her money.

The Brumbies next home game is on Sunday April 30 at 4.05pm against the Blues. Get out there.