So Rick and I have been here in Calgary for the past few days as I have been on the World Sprints race course with my Open Women’s 1 crew and out in V1 as well. Competition starts tomorrow with my V1 heat followed by my V12 heat.
This World Championships I’m seeing with a different perspective. I’m not just a no-name like I was in 2008. Or a medal hungry gal that gave up life in Ontario to pursue a dream in 2010. This year I was set on individual gold; that gold would be the ultimate determinant of success. Little did I know that watching six master women grow as a crew, as paddlers and as individuals would inspire me to think more about my Open 1 crew then about myself and to take pride in how the masters girls perform.
Watching the girls experience this event has given me a fresh perspective. It’s refreshing to watch them relish in the festivities and still focus on their jobs in the boat. They are helping me remember the fun social side of paddling which often gets overshadowed by the paddle-tics (politics). All year they have been inspiring me. From early mornings in the gym with lots of giggles to shopping with the group in mind and getting Cdn flags painted on our toes.
No matter what happens on the race course for me over the next five days, I know that when I get home to Kelowna I will be happy with the event. Win or lose I prepared the best I could. The accident on July 13th definitely made me re-evaluate what I wanted to accomplish here in Calgary. Going from ‘two a day’ workouts to ‘two a day’ treatments was a big adjustment. I have not been publicly honest regarding the extent of my condition, only those closest to me know what I’m going through. No matter what I’m going to “give my everything” and whatever happens happens. As long as I paddle the best that I can and do my best, that’s all I can ask for.
Check out my old BLOG for more info about the Kelowna Experience at the World Sprints as well as check out Kelowna Outrigger website for updates on our paddler’s results!
Usual stuff:
I’m loving my job here in Kelowna but still miss my Boylen kids even though it’s been a few years. Thanks to those that have caught up with me on facebook and twitter (@type1kanu).
Over the winter I was named coach of Kelowna Outrigger Club. We started the year with some members of the club doing Tues/Thurs Dryland training at Okanagan Peak Performance for three months and many that continued on in the gym as we hit the water with regular practices in April. Currently we run two programs: Novice/Learn to Paddle and Race Groups.
I have been using my KayakPro Mulitstroke since the start of the the new year as well to train new and experienced paddlers (as well as myself). This is a great training tool as I can manipulate a paddler’s body and paddle to give them the feel of where their body should be and what it should be doing at each phase of the stroke. Also it’s handy on those cold days when I just don’t feel like getting cold, soggy and wet!
I’ve had the pleasure of running paddling clinics in Penticton and Kamloops already this season as well as a training camp in Kelowna. If you or your team is looking for a guest coach or a clinic, I can definitely fit that in to my schedule!
Also, Levas paddles are available in the west! Marathon paddles (8″ blade width) and outrigger (9″ – 10″ blade widths available) blades in stock. The lightest, strongest full carbon blade you’ll find with palm grip and an unbelievable catch! You have to try it to believe. Contact me for a free demo!