Training Day 3
The day was overcast with a slight drizzle off and on. Many were up early with sore muscles and extreme butt sores to tend to.
Many go for coffee and tea each morning across the street from our hostel. A breakfast of beans and bacon were on tap today although I don't think many took part in the beans ... Thank goodness. After breakfast it was off on our 3 k hike to the practice site. I think we are getting a little slower in our walking as it wasn't too long after arriving we were loading our two split up boats and heading out. It took a minute but before long we were back in the groove. I think those muscles and sores needed a minute.
Morning practice was 4 minute pieces with stroke rate changes and 2 minute pieces with stroke rate changes. It's a tough practice but everyone gave their all. This is one tough bunch of women. I know they are hurting but they give it each and every time. No whining or complaining.
Off the water for lunch break 11-2 pm. Some ate at the little fish restaurant today some ate their home made lunches. After lunch a large group went for a walk to the Canadian Embassy. They were unable to go in as they were on lunch break but they did take some pictures and chatted up the security. Others sat under the covering on the restaurant patio sharing stories laughing and relaxing before heading over to the boats. Since the coaches were not there the team thought they would surprise them by putting the boats in the water and be in position before they arrived back.
By 2 pm sharp we were back on the water. We did some more pieces then we put everyone in one boat and practiced our starts. It was our first time in one boat and all had high expectations. We started with our first five... Then went to two fives then to three... Change up the people and then back to it...you can feel it as we work as one .. transitioning from one gear to the next... Powerful women!!! Hungry for the win...
Off the water by 3:30 pm. Physio for the many... All are so thankful for your presence Brian G... Our nurses Patsy Linda and Margaret and Doc Tracy tending to the wounds.
Some still had a bit of shopping to do... Whart and I went to the local shop to order pizza dinner for all tonight. No gluten free pizza so Whart will eat a special meal. Home to shower and decorate rooms. Our pizza lady lead us a bit astray telling us one piece of pizza per person was enough. Clearly they have no idea what hardy appetites a group of dragon boaters have. Although we ordered extra we still were a little short so back to the pizza shop we went where our social Cathy H made friends with the locals while we waited. Back up to the roof top we went with our additional pizzas where Linda K was relaxing in the hammock... Yes she does stop once in a while ... Go figure...
After dinner everyone took some personal time. Some went in search of ice cream ( not saying Who) others sat weaving tall tales in the lounge while others readied for bed playing on their electronics ( what did we do before technology).
I don't think many slept last night as clearly the Aussies like to party into the wee hours of the morning. It's now 5 am and finally it's quiet. I think all will try to catch a few hours before our day begins once again.
Training Day 4
We began our day with our usual morning routines. It was Good Friday so much was closed. The night prior was loud with a lot of partying well into the early morning hours. It was overcast with a misty rain as we began our day. Breakfast was eggs and sausage....again.
We began our trek to the practice site and once again split into two boats. There was great anticipation from many to get their special wound dressing from Cheryl and Sarah. Patsy and Margaret proceeded to butt detail as the rest warmed up and got the boats ready.
Once on the water all dug into a very hard but rewarding practice. Several 500 m races, several 200 m races and a long but equivalent 2k. The power continues to build. Some tweaking by the coaches, timing coming along well. It is looking and feeling amazing. These women never give up. They dig in and do what is asked.
Off the water for lunch. The crowds came out for fish and chips so there were many generations of families that came to spend their day by the water. The sun began to come out and the time was spent chatting with friends and going on tours to see the kangaroos that were 5 minutes away. Thanks to Alanna for her time.
We were back on the water just before 2 pm all in one boat. Full starts were the afternoon practice. It's gonna be great!!!! They just got better and better.
Off the water around 3:30 pm for more stretching and kangaroo tours before dinner at the site with our gracious providers of boats for the week.
After dinner we made a tired trek back to our hostel for showers, laughing,quiet time, and yes more gelato for others.
Early to bed tonight. Pleased with the strong efforts by all. We are up for an early 8 am practice this morning to then enjoy the remainder of the day off and a much deserved day off on Sunday.
I am continually amazed by the strength and determination of all.
We look forward to Suzanne and Bekka joining us soon. We will all be one!!!
Post Submitted by: Laura Dunlop-Dibbs, Drummer
The day was overcast with a slight drizzle off and on. Many were up early with sore muscles and extreme butt sores to tend to.
Many go for coffee and tea each morning across the street from our hostel. A breakfast of beans and bacon were on tap today although I don't think many took part in the beans ... Thank goodness. After breakfast it was off on our 3 k hike to the practice site. I think we are getting a little slower in our walking as it wasn't too long after arriving we were loading our two split up boats and heading out. It took a minute but before long we were back in the groove. I think those muscles and sores needed a minute.
Morning practice was 4 minute pieces with stroke rate changes and 2 minute pieces with stroke rate changes. It's a tough practice but everyone gave their all. This is one tough bunch of women. I know they are hurting but they give it each and every time. No whining or complaining.
Off the water for lunch break 11-2 pm. Some ate at the little fish restaurant today some ate their home made lunches. After lunch a large group went for a walk to the Canadian Embassy. They were unable to go in as they were on lunch break but they did take some pictures and chatted up the security. Others sat under the covering on the restaurant patio sharing stories laughing and relaxing before heading over to the boats. Since the coaches were not there the team thought they would surprise them by putting the boats in the water and be in position before they arrived back.
By 2 pm sharp we were back on the water. We did some more pieces then we put everyone in one boat and practiced our starts. It was our first time in one boat and all had high expectations. We started with our first five... Then went to two fives then to three... Change up the people and then back to it...you can feel it as we work as one .. transitioning from one gear to the next... Powerful women!!! Hungry for the win...
Off the water by 3:30 pm. Physio for the many... All are so thankful for your presence Brian G... Our nurses Patsy Linda and Margaret and Doc Tracy tending to the wounds.
Some still had a bit of shopping to do... Whart and I went to the local shop to order pizza dinner for all tonight. No gluten free pizza so Whart will eat a special meal. Home to shower and decorate rooms. Our pizza lady lead us a bit astray telling us one piece of pizza per person was enough. Clearly they have no idea what hardy appetites a group of dragon boaters have. Although we ordered extra we still were a little short so back to the pizza shop we went where our social Cathy H made friends with the locals while we waited. Back up to the roof top we went with our additional pizzas where Linda K was relaxing in the hammock... Yes she does stop once in a while ... Go figure...
After dinner everyone took some personal time. Some went in search of ice cream ( not saying Who) others sat weaving tall tales in the lounge while others readied for bed playing on their electronics ( what did we do before technology).
I don't think many slept last night as clearly the Aussies like to party into the wee hours of the morning. It's now 5 am and finally it's quiet. I think all will try to catch a few hours before our day begins once again.
Training Day 4
We began our day with our usual morning routines. It was Good Friday so much was closed. The night prior was loud with a lot of partying well into the early morning hours. It was overcast with a misty rain as we began our day. Breakfast was eggs and sausage....again.
We began our trek to the practice site and once again split into two boats. There was great anticipation from many to get their special wound dressing from Cheryl and Sarah. Patsy and Margaret proceeded to butt detail as the rest warmed up and got the boats ready.
Once on the water all dug into a very hard but rewarding practice. Several 500 m races, several 200 m races and a long but equivalent 2k. The power continues to build. Some tweaking by the coaches, timing coming along well. It is looking and feeling amazing. These women never give up. They dig in and do what is asked.
Off the water for lunch. The crowds came out for fish and chips so there were many generations of families that came to spend their day by the water. The sun began to come out and the time was spent chatting with friends and going on tours to see the kangaroos that were 5 minutes away. Thanks to Alanna for her time.
We were back on the water just before 2 pm all in one boat. Full starts were the afternoon practice. It's gonna be great!!!! They just got better and better.
Off the water around 3:30 pm for more stretching and kangaroo tours before dinner at the site with our gracious providers of boats for the week.
After dinner we made a tired trek back to our hostel for showers, laughing,quiet time, and yes more gelato for others.
Early to bed tonight. Pleased with the strong efforts by all. We are up for an early 8 am practice this morning to then enjoy the remainder of the day off and a much deserved day off on Sunday.
I am continually amazed by the strength and determination of all.
We look forward to Suzanne and Bekka joining us soon. We will all be one!!!
Post Submitted by: Laura Dunlop-Dibbs, Drummer