U23 World Championships

In the words of Dr Seuss "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened".

I had some of my best paddling in an international competition however because of some major mistakes I did not have the results that I had hoped at the U23 World Championships in Liptovsky, Slovakia. I placed 24th overall with only 3 touches throughout the whole race!

The competition was very stiff and cracking into the top 10 was difficult as there were a lot of strong competitors. Racing is a journey with constant ups and downs. I needed to have bad races in order to understand how to race well.

I read a very inspirational blog post from Kyle Shewfelt that helped me to realize where I was making mental errors. In future racing situations I need to focus on the details and the execution of the moves and not so much on the outcome of the race.

Lucky #13

The image I had of La Seu d’Urgell was the most spectacular course that I could ever imagine with perfect white water and cafes and markets everywhere. My coach Mike and team mate Jessica would always go off in rants how amazing Seu was. This was the world cup I was looking forward to the most. 

The weather was a dramatic difference from Augsburg where it was 30 degrees each day with sun and minimal rain.  I had a very good race, but had a loop at gate 4 and too many touches where I placed lucky #13. Without my touches I would have made it to the final. I see myself as a confident and strong paddler, but touches are killing my racing. Although I did not have a clean run I executed the moves very well and I am content with my result.

 SO I have decided to make each touch have a consequence. Each time I touch a gate I add 25 cents to the jar and each time I miss a gate I have to add $5. Once I have had 10 sessions without touching or a clean race then I can take the money from the jar and reward myself. I believe that being more conscious of where I am touching in my training and racing will eventually make it a habit of be very careful and being clean.

I was able to connect with an old teammate and good friend while she was abroad on her journeys.

Also my mom and dad were in Seu to watch my racing and provide me with some additional support.

It was a little difficult to transition into the Spanish culture as to accommodate for the hot weather the Spanish wake up early while its cold and then everything closes down at around 1:00pm so that everyone can have a siesta. Then at around 8:00pm everything opens back up as the temperature cools down. This meant that dinner wasn't eaten until about 8:00pm. Luckily we were staying in an apartment where we had a kitchen and were able to cook our meals on our own time.

I am happy with my result and I am gradually getting better. I just need to clean up my touches and truly be confident in myself.

Well That's Racing

Mistakes are a way that each person learns and grows. Racing is such a difficult thing as it takes experience and time to understand your specific racing style and apply it over and over again.

It has been challenging to learn where to pace myself while being on the road. Competing on the World Cup circuit is complicated as you are only in each location for about a week with only 4-5 sessions on the white water before you race. Then you pick up and leave again. It is a draining process.

I found myself very tired for my race in Augsburg, Germany. The weather also didn't help… as it rained all week with very cold temperatures. I had two major mistakes in each of my qualification runs. The 1^st run I caught an edge close to the bottom of the course and flipped over. Once I had rolled back up it was too late and I had blown past gate 17. I was upset and frustrated after my first run, as I knew I could perform better. I was exited and anxious for my second run where I reviewed in the video tent and repeated visualizations of a perfect execution of the course in my head. I felt prepared and ready to race. I powered out of the start gate and was determined to throw down, but I missed the line through the first hole and missed the 2^nd gate and the line was so off I also blew past the 3^rd gate as well.

That's racing, sometimes you have good races and sometimes you have bad ones. That is what I love about it, but that is also what makes it so difficult as each athlete is striving for consistency. The mistakes I made in Augsburg were tough, nonetheless it has given me even more motivation to do well in La Seu d’Urgell and Liptovský Mikuláš.

World Cup #1 Cardiff

The 1st World Cup of the 2013 season kicked off last weekend in Cardiff, Wales, UK.  It was a solid week of training and racing. I placed 13^th in the semi final race at the World Cup, but unfortunately not good enough to make it to finals. I feel I am continually learning and gaining valuable experience in international competitions.  Although I did not make it into the top ten, I am still pleased with my race result,  Now I am looking forward to racing this coming weekend in Augsburg, Germany.

While in Wales I was able to connect with an old friend from Calgary who is now living in Cardiff. Tess, her husband, and I toured around to an old castle ruin and the ocean side. The UK was very beautiful and exactly as I pictured it with very small roads and sheep everywhere.

It was a little difficult to stay focused on the race as the flooding in Alberta was on my mind. I hope all those affected by the flood will be able to recover from the damage. I am proud to say I am a Calgarian and I know our city and province will pull through these tough times.

Canoa & Kayak by Ettore Ivaldi

I Made It to Europe!

After a little bit of trouble transporting my boat and the airline delaying the arrival of my suitcase I finally made it to London on Saturday and shortly after departed to Cardiff, Wales. 

We made it to our destination, which is an old mansion that has been turned into apartments and accommodation.  It has a very authentic feeling to it with old Victoria style furniture and original wood furnished walls with large door frames. I have a room and bathroom to myself, which is very uncommon for accommodation in Europe. We are located just outside of Cardiff in a town called Cowbridge. 

So far I really like the course as it is narrow and has many different waves and holes that make it challenging. I am really looking forward to seeing what they will set as a course here for the World Cup.

World Cup #1 kicks off on Thursday where I race Friday and Saturday. 

Results for the race can and more information can be found on:http://www.canoecardiff2013.com/en/results-info

Heats start list:

Recipe of the Week - Vegan Carob Banana Muffins

This is my new favourite muffin recipe! 

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup spelt flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoon carob powder
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 mashed ripe bananas 
• 2 tablespoon chia seeds
• 2/3 cup maple syrup or agave syrup
• 1 teaspoon egg replacer
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil

Directions:

• Preheat oven 375°F
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, carob powder, chia seeds, and salt
• Add the banana, syrup, egg replacer, almond milk apple cider vinegar, and oil to the dry mixture.  Stir just until combined
• Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans
• Portion the batter into the muffin cups and bake for 25 minutes
• Let them cool for 10 minuets and then eat away!