Greetings all,
Another Florida training camp has begun in mild Indian Harbor Beach, Florida. For those familiar with the Pines Resort (the location the Canadian team has been migrating to for camps for many years) not a lot has changed. A majority of national team athletes are here now, and I had two good paddles and a session at Flex Fitness gym to start things off. For those interested in television, Flex is owned by former American Gladiator "Rage". Anyhoo, I am rooming with fellow canoers Paul Bryant and Cory Rublee right now, just awaiting the arrival of Gabriel.
There are quite a few international athletes here already, a strong contingent of talented German canoers, and the formidable Anders Gustavsson of Sweden just to name a few. All the disciplines (men's canoe, men's kayak, and women's kayak) met this afternoon prior practice to discuss the upcoming season and the vision for the 2012 Olympics. Speaking of the Olympics, some inspiring stuff is taking place in Vancouver, and the first gold medal by Bilodeau in the moguls is amazing.
It is always a fun time at the beginning of the February training camp because the first few days you have a chance to catch up with lots of teammates you may not have seen for a while, as well as start the on water paddling for a new year. Here are a few shots from the Canadian canoe and kayak campus at the Pines Resort...
Tom Hall and Women's Kayak.
Scrizz and company.
C4C member Morty with Angus and Rich.
Roommates Paul and Cory.After a few quick photos around the Pines, I promised I would pass on a few words by the one
and only Ryan "Scrizz" Cochrane. Last year he paddled 100 km in one day along with fellow
national team member Steve Jorens. However, Adam van Koeverden exclaimed prior that if
he were to accomplish the impressive feat, that he would, and I quote, "eat his shoe". I must
point out that a year has passed and no leather has been consumed. Thus, Scrizz is working on a double or
nothing proposition that I will keep the readers up to steam on.
Other than the friendly challenge, the atmosphere here at the Pines is a very positive one, with
the Canadian athletes looking fit and looking forward to a great camp, myself included.
All for now.
Cheers and keep it real,
Andrew
Labels: http://www.canoe4canada.com/andrew/uploaded_images/P2150530-749939.JPG
