Today was all about team bonding and training. As we were sitting down for breakfast we saw the Poland team out for their morning run. It was like a sea of red tracksuits. All the countries are walking around in groups and it can be pretty intimidating but I’m sure the Canadian team is just as intimidating. Canada actually has the second largest team after New Zealand which is pretty impressive. We all received our official photo passes that we have to wear everywhere. It’s great getting to know some of my teammates more. The team is spread out from coast to coast so we don’t see each other that often and when we do we are usually competing against each other so the circumstances are different.
After the weight-ins the athletes were dying for some food. We found a great cookie shop and had to have a few.
We found our favorite pasta place. the owner made sure we had some good carbo loading.
We had our first team training in the arena. I focused on my sparring and tomorrow I will focus on patterns. I really haven’t had as much sparring as I would have liked in the last few weeks. First because I was so sick and second it’s not a good idea to train to rough before a competition like this in case of injury. I was a bit disappointed when I saw the competition schedule since the junior girls compete in sparring before the patterns. I’ve never done that before. I’m glad I know this in advance so I can get in the right head space for the sparring first. I’ll have to make sure I’m really warmed up well. There is a lunch break before patterns so I will have time to regroup and settle mentally for patterns. I’m very excited to see the opening ceremonies as well. It will be cool to march in with my team mates. Apparently there will be a ‘live feed’ on the official website as well.
Today I also went for a nice walk with two teammates down at the waterfront. We actually saw team Australia and we chatted with them for a bit. Then later on, we saw a teenage dragon boat team for NZ who were really interested in what we were doing. It all becomes more real when you see the teams from other countries and then talk to strangers about what we are here for. I’m usually not nervous until the day of the competition, but the nerves are starting to surface a little bit. I’m just so excited to be here. I’m having the time of my life and no matter the outcome, I’m having a blast and this is the greatest experience I could ever ask for.
Hey to everyone, Glad to see you are getting around to see some of the sites in NZ. This will be a trip to remember. I guess we are all getting nervous as the time is soon approaching. Keep focused and dont let anyone intimidate you. You have been preparing for this moment for a long time. Say hi to your Mom, Dad and Greg.
Love: Dais
Hey Dais, just heading out to the arena to weigh in and then train. I can’t believe I compete in 24 hours! Today I really have to get my ‘game-face’ on. It’s time to zone everything else out and prepare mentally. I may not blog again until after I compete.
Hopefully I’ll have good news tomorrow night for you! 🙂
Wow, sounds like you are having a great time, sightseeing and having time to rest is important. I’m glad that you can keep us in tune as to what is going on….thanks.
Keep up the good frame of mind and don’t worry about us in igloo country. We got dumped on Saturday but it will all melt soon. I managed to go and clear out your driveway and put all the snow in front of your garage door………just kidding.
Enjoy the time that you have overthere and everything will come together.
We are all proud of you and there is no doubt in our mind that you will do your best.
Good luck and all the best
Awe thanks guys. It feels like we’ve been away for so long. We seem to do so much in each day that the days feel longer. I’m off to bed now since I have to leave the hotel at 7:20am since the opening ceremonies start at 8:00. If you want to see more about the tournament go to …
http://www.itfnewzealand2011.com
That site is always being updated. Thanks for checking in.
Good night.
We have figured out the time change and will be watching tomorrow – it will be after school of us! Fingers cross the live feed works and will highlight you!
Good Luck Kayla -we are SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!
Training in the arena was very comforting today. It’s a really nice layout. Seeing all the other teams compete was an experience. I felt really good with my sparring today. Hope tomorrow feels as good 🙂 It looks like there is a web cam in every ring. I’m pretty sure I’m in ring 3 and 4. Keep checking the schedule in case there are changes. Miss you guys but I know you’re all behind me at home.
Hey Kayla,
Good luck tomorrow. I know you are used to sparring before patterns but I know you can handle it. As a former marathoner how do you think I felt at the Ironman knowing I had to swim 2.4 miles and then bike 112 before the marathon even started. – told myself it would be a good warmup!! Some definite adjustments had to be made 🙂 I know you have overcome tons of obstacles before and this is just another one. You can do it!!
Uncle Doug
Thanks. At first when I heard the news I have to admit I was freaking out a bit because you never want to get hurt and not be able to continue your other events. Most people are only competing in one event so it doesn’t matter to them. I had to change the way I think right away since there wasn’t anything I could do about it anyway. At least there is the lunch break to change mind set between events.
I get more nervous for the sparring so I’m glad to get my toughest event over with first. Then I can enjoy my patterns. I don’t know when I’ll be called for power breaking but I do hope that is at the end of the day.
I have to go to bed now. Good night.