Here we go!!!

Thanks for checking out my blog!  Maybe this time I'll actually make myself get into the habit of keeping it updated!  :)

Spring racing has begun in full force, and after only a week of solid training in Princeton after winning NSR2, (National Selection Regatta), I've found myself in the incredibly gorgeous town of Bled, Slovenia.  I'm here to represent the USA and race in a World Cup with my awesome double's partner, Ursula Grobler.  This is a very important race for us, because if we place in the top four, we will officially earn a spot on the 2010 US National Team, as well as an entry to row in the World Championships in New Zealand in November!

We're up against some heavy competition, including all last year's medalists as well as the Chinese who are always very fast.  There are 23 boats in our race...but we say the more the merrier!  This is a great opportunity to see where our speed is at currently, where we can improve, and how to go about the rest of the Summer.  

We're settling in quickly, thanks to careful planning (waking up VERY early while in Princeton so the time change wouldn't be such a shock), and a gigantic "feed bag" for the plane full of fruits and veggies.  The hotel is right on the water and the entire team has bikes that we use to ride to and from the boathouse.  I need to come up with a good name for mine, and I think "Clunker" could be suitable.  Let's just say, going uphill is not an option, and that there is no need to lock it up.

The boat's rigged, we've figured out oars (found out last-minute that our oars couldn't go on the plane!), and now the rest of the week is all about staying calm, focused, rested, and professional as we prepare for our first race on Friday.

Follow news and results at:

www.worldrowing.com