Again?!

Hey everyone,

Sorry it has been ages since I have updated this thing! I apologize for the delay with the new post.

Recently my insanely busy schedule has come to a complete halt! Again I find myself on the injury list for the next little while. My physio, Susan, expects it's from just pushing a little hard and not letting myself get the rest I need. To many late nights mixed in with hard training equals a lesson learned.

This injury is a little tricky just like the last one. We are not actually sure what is wrong but we expect a or some fractured rib(s). How this happened, the answer is unknown. It does sound pretty awesome to say that I simply fractured them from being to epic and training too hard though.

On the bright side of things though, I am going to finally pick that guitar up and have a swing at things. I also am going to be researching into cameras, and prices.

If the rest of the day is as good as the sunrise this morning, it should turn into a good one.

Hope everyone is well.

Aj

Dickerson Maryland

I am off to a new land!

Dickerson Maryland is the new destination. You may be asking, what brings Aj too the states?

Well, in fact I am racing at the US National Championships next weekend. I have never actually been to the Dickerson whitewater course before so it's an exciting time for me! Nothing like the rush of a new course. With the grant movie done, my full year movie finally almost complete, and on top of all that work my homework, this new journey is giving my brain a break from work! Time for a nice relaxing 10 and a half hour car ride....WITH FOUR OTHER WOMEN! This is going to be horrendous! Thousands of pee breaks, none stop talking, and of course horrible music.

I guess its just something I have to deal with myself,

I heard there is snow in Alberta....Ew.

Hope alls well,

Aj

"Women like silent men. They think they're listening"

- Marcel Archad

One more

Today is my last day in Calgary for another adventure!

This time I am going to Ottawa (again) but then after only a short week in Ottawa, I am off to Dickerson Washington for US national championships with the Ottawa river runners team!

I will also hopefully be training with the national team down there if Michael, Alexandra, and Rachel are the only ones from the team then that would be fine as well.

Thank goodness that this is the last time I have to uproot myself for a couple of months. But this is going to be a good one. I even get three races!

I get a Valleyfield race, a pumphouse race, and the US nationals.

This is going to be awesome!

Despite the weather, my hopes are up and I am still smiling,

Hope everyone else is as well.

" I always thought, it would be neat to make the olympic team."

Michael Phelps.

Aj

R n R

There's nothin' like being at home and getting some good ol' R n R. I'm home, happy, and healthy-kind of.

The lovely Susan Massitti has some idea's on the issue with my shoulder. Its a problem derived from my hips and anchor muscles in my bum. I have my exercises and that I do twice a day and I can already feel a difference in my natural movements.

I am hoping that I can jump back into training as soon as possible but I figure I had better wait for the go from Susan.

The newest news on training camps is I may be jumping over to Ottawa for a week then to Washington DC for US National championships which is in Dickerson. I have heard that the Dickerson course is pretty unreal so I am definitely looking forward to it.

Other then that I guess all I can say is that I am enjoying life right now and I am looking forward to what the future has in hold for me. It was a great racing season and I hope that I can put in the work again this year for another self satisfying season.

"I can accept failure, everyone fails at something, but I can't accept not trying"

Michael Jordan

Hope all is well

Aj

Life's good.

New music, New destination tomorrow. Almost home :) Life's good.

I leave for Minden Ontario tomorrow for National Championships on the Gull River with the famour John Hasting's. We also have a scheduled stop to paddle on the Ottawa! I have not had the opportunity to experience this quite yet but my chance is upon me and I am very excited.

The weather has been a little muggy these passed two days but it doesn't bother me all that much. It's still bloody hot outside so who cares.

I am looking forward to paddling on the Gull but I am also even more excited to return to the condo and sit on that lovely couch of mine that is awaiting my arrival.

Hope my bum print still exists ;)

Hope all's well

Aj

Last member!

Jessica arrived safe and soundly last night so the Tayler's house is starting to get full. Although Jess had only been in Ottawa for around four hours, we had still managed to find ourselves wandering around in the Westboro LuLu Lemon last night. It's only been one night and we are all glad to see each other.

We wacky and wild plans set out so the next few days should be filled with laughter and good times.

Today we plan on going paddling then coming back home and getting ready to go see Great Big Sea at the bluesfest!!!!! I am so excited!

Hope all is well.

Aj

OTTAWA

Well I am finally back in our nations capital.

Although I had a not so good time at worlds, I will never forget that first run and how good I felt after it and how solid of a performance it was.

With a boost of morality and Kathleen's positive energy, this is going to a good lead up to nationals. Jess will be joining us tomorrow night as well so its gonna be some solid girl time. Uh oh.

For the next few days I will be training with Jamie and his group in Ottawa which I am looking forward to. Its a good group of kids. Should be good.

I am really excited for nationals and I am going to crush out as much training as I can. I am going to be more prepared for nationals then I have ever been for any race in my life.

I have never felt so good being on a paddling trip. With Connor's reassuring words from how I did in France it gives me an extra boost to push harder then I ever had. After nationals I plan on jumping right into AEROBIC LOOPS! These loops will not stop until February either. I may have made Junior National team in two years but who knows how long it'll take to make Senior National Team. I have to build my fitness, and strength. It's going to be a long road ahead, but I am prepared to start that path.

Hope the crappy weather in Alberta isn't ruining summer to much

Aj

Tomorrow

Well the big day is tomorrow. Junior World Championships qualification runs.

I set a goal two years ago to be sitting right here in France to race. Now here I am and I can hardly believe it is happening.

But it is happening and I need to grasp the fact that I did the work and now I'm here.

I don't plan on expecting myself to make it semi's or finals, I am just going to make it out of the qualifications and say her I had a good run.

And plus it's all about the team runs on saturday anyways! hahaha

Anyways, the race starts at 9:30 am local time and I go at about 11 I think. So if you wanna check out the live results go to www.123result.com and select live timing and streaming for Foix France junior world champs and then select the k1 mens qualifications ht. 1 category and you'll be able to watch!

Hope all is well

Aj

Dear

Dear Homesickness,

Its been awhile.

The top two photo's are from Chateau De Foix, the middle two are from Chateau De Migilo and the last one is from the drive to Andorre! Just a couple of my favourites!

Enjoy!

Aj

Past Few days

Sorry my blog viewers that I have fallen a few days behind on you all! I will try and squeeze in the last few days on all the exciting things we have done.

So the new photo headline on the blog is Chateau De Foix. It is a beautiful castle and from the top towers , it has an even more exquisite, three-hundred and sixty degree view of all the surrounding valleys. Apparently the castle has been there for more then one-thousand years. Obviously, the castle that currently stands is not the original. The castle itself has jumped between a roof for a king and queen all the way down to a prison, and is now a museum. Inside the castle there is small displays and plaques that explain the significance of that part of the castle. Their is even a display with some old weapons and keys that would have been used around the 11th-16th centuries. I will attempt to get some photo's up ASAP! This time I will actually attempt!

The other day the Americans came over for a Canada day bbq. It was a good time had by all! We played ping pong, enjoyed titanic amounts of food and then cooled down in the pool! It was a great success for a great country. We were supposed to go celebrate the 4th of July today with the Americans but apparently it got cancelled last second as the Americans managed to partially burn down their cabin with fireworks. Silly Yanks. Hopefully they still have a great time tonight and no one gets in to much trouble!

Today we had the day off and we managed to get a lot down! We went to a village called Niaux which is just outside of Garrabet, which is just outside of Foix where we are staying. In this village is two interesting historical sites. One is Chateau De Migilo and the Prehistoric Cave drawing site of Niaux. The chateau was not quite as magnificent as Foix's but we still managed to capture some great shots and good times. The cave was quiet something else as well! Some of the paintings date back to 11,000 BC!!! Thats old! And some looked like they were drawn yesterday. We were not allowed to take photo's inside the cave but again we still got soem great shots of the view. Then after the caves we had lunch a sandwich bar then went to the GO KARTS!!!!! They were awesome! It was so much fun! The Kart's we were in could go 60 k's an hour! But the faster ones could go 90...Thats a bit much. Inbetween times that we went we could watch the pro's that were training for Formula 3 racing. WHAT AN ENTHRALLING THING TO DO EVERYDAY! Yeah right. I was getting bored after our second 8 minute time slot.

But it was a great day! We are now just relaxin and enjoying the last bit of the day.

Anyways I must dash off. I hope everyone in Canada has a great day like I did.

Aj

Chateau De Foix!

Yesterday after training we went to Ponte De Diable! This is one of the very first bridges ever built in this area. It crosses the river and gave the surrounding villages the ability to travel back and forth to sell goods.

I dont know when it dates back to but its pretty old! I will get the castle photo's onto my computer tonight and try to get another post on!

Overnight Rain = Way better course!

We woke up in the morning feeling refreshed, charged, and prepared for anything to hit us at the course this morning. What we hadn't thought of was all the rain the night before! When we got the course it looked like a whole different beast. But with some reassurance from Connor and Marian we got on and all had a relatively okay morning and afternoon. The water level dropped about 6 inches in 10 seconds towards the end of our afternoon session though, making the moves we were doing before completely different.

But even with all our crazy run ins, it was a good day. The girls made a pretty good dinner. The boys and I were impressed. We rated it a high 7! We are shootin' for a 9!

With a good meal and good moods, Connor is going to lead us through some stretching. This will turn into a regular evening activity. Then they boys and I are hittin the pool!

All in all, a pretty unreal day.

I am excited to see what is in store for us for the rest of the trip.

Aj

Foix

Well France is everything I was told, and imagined it would be plus more. Delicious cappuccino's, wonderful croissants, and of course the architecture. I have not even been in France for a full day yet and I have come to the conclusion that Foix is easily the most beautiful place I have been to in my life, besides Canada of course. Sitting in a valley bottom, we are surrounded by green lush forests with an old cathedral, and two castles in the surrounding area. We are staying in a small village just five minutes outside of Foix. The name of this small village escapes me right now but I know that I will definitely live here one day.

There's a funny feeling I get whenever I arrive in a new country. My surroundings feel so peculiar and foreign until I allow myself to take it all in, then I hardly feel like I am away at all.

With Max-Émile helping me out with my French, integrating into the culture and lifestyle for the next two weeks will become that much easier. I have already sworn to myself that I would only be allowed one cappuccino a day and one chocolate filled croissant every three days. Gotta save some money!

It still has not sunk in yet that I am here for Junior World Championships. Maybe this is a good sign and I won't become a nervous wreck right before the race, or it's a bad thing and I am underestimating the whole thing and I will totally muck up!

Well whatever it is I gotta figure it out quickly.

Hope everyone is well!

Oh by the way, if anyone wants to talk to me over the phone get a hold of my mom and she can send you a number to call and you'll get my new international phone!

Aj

Last Day

Well today is the last day I will be in the mother land for a few weeks. I shall miss her vast square kilometres of awesomeness. BUT FRANCE IS GONNA KICK SOME BUTT. With only a few last minute packing jobs to do, I am getting pretty physiqued up for this!

I saw Sheri yesterday and she fixed me up really good! Needled me, pushed, and pulled until it all felt better. I have two excercises I need to work on so I can get some rotation back as my body has developed some bad habits, thus endangering some joints.

Sheri Audet, you are an angel! Thank you so much :)

Hope home is well, I will miss you all!

Aj

Rough

The first few days have been a little crazy with baby Cierra being born and with current injuries on the time, it has made for a bit of a rough start. Max keeps getting a dull pain in his elbow bicep area, my shoulder's acting up, and Michael's elbow seems to be bothering him. Marian arrived this morning and we were able to sneak in a technique session this morning and gettin half lengths done this afternoon. I still am having difficulties finding a place to stay after Worlds though. Its becoming a bit of a nagging stress for me! Will no one but up with little Aj for a week? :(

It'll get figured out though!

The weather has been treating us well but a bit of rain would be nice! ITS SO HOT. I know, its crazy. I thought that after that mini winter we had before I left I thought I'd never say it.

Hope no one has caught that nasty 4 day sickness like me!

Stay healthy!

Aj

Ottawa

Well I am back in our nations lovely capital. This time around I am staying with the Tayler family and Max will be joining us at some time today. Michael and I did some Technique this morning with James but it seems like I am the first person from out of town to arrive. It is absolutely gorgeous in Ottawa. At 8:30 this morning it had already got to plus 18 and was hot. Then when we got onto the water it hit 28. It is boilin out and we are ready to paddle hard!

The world cup in Prague started today and our three senior k1 killed their first runs by the looks of results! They are all on the bubble for making semi's but hopefully they kill their second runs. It looks to be a short, and fast. the time between first place and 20th place is around 3 seconds. No space for touches! Let's cheer our boys on guys!

But don't forget about you're three younger boys :D

Hope all is well

Aj

Crowsnest Pass'ions!

All you crazy Crowsnesters!

Check out both papers today as I should be featured in both! I have a much larger article in the Pass Promoter and a smaller one in the Herald.

Please check them out and let me know what you guys think!!!

Thanks

Aj

Penguin Time baby!

Well turns out even though I'm missing my grad I'm still getting dragged to one! I am off to go rent a tuxedo with Sarah. So basically I'm going to stand their and she'll point and different ones and choose colours and I'll put it on. Yay. I am overjoyed! I'll get some photo's on the blog later!

Aj

Thanks

I would like to show my deep gratitude to those who donated funds to help bring me back home from France in July! I really appreciate the support that is shown and it also helps me remember that I have fans back at home!

A really big thanks to High Level for their big donation too! It is all much appreciated and I couldn't do it without you!

I cannot express how thankful I am.

I will try and represent our country in the best way I can

Thanks Again!

Aj

May Long

Well the River Rendevouz was another successful year for the Pinch'o Crow Creekers! We had a lot of new people and a lot of new faces show up and it made it into another awesome fun filled weekend.

Unfortunately it did end on a terribly sad note. There was an extremely horrific accident yesterday evening when Jaron Kooperberg ran Lundbreck Falls on the Crowsnest River. Jaron passed away doing the thing he loved. . It is a sad time for the Kayaking community, even for those who did not know Jaron, he was someone who shared the same passion we all have and it is saddening to hear that it took him away from the one's he loved.

The condolences from the kayaking community go out to Jaron's family and his friends.

This is a good reminder to all paddlers that what we do is dangerous and that we need to watch out for each other when we are out there. Things can go wrong fast no matter how experienced someone is.

I managed to track down on article from the Toronto Sun.

http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/05/24/14064546.html

Aj

Stoked

Well I did it everyone!

First off I'd like to thank everyone for the help and support I have received from team mates, friends, family, and most of all Mike. I could not have done it with you!

Also, Thank you TECK as without your support I would not have been able to perform at the level that I do.

I do not have a shot of the National Team all together yet but hopefully I can get one up ASAP.

Hope all is well.

Aj

Just a shot from the race

Oh Baby

Well it turns out the screw we were all waiting for arrived. Micheal fifty'd a gate and that put Max and I in very good positions to get ahead of the competition for spots on the team. So far my overall percent is %226.8, Max's is %207 and Micheal is %249.09. This means Max is first, I am second and Micheal is in third.

My first run was fabulous. I nailed all the lines and paddled probably the best race I ever have in my career so far. I was quick in the upstreams, and fast in the offsets. What else could you ask for? Maybe another good run like that? Well I came into my second run feeling confident and ready to crush out the course again. My first five gates were a little faster but as I approached the ninth gate on the course I stalled and lost about five seconds and then lost another three seconds in ten which totally through the run off. But luckily with such a good solid first time all I need to do is paddle how I know I can and stay relaxed, and of course to have some fun!

Hope all is well

Aj

Here it is

Well the moment I have been working for has finally come. With most of the week filled with not well paddling I created thoughts and scenarios in my head of making team being impossible. Until I finally came to realization that it didn't matter if I made team or not. What mattered was what did I learn training throughout the winter, and how can I become a better paddler. The only thing I should be worried about is making sure that I give it my all this weekend and to have some fun!

Mike said that the only time that I paddle well is when there's a smile on my face and Im having a good time.

With all this mind, it has become apparent that this weekend doesn't matter. Its just a weekend of full length training :)

Hope all is well

Aj

Stupid

Well the Blog Support staff are stupid and won't help me figure out why my movie won't upload. It is being uploaded to youtube though so you can check it out there.

Youtube account is Ajcore8698

Good Stuff

My first two days of training were fairly rough ones. I was getting down on myself, not focusing, and too worried about outcomes rather then learning more. But today we had Tech in the morning and a fun free session in the afternoon. My morning tech was an ok session and I was able to not freak out on myself and keep my cool. Then, the following afternoon session was the carrier of some of my most brilliant moments in the sport. I was destroying ups, and making offsets look like straight sprints.

Thanks to Mike's brother in-law, Felix, I was able to get some sweet footage of the session and am in the middle of producing another short video. I will hopefully have it finished by this evening or tomorrow afternoon.

This ones a gooder :)

The weather has been absolutely marvellous and I was able to whip out the short sleeve skin top which you will see in the movie.

Hope all is well

Aj

Sneak Peak :)

Whistler

Well we made it!

We arrived in Whistler at about 9:00 pm this evening and got all settled in to our super awesome town house! This place is so awesome! I'll get a quick time lapse of the tour on by tomorrow.

Theres not a cloud in the sky and I have high hopes for weather on the next week.

My gear is here and I intend on gettin' those beautiful new tops tomorrow!

Hope home is well.

Aj

Provincial Team Trials

Well Provincials was a success. We had a large turnout of people and it was a beautiful day. This only builds the excitement for NTT in 2 weeks.

I am starting to feel the build of fear and excitement and can't decide which one to be!

Anything can happen at this time. I just gotta keep working hard and push as hard as I can.

Hope all is well

Aj

Lactic

Lactic Acid is the waste product of muscles that do not get enough oxygen during a vigorous use. Lactic acid can cause soreness for days or weeks.

We warm up before what we thought was just another workout, but what we were not aware of was that we were about to face the worst session that has faced us in 2010.

We paddled until our muscles burned

We paddled until our muscles felt like lead

We paddled until our muscles were pumping lactic acid

We paddled until the lactic acid turned into battery acid

Then we paddled some more.

It has been 3 hours since the workout and I can already feel my muscles tensing and feeling useless.

Enough complaining though!

Everything is going smoothly! Ethan's all moved in, we cleaned the house for a total of five hours yesterday and destroyed the armada of dust bunnies underneath the couches. With a successful move in we are celebrating with a nice dinner with Ethan and some friends.

Hope alls well.

Aj

Well today is the day that Dillon moves out. Ethan moves in on thursday so that won't give me enough time to burn the house down.

Dillon is pretty bummed out about having to leave but its going to be a new adventure for him and I am excited for him!

Ethans hoping to land a job soon so that he can actually afford to live in Calgary for a little while longer. Best of luck to him

And me, well I'm of course just goin with it :)

Aj

2nd Annual Penguin Race

The Penguin Race was a huge success this year! We didn't have nearly as many kids out this year then we did the previous year.

With a crummy temperature of zero, no sun in sight, and what looked like rain coming in I was a little unsure of making an appearance to the event. But as I pulled into the parking lot thinking I was early, the whole party had started without me. With all the smiles and eagerness around me it gave me motivation to tough it out and remember that I have been through way worse!

It was a fun filled day with two people who had never been in kayaks, three cub cadets, and six or seven cadets to go along with that. So many kids! The small channel was a pretty packed but it was to awesome to think of how packed it was.

I hope the third annual Penguin Race is just as good or better. Hey maybe if we are lucky we might even get snow and be able to live up the name!

Aj

PS

I posted the newest movie of the K1 Canadian men from Aus on Youtube. You can go to my youtube channel to check it out or search the name.

Youtube channel name is Ajcore8698 or the name of the movie is large.m4v

Aj

Ordinary Day

Well it has been pretty slow in my usual chaotic life. I am fairly excited for the Penguin Race on Saturday as it'll spice things up a bit and keep my mind on track.

What I am truly excited for is Jessica's baking on Saturday! She is the best ever! If she ever retires from kayaking she could easily pull of culinary arts and be unreal at it!

Newest thing in my life at the moment is that Dillon is moving back home to work at the mine for the summer. No need to worry world, Ethan will be the new responsible adult "taking care of me". I am excited for Dillon as this will be the his very first serious job, but sad at the same time because he is going back to the might Crowsnest City!

Another topic I'd like to quickly take note on is that today while I was perusing through CBC.ca and a story caught my eye. The headline was called; French burka ban riles Muslims. So I took a look into and thought it was quite the article but what was absolutely astonishing was not what was said in the article, rather the comments and mini discussions that were taking place. I am not going to state my position on the topic as I am indecisive about it and for other personal reasons. But after reading the comments it made me think how easy it is for people to say anything they want behind a screen name on a news website but if they were confronted in person about this issue, I am almost 90 percent sure that none of them would say the things they mentioned. It bothers me that CBC does not have some kind of filter or moderator to keep their eyes open for situations like this.

I hope it all gets cleared up soon though.

Onto a more positive note, the weather in Calgary has been beautiful and the good ol' farmer tan is coming back from the short sleeve top I have been wearing kayaking. Hope its as beautful everywhere else!

Aj

Video

Ok the quality is really bad and you can't see the intro or end very well so I'll post it on youtube, or I'll risk going on facebook for 30 minutes to post it....

I'll let you all know what the final decision

Aj

:)

This is the new editing program!

Hope you all enjoy!

New

As you all have noticed I have added a few things to the blog. There is a blog roll with Marissa Dederer's website, The AWA site and the ASCK blog. Please check these out! Marissa is a great and very entertaining writer, and the ASCK blog is written by a variety of paddlers so you always get something new and flashy!

Aj

Penguin Race

Stoked for the penguin tomorrow! Its the second annual and last year was fun and sunny and it looks like it'll be the same thing this year! The weather's beautiful, it's Ethans 20th today, and I'm going paddleing today. Its a good day so far!

I had some issue getting the video onto the blog and it decided to delete itself so I might have to figure something out with it.

Hope the weathers beautiful everywhere!

Aj

:D

Big love to Ethan Cervo for hooking me up with a new editing program for my movie making! I made a quick vid of the boys in Aus and it'll be up tomorrow! So make sure to check that out.

Aj

Finally!

Sorry this took so long, but here it is!

Big Day

Well tomorrows the big day! It's time to destroy the chains that Facebook have thrust upon me and to find liberation and peace. In other words, I am deactivating my account tomorrow morning before school. I am hoping that by doing so I will find it easier to focus on school, and training.

I don't have a whole lot to put up on the blog other then that I am almost ready to post another video! This one is from Australia and I am just adding some final touches. Ethan is working on getting me a better editing program so my next video(s) will be more exciting with better editing options and so on and so forth.

Hopefully the movie will be on the blog tonight or tomorrow at some point.

Aj

Its been a while

Went to the Kan today! It was awesome. I haven't been there for a solid two months and it was good to get back out!
Well its the final countdown to team trials and I am startin to feel the jitters! I have been training hard and I think the result will be the one I've been working for.
In newer news I have decided that as of next monday I will be deleting my facebook account. I might sign up for Twitter or just stay on the blog. Either way I will let you all know what happens!

Hope everyone safe and healthy

Aj

Chilliwack

Chilliwack has been great so far! Everythings going super smooth, the Penner Family has been great, and next to no swims! It has ususally been rainy and cold in the morning then super warm in the afternoon which is awesome. I have never paddled in Chilliwack with the sunshining on my face. In fact, yesterday it was to bright and we could not see the course. So far so good. I wish i had more fleece though! Who doesn't wish that though.
Sorry for the lack of post but I have been crazy busy.

Must dash off!

Aj

Fix Up

Here is a link to the results.

Sorry for any mix ups.

http://oceania.canoe.org.au/

Aj

Stuff

It has come to my attention that one of my many post's that I put up in February during the camp may have been inaccurate. I have double checked the two posts that have training results and race results and I cannot confirm that the training results are right but I will double check the race results. I hope that in the future my posts will be %100 accurate.

To all my readers.

Aj

Fitness Testing

Well I had a good rest in Australia and now I'm right back into it. I did my Blood Lactic Acid levels test yesterday and I have improved exponentially! Thank god for the winter camp. I don't have exact numbers for it yet but I will get the results within the week. I have the rest of the fitness testing tomorrow morning and I am a little worried about it but I am just gonna push myself till I puke!
Hope everyone is well

Aj

Home

Nothin like home! After a long journey of living on airplanes and in airports for 36 hours I have arrived back at home base! Glad to be here to! I gotta get back into training and workin hard! team trials is in 10 weeks! Time to bust!

Aj

Alberta Bound!

The end of one great thing is always the beginning of another. Although my adventure's in Australia are now over, my new adventure has begun. The 27.5 hours of travel time I have! YAY! I am pretty sure that I will end up at some point trying to re-do some of my homework for something to do during the ten hours of time I have in San Fran! "Are you going, tooo San Fransisco?!" God I wish I wasn'!
Oh well!
I am Alberta Bound and that makes me happy!
See you all on the other side.

Aj

Kingscliffe

Well I went our to Kingscliffe with Rodney, Laurie and the boys and had a great time! We did a lot of boogie boarding, made some sandcastles, played footy, played handball, soccer and the list goes on! We polished off the weekend by going to the waterpark again today. It was cool as! (Australian saying that I've picked up) I am about ready to come home though as I am starting to pick up the lingo around here. No accent yet though :p I was talking to a girl today and she said that it was good because she liked mine. Score!

Gonna be home soon!

Aj

More More More

Boo yes! Hangin out at the house for a while then I am headed to kingscliffe for tonight and saturday to stay with Rodney, Laurie, and the boys. They have a trailer out there so I am totally gonna be chillin on beaches for a couple days. Then on Sunday we are meeting everyone at White Water world again! Waterslides. So pumped.

Everyone google whitewater world and you'll be jealous.

Stoked

So my extended stay in Australia has been unreal! I went to the family farm and saw a butt load of roo's. Then Michelle, Ruby and I went to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and saw some roo's and cuddled with Koalas. They stink but their cute and soft and cuddly :). Today I'm going to a huuge waterpark. No idea what the name of it is called but I'm pretty stoked for it. Ruby can't come cause she has school but Noah, Michelle and I are gonna tear it up! Need some breakfast though! Hope home is well and that everyones winning roll up the rim to win!

Aj

Oh boy

Well the majesty of Australia has caused me to extend my stay with Michelle and Craig until march 11th. This is gonna be the highlight of my year for sure! They have a crazy busy week planned for me but then I hope after this week it will be a little more relaxed.

Missin home

Aj

Training Camp, Check

Well with the trainign camp done I now continue my journey into the deep outback! Just kidding. Just headed to Brisbane today and I'm staying with Michelle and Craig for the week. So excited. Havent seen them for 10+ years and now Craigs a dad. Hope he's still as cool as he was. Again, just kidding i bet he's still "hangin loose" I think they have a pretty tight schedule planned out for me to keep me busy. I need sleep. 4 am wake up. Uncle Mik and the family in Sydney were great! They took me in as if we had done it a million times. I love family.

Anyways I have a get plane to catch!

Cheque Please

Aj

Impossible just became Possible

By about the middle of the camp making team and going to europe seemed impossible. Until today. During fulls I paddled really well and didn't think about beating anyone except myself. Each run was about making the small things better, not my time. And it all turned out that on my second run i was 116% of Micheal. My third run I was 120%. Then off my third run, 112%. If you take our two best times and take the percents. Im 110%. Thats team. Thats Europe. This really lifted my spirits and self confidence as a paddler. It gave me an early notification that I could do it. Although everyone is extremely tired, everyone is extremely tired, meaning that even if we were fresh I can do what he can do, just a bit slower. The new goal is to stay positive and just believe in myself.

P.S

Connor your comment on my last post made me pee my pants laughing. Im excited to come home and see you guys to.

Missin home.

Aj

Double Trouble

The date was not anything to exciting. We hit minigolf then went and hung out at Krisy Kreme (how classy) The two girls were some fine respectable young australian ladies that Micheal and I took great interest in. After a three hour random date, nothing happened. Micheal got their numbers because he's going to sydney for a week and Aj was left with nothin. Whatever. It was fun and a good experience. It makes me sad too think I only have four more paddleing sessions left before i leave for Brisbane and then eventually to home. I dont ever want to leave this place but unfortuneatley a highschool diploma is calling my name. I will defineatley be reutrning here within the next 10-11 months but for a hell of a lot longer. Must find job. Need money for Australia. Can't live off mom and dad next year....as much :)

Hopeing Everyone has a good humpday back at home.

Aj

Mcdonalds in Australia?

To my beloved fans,

Im sorry for the delay on the newest post but the internet at the trailer park we are staying at is down and we have been desperate for internet. Jessica and I made the 25 minute journey by foot to the nearest Mcdonalds because in aus, they have free wi fi here! Its probably the nicest Mcdonalds I have ever been in. They make coffee like starbucks and the floor is actually clean. They play pleasent jazz and have a nice TV for the customers pleasure. Heck even the playzone looks like kids havent pee'd in it yet. Its a good Latte and good internet. Connor, you would love this place. Since the race we havent been doing anything to much. Pierre, Paul and I hitDee Why beach in Sydney and went surfing. Paul and Pierre complained about it being bad but I was stoked! Without anyone telling me how to I was standing and actually surfing consistantly! It was awesome. Although we had to sacrafice watching the girls semi finals, we still had a good day. But other then that, nothing to exciting has happened. Well excpet that Micheal and I have a double date tonight! We are going to go play Aqua golf, whatever that is. Pretty stoked.

Hope all is well

Aj

B final

Today was the B final for the K1 men who did not make it to semi's. Toally killed it. I ended up placing 31st (not such a strong placing) But it was not about the placing today. I paddled probably the best race I ever had because I felt good about it afterwards and I did not put any pressure on myself. It was great fun. We only got one run but that was alright. Props to Micheal Tayler for crushing it out and managing to grab 2nd. Just barley unable to hold 1st place and was beaten by .41 seconds. In the Semi's though David Ford managed to grab 6th place and move on to the finals while John Hasting's and Benhayward fought the good fight but were unable to make top ten, placing 14th and 34th respectivley. Jess Groeneveld and Thea Froeliche were the two Canadian Women to race in the Semi finals and Jess having a smoking run but unable to make top ten, she still was 16th place. Well done Jess. Thea on the other hand was having a decent run when just at the finish line and flipped over. The rule is is that your head must be above the water to cross the beam or it is an automatic disqualification. Poor Thea. There will be another race and she will kill it! Our C1 women did a great job as well. Haley Daniels unable to make it to the semi's is what the results say but I believe she did. But our other C1 women Katrina Van Wijk was able to grab 10th in the Semi's and then come back to surprise her competitors and stealing 8th from previous holder, New Zealands Louise Jull. Well done Canada. Not too bad I'd say. With some hard training and a can do attitude, we'll devastae the other countries and show em' what we are made of!

Proud to be Canadian,

Aj

Race Day

What a day. First international race and a not bad result either. I was hoping for top 50 but that was an unrealistic goal. I ended up 64th overall. I am not sure about what i placed within the juniors but Im guessing i was top 10. I am unsure how many juniors their were racing (hopefully more then 10 :p ) My first run was a total blow out. I came into the first up on the course and 50'd it and then screwed up in two more areas pretty badly but the rest I managed not to muck up to horribly. My second run I cleaned up the penalties and running tim and grab a spot in 64th on the second run. Pretty stoked about it. I didn't come to this race to win, I cam here to learn and do my best. It was obvious that my best wasn't to make it to semis or finals but to go and have some fun and rock the course in my own world. And i did that. So it was an all around decent day. Tomorrow there is this special invitational race that I guess I got invited to. Crazy.

To my favourite fans.

Aj

Race

Race day tomorrow. Gettin pretty pumped for it! Tomorrow is the Mens K1 qulaifications race and I'll need to make top 40 if I want to race in the semi's. Then for finals I'll need to make top 10. Theres about 85-90 competitiors in the mens k1 open class so I'm hoping I'll make at least top 50 but we'll see how it goes!

Hope everyones cheering! I'll do my best

Aj

Half day

Went for an hour LSD paddle today (Long Slow Distance) and the shoulder was ok for the first 45 minutes but then that was it. I got off the water and got some ice on the shoulder and it was fine within 15 minutes. We are goin to chill with some Koala's, Roo's, Emu's amnd many other sorts of animals at the Featherdale Wildlife Reserve. Pretty stoked. Its gonna be unreal.

Have a good one

Aj

Not a big Deal

"Close only counts with grenades and boozakas" This was said by Mike today to me. We were doing a technique session and I was unable to get a certain move and thats what he said. Then something clicked. Im not sure if it was just from an amount of frustration or if today was the day I came around the big bend in the learning curve. At the the top of the course for third runs I just told myself "Alright, Its all or nothin bud. Get your ass in gear" So I increased my normal pace a bit and it allowed to me get around things more. I was worried that by the bottom of the course I was going to be to tired to perfrom as well on the 4th run (and I was having a bit of difficulties with my shoulder yesterday". After the third run I was sitting on the conveyor belt feeling pretty proud of myself and I said to myself, faster. I really opened it up this run. Im talkin balls to the walls. I was paddleing like a bat outta hell. I was givenr' the onion. I was kayaking. It was the greatest feeling. I was .01 seconds off of having the best time on one of the short courses. And I wasn't paddleing with girls either. I have not felt so good in a while. But with hardwork comes consequences. My shoulder hurts now. I have 11 hours until my next session though. Rest Ice Compression Elevation.

Aj

Ego's

The word "Ego" is a phsycoanalytic term used to describe one who thinks highly of themsevles and is always comparing oneself to others as too make oneself better.

I am totally sick and tired of living with, training with, and just being around people who have such large egos. I am not going to give any names out but these select few will have the nerve to go to a session, refuse to take the coaches advice and then be cranky because they couldn't get a move down. Whats the point of having a coach if you can't trust them If a move is to hard to do one way, find another way to get around it. I have only been training seriously for a year and a half and I understand this concept. I understand I am still at the learning stage and I can except the fact that sometimes I have to do moves like the girls do. I get over it every training session. Why is it so hard to except something and get over it. Its better to do a move made for beginners and get the gate rather then to take a 50. Race and train with your head not your balls.

On to a more positive note. Yesterday was great! We did not go to the zoo unfortuneatley but we saw the Opera house, explored downtown, had lunch then went to darling harbour. What a beautiful city! It is one of the only Downtowns I have ever been in that I did not feel dirty after walking around in it. Although, a lot of people do smoke around here but thats my only complaint. We have plans for wednesday afternoon because it is a half day and so is saturday then sunday is another day off. And even if we don't do anything, I have plenty more time with Michelle, Craig, Noah and Ruby.

Well enough typing for one day.

Have a good one

Aj

Day off

I love days off. Its the one morning of the week when you wake up at 6 am and realize, I don't need to be up right now but you wake up and watch a movie anyways. Its the one morning of the week where you can eat a huge breakfast and think, i will not throw this up later. Its the one morning of the week where you can, GO TO SYDNEY SEE SOME ROO'S GO HIT A MUSEUM MAYBE GO TO THE ZOO GO OUT FOR DINNER AND THEN COME BACK TO THE TRALIER PARK. Caps lock intended. Yes you read right, even though the weather isnt great we decided today would be the day to go do those things because it isnt scorching hot out for once in Australias history. Today shall be epic. I am fairly excited to hit the city and go galavant around. Well I gotta get ready hope everyones day kicks as much ass as mine does.

Aj

Good Day

It was a good day. Normal morning session but this bloody swiss guy kept cutting me off. Oh well, life will go on as we now it! Well with sunday being tomorrow we get the rest of the day off plus all day tomorrow! It'll be nice to rest up but the weather is going to be to crappy to do anything so it looks like it will be straight up r and r.

Hope all is well

Aj

Comments.

Keep the comments coming! It encourages me to keep up with posts. And they get me excited.

Not in the bad way of course.

Aj

Just and ordinary day

Today has been farely ordinary. Paddle int he morning paddleing in the afternoon then hittin the gym in the evening. Its at about plus 35 right now. Screaming hot! The course water isnt even cold because its resurculated it just heats up and has no chance to cool down. Oh well, better to be to hot then to cold I always say. Im gettin pretty brown already which is pretty badass I'd say :)

Hope home gets some sun...if not lots of snow so I can come home and get on the board one more time!

Your Favourite Kayaker

Aj

What a Day

Today. Plus 40. I got speared twice. Once in the stomach and once in the back. Thank god for life jackets, almost had a reacurance of an injury! And on top of that, Hemlut Oblinger gave me a death stare. He is a frightening man. Im pretty sure he threatened me in Czec that he would put me in a hospital or grave if I got in his way again when really it was my right of way and he was trying to be king shit. What a day.

Yours Truly

Aj

Thank God for Aloe Vera

Paddleing this morning sucked. Yeserday we went to the beach and being the smart guy I am, I managed to put sunscreen all over me except on my back. As I sit by the pool with a pound of Aloe Vera on, I reflect on the morning session and try to forget the amount of pain I went through putting on my paddleing top and lifejacket. Oh man was it ever painful! The beach yesterday was a great day! In the morning we hit the gym, then went for a long slow distance paddle then went to the beach. It was a great day! Paul and Ben rented surf boards, I grabbed a boogie board and was in the water for 3 hours straight and when i came onto the shore I realized that my back felt like a shake and baked chicken. Crispy. On a more positive note, we found a nice restaraunt and had some pizza then returned to our humble cottages and fell asleep. It was a good sleep but a bit painful. Because we all got so much sun and not enough shade, the entire group had a bit of struggle paddleing today. We managed to pull through though! I love this place to much. I am definatley going to live here before I die.

Hoping Canada isn't sucking to much!!

Aj

Finally

I made it! Australia is a great place! Boat, paddles, luggage, and me all arrived safely. It was a long journey but when it was accomplished it was well worth the time. The first two days the weather wasnt great but its plus 30 and sunny today! I had two great sessions yesterday, I was hearing things from Mike I had not heard ever. It was the first time that I felt that I had actually accomplished something with hard work. I feel faster, and stronger then I ever have before. The course is great, conveyor belt kicks ass, and I am with the coolest people in Canada. Its a great group, everyone is getting a long and its never a dull moment. The training slots are a little crazy. Yesterday during our evening session there was a total of 27 boats on the water. The most I had ever paddled with was 6-10 and the 27 boats was a small number. I was paddeling with Momenti, Walshe, Ford, and Lafai. Four of the worlds top paddlers. It was a little intimidating, but I was able to pull through and paddle extremely well. So far, so good! Hope Canada is not treating anyone to badly!!!!

Catch yeah later.

Aj

Australia!

Its time for Australia! Man am I ever pumped. For all of those just tuneing in on the blog, I'll throw a couple ovies on here and there and add new posts. Make sure to check everyday because i might put a movie on or some pictures! So amke sure to keep in touch! You can make a blogger account to add comments! If you are confused on how to do so just ask my mom cause she has one. I hope you all enjoy my writing! You can also add my skype! Adrian Cole. I don't twitter and I am not going to be on facebook.

Peace out Napoleon

Aj

2010

Hey everyone,

Well its 2010 and with a new decade comes new resolutions, dreams, goals, and of course new memories. Consequently the gym has been crazy busy! This happened the previous year as well. Silly new years resolutions, but of course everyone eventually forgets about that "I'm going to get fit this year and nothing is going to stop me." Although I do believe in supporting anyone no matter what, c'mon people. Getting fit is honestly not that difficult. Go to the gym every morning before work, and go for a jog! Then afterwards don't stuff your face with the local Tim Hortons or with a bowl of your favourite sugar blasted cereal. Also, just because Mcdonalds says their salads are healthy, doesn't mean they are. Any sort of calorie that is above 450 is not a good one. I know, this seems like a difficult way to live, but going grocery shopping and making yourself a healthy meal feels just as good as standing on the podium. Make a new years resolution like, "I'm going to eat healthier this year" or set a certain weight and lose it. Don't let yourself forget about this either! I can't be to rough to these people because I'm only just getting into a good habit of not eating out, and making healthier meals. Furthermore, if I'm and adolescent 17 year old living on his own, a 30 year "grown up" should be able to find some time to hit the wieght room, or running trails.

On to a more positive note!

I have my next max weights test this weekend and I am feeling pretty good about it. Well the weather is warming up and we have been doing some flatwater training! This is just getting me even more excited for my trip to down under!

Well I gotta go make fun of my friends who are writing a diploma right now!

Catch you later

Aj

If anyone reads this and feels offended, I am sorry, but as it is a blog I feel I have the right to speak my mind.... :)

Have a good one.