Training hard without breaking

The regulars at the gym have been taking notice of our workouts of late. 

"Wow, you girls are really hitting it hard lately!"

"I love to see you two in here lifting every day."

"So I hear you had a really great summer. What's next?"

Ahhh...  I could fall asleep in here
(not recommended!)

What's next indeed? Hopefully representing the USA in Hungary come summer that's what. And making sure we hold onto our spots with our Montreal team - because nothing is a given. Five new girls are trying out - and coach is going to be making some cuts in the next few weeks already. Why? There's no way to keep 28-30 of us on the roster: we don't all fit in the paddling tank and we have to switch out constantly - which makes it tough when coach is trying to put us through an endurance, multiple-set workout. Don't get me wrong - we manage, but it's not ideal. For us or for our coach. Neither do we fit into our circuit room. Especially when we're benching with regulation-size bars. One of those in the thigh or head is not pleasant! And when you're doubled over in pain trying to suck in all the air you can - but it's all sweaty, hot, polluted air.. well, you tend to keel over ;-)

So anyway, back to the story. We've upped our game already, this early in winter training - simply because we have to. We have to hold onto our seats. We have our first fit test Thanksgiving weekend. We are going to be competing against women from across the country for the US national team next spring. And after a really welcome almost 2-month break (from paddling, not training!) - we're re-energized and ready to go.

We have a new, 2nd assistant coach who is already not hesitating to kick our butts. He did that this morning, and then coach P alleviated all the pain Coach Y inflicted upon us with stretches that made us scream and squeal ... After a hot shower all I wanted was a looong nap. Til at least Tuesday. But I can't, because tomorrow G and I have a date to go get some wet heat therapy... splishy fun in the hot tub followed by languid stretching in the sauna. Heaven! And not just fun - but important. So we can keep coming back and working hard... [and getting noticed.. yeah, we sorta dig that :) ]