Train Hard – Play Hard
July 26, 2012
I train 7 days a week for either Taekwon-Do, Javelin, Discus and/or Shot Put. With all this training it’s just as important to play hard too in order to keep some balance in my life. I am sooooo extremely lucky to have solid groups of friends that I absolutely love. Unfortunately one of these groups that means the world to me all live a couple hours away but when we get together it’s incredible.
I’m talking about my TKD friends in Montreal. Since we have trained, competed and travelled together for the past few years there’s a very special between us. We just understand each other and are a group of crazy people. I feel like I can completely be myself and not worry about anything. I love the fact that although TKD is the foundation of our friendship but we all support each other in all our other interests too. That is what makes it so exciting and interesting.
I just spent a week with a lot of them. The biggest highlight of my visit was when we all went to Magog to cheer on a couple of them who where competing in a Triathlon and an Olympic Duathlon. Steph and Vincent have been training really hard so it was great to be there to support them 
It was awesome and very inspiring to be in the environment of the triathlon. The level of fitness in these athletes is incredible.
Since we were all together for the day of the race we played volleyball, went swimming, had a BBQ and ate a whole lot of S’mors at our bonfire. It was perfect
Steph did so well on the weekend! I felt really lucky to be there to cheer her on this weekend because usually I just hear about it after so it was great to be there She has worked so hard.
It was awesome that Vincent decided to do a duathlon as well. We were all cheering him on – I would not have survived.
Of course we also wanted to take advantage of some taekwon-Do training so we did a little road trip to different dojangs. It’s always good to learn from different instructors and train with different people. It’s keeps it exciting. I love how we all know everyone in all the different schools from all over Quebec and Ontario. I am getting excited about gearing up for serious TKD training to prepare for a huge tournament in NY this September. It’s going to be a big challenge for me and I can’t wait!!!
I felt bad missing a couple track training practices while I was away so I squeezed in an amazing javelin training session early Friday morning before I took the bus to Montreal. I also took my throwing implements with me so I could still get in some discus and shot put throws between events since I had a Twilight Track Meet the same day that I go home.
Such an incredible week with all my favourite people and favourite sports all put together. I guess that is why my training is my playing Thanks everyone for giving me such a great time and it was especially nice to stay at Steph’s chalet where I got to meet so many of her Aunts, Uncles, cousins and other friends. They really made me feel welcomed.
2 Day Track and Field Meet
July 15, 2012
I registered myself to compete in the Ontario Athletics Track and Field meet this weekend. It was for Juniors and Seniors and I”m still a Youth so I just competed with the U19. I knew I wouldn’t have a chance competing against these experienced girls but I wanted to take advantage of getting some more competition experience. My practices go so well but I’m having some issues pulling it all together in Meets since you are only guaranteed three throws. That’s a lot of pressure compared to training when you can throw for hours until you feel good. It’s so hard to know how much to do in a warm up since you don’t want to risk getting tired or peaking at the wrong time. This will all come with experience.
Day 1 – Javelin: This was a huge disappointment for me! I didn’t throw well again. I was really upset especially after my great practice on Thursday. For the rest of the summer, I am going to train and enjoy throwing javelin without the pressure of big meets. I love javelin so for the Meets to go poorly the past little while, it’s tough. I really enjoyed watching the senior women throw! They were amazing. I hope one day that will be me
After everyone was gone I had to take a deep breath and really think about what had just happened and what I wanted to do. Its so hard when you want something so badly and you think you are doing everything right in training and then it just doesn’t pay off. I thought about what has worked for me in the past and what hasn’t. I am now even more determined to do some things differently. Results aren’t just going to be given to me, it’s going to take years and years of practice and training. I have been thinking a lot about all this. I have been beating myself up so much and for what? It’s my first year. So, I am done putting so much pressure on myself and I am just going to enjoy learning. It’s going to be a really long process with the throwing events and I am totally fine with that After talking to my coach and my training buddies we came up with a plan for the rest of the summer and I am really excited about it!
Day 2 – Today was a much better day and I felt so much more relaxed than yesterday. Again I was against women that were amazing but I was extremely proud of my Personal Best in Discus. It felt awesome. I am still just shy of the National Standard but I definitely see the improvement every time I throw. Since I didn’t make it into the top 8 I was only allowed three throws. I wish I could have thrown more. There were some incredible throwers who made the discus look like a little Frisbee
Then in Shot Put I had nice and consistent throws and made it in the top 8 so I was able to continue on with three more throws. I ended up 5th overall which pleased me. I was just shy of another P.B. I’m not sure why but Shot Put seems to be my strongest event of the three.
I was glad to end the Meet on a positive note and I’m looking forward to the rest of the summer. It was also a special Meet since there were several athletes competing who will be representing Canada at the upcoming Olympics this summer in London.
What Was I Thinking?
July 13, 2012
I haven’t written a blog in over a week even though so much has happened and to honest….I’ve been struggling with some emotions and frustrations but tonight things became crystal clear.
I had two track meets this week. I did O.K. in them and even had a couple personal bests but I think I had much higher expectations for myself this summer when it came to track. That is very hard for me to admit and accept. I think other people had higher expectations of me too which makes it even harder.
Those who know me well, know that I have to work really for my results. I always make huge goals and I believe you have to dream ‘BIG’ if you want things to happen.
It’s hard to say this without sounding vain but I’m used to getting the results I want in TKD. Now that I’m doing track I guess I expected to just jump in and get the same kind of results. Silly me – what was I thinking? I’ve been studying TKD almost everyday for 13 years so of course good things happen. I’ve put in the hard work, the endless hours of training and all the necessary sacrifices.
This is my first year with throwing events and I’m training with people who have been throwing for years. They are awesome to train with since it pushes me harder and it inspires me since I can see the possibilities. My throwing coaches have told me that it takes a certain amount of throws to tweak and perfect the techniques. That is something that just can’t be rushed. You have to put in the time.
Tonight I probably had the best javelin training session alone with Bill. I’ve had some time to train on my own over the last few weeks and he was really happy with what I’ve done. He was also able to make a few changes and once I did what he said, I’ve never thrown better. It was also nice to have a chance to express how I’m feeling. The last thing I want to do is disappoint a coach and I wanted to make sure he knew what was going on inside my head and how I was really feeling. Lately, it hasn’t been so great. It’s hard to keep optimistic and not discouraged. We both agreed I just need a bit more patience. I am going to try my best to stay strong psychologically because I love track, it’s just tough right now.
Then at discus I had another great training session. I finally got my Throwing Shoes and my rotations are smoother with them. Cory was able to make adjustments with my arm and all my throws were consistently further. I was having trouble this week so when he made the adjustment things felt so much better. Thanks Cory!!!
Then I headed out to the dojang and that is where everything came clear to me. I was so surprised to see some of my very favorite TKD people who were visiting.
Mrs. Julie Lauzon (Goneau) came to train with us. She has been an idol of mine for years. As I was growing up I always wanted to be able to do a side kick like her. Mr. Lim was there training with us too and he always pushes me to do my patterns better since I know he will give a critique. Ms. Jobin was there and I value every training session and time we have together before she gets married and moves to California. Mr. LeGrow was beaming having all his friends training together. It was a room full of ‘history’.
This ‘history’ is what has been missing in track for me. When I’m in the dojang I am soooo comfortable and in my element since it’s what I know best. I know everyone and they are all my second family. I guess I compare everything to TKD since it’s what I’ve done all my life. Track is still so new and I’ve never had this feeling before. I train to win and I hate to lose. I love the throwing events and I’ve realized that it’s o.k. to not always be the one on the podium at this point. I have to ‘do my time’ like I’ve done in TKD.
Travelling last week to Oshawa with the track team was awesome since it allowed us to get to know each other better and become friends. During practices it’s hard to get to know someone since everyone is focused on the training and there isn’t a whole lot of talking. Now that we know each other a bit better, and the practices are more fun too. I guess this is the start to creating a ‘history’ in track. I don’t want it to be just about the distances we throw but also the friendships and experiences we are starting to share. I’ve been focusing only the distances. The distances will eventually come but now I want to enjoy all aspects of the training. This is just the beginning. I expected to improve faster and be better, and it’s definitely a wake up call. Track is worth all the frustration, hard work, pain and time because eventually I will get to where I want to be. Patience is everything.
Mr. LeGrow, Ms. Jobin, Mrs. Lauzon (Goneau), Ms. Maduk, Mr. Lim
Getting Better But Still Not Good Enough
July 5, 2012
I competed in my first Twilight Track Meet tonight. They are held every Wednesday night at the Terry Fox Track. I still need to qualify for the National Standard in the Javelin and the Discus. I have already qualified for Shot Put.
Tonight was only for Javelin and I really had high hopes to throw 37metres. I increased my distance by over 4 metres from last weekend but I still didn’t make the standard. Although I’m happy by the increase I know I have to do better this weekend and the Legion Provincial Try-Outs.
I am so thankful that Bill stayed after the meet with me for more training. There was no way I was ready to leave the track without figuring some stuff out while it was still fresh in my mind! It was so weird….I threw much better when it was just the two of us out in the field. At least I know it’s possible Practice makes perfect!
I’ve also been going to the park to track during the day to some jumping drills and running sprints working on my leg strength and explosion. Hopefully all these extra little things will make a difference. I’m determined to reach my own personal goals and I’ll do whatever it takes
It was awesome throwing with the javelin crew. They are a fun group of people. I was the only young thrower tonight in my division but there were several very skilled adult throwers which is inspiring. On everyone’s last throw we all did the clapped to get the momentum going and it was a lot of fun. At that point no one had anything to lose so it was a nice way to end the meet.
Next Wednesday’s Meet I will throw the Shot Put and the Discus. Thanks for coming back from your cottage Bill for the Meet. I really appreciated it and I know the other throwers love your encouragment and guidance too
I love Mooney’s Bay
July 4, 2012
I had a great 3 hours training at the track on the holiday Monday. My first hour of javelin was exciting since it was the first time I was able to actually train with the new 500g weight. I borrowed one from my coaches friend and it was a big help. At first it felt very awkward but then I started to get the hang of it. I’m really hoping to increase my distance at this week’s Twilight Meet.
Then I continued with an hour of shot put and another hour of discuss. They are both getting consistently better so that is exciting. Darrin came back from Calgary with all kinds of new throwing techniques from Nationals which was cool.
It was fun to hear about all the results of the competitors who came back from Calgary.
After a very successful Olympic/Paralympic Trials, the Ottawa Lions are proud to announce that 11 athletes will be heading to London to represent Canada!
- Rachael Burrows – T34 200m
- Josh Cassidy – T54 Marathon
- Jason Dunkerley (guide Joshua Karanja) – T11 1500m
- Jon Dunkerley (guide Sean Young) – T11-13 4x100m
- Brandon King (guide Andrew Heffernan) – T11-13 4x100m
- Leah Robinson – T37 400m
- Curtis Thom – T54 400m/T53-54 4x400m
- Melissa Bishop – 800m
- Sultana Frizell – Hammer Throw
- Oluwasegun Makinde – 4x100m
- Oluseyi Smith – 4x100m
After a good workout I really enjoyed going down to the waterfront to go and meet my brother and his girlfriend who were kayaking. I got a chance to kayak a little bit and it was fun. I just love the atmospere down there. It’s beautiful at sunset. I could sit out there forever. It’s going to be an incredible summer!
TKD Demo for Canada Day
July 4, 2012
I felt proud when Trigger’s TKD invited me to join their demo team to do a demonstration on Canada Day. I train at Blackburn TKD under Mr. LeGrow but Ms. Trigger was a huge help to me when I was training for the last World Championships. She coached me in Power Breaking and allowed me to use her dojang for extra training on my own. Her dojang members were also extremely generous with donating items for my silent auction at my fundraiser.
Triggers TKD Demo Team
Saying the Student Oath
I was impressed with how many hours the entire demo team trained to prepare for the demo. We did two performances and each were about 30 minutes long. Hopefully some of the spectators liked it enough to join the school. Taekwon-Do has so many benefits to young kids and it’s something that you can do at any age in life. A lot of people like it since you don’t have to ‘make the team’ to be involved so it includes everyone. You get as much out of it as you put into it.
It was nice to see Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson again. We keep seeing each other at events and award ceremonies. He is such a busy man but so easy to talk to. He always takes the time for a little chat and I’m always surprised how he remembers things :)
Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson
I was asked to do a 3rd degree black belt pattern by myself. I also did some demo’s on different kicking techniques, step-sparring, sparring and another team pattern. The other students also did a lot of self-defense, board breaking and other patterns. We tried to represent all aspects of TKD.
3rd degree black belt pattern
Kicking techniques on the paddle
Kicking techniques on the shields
Team Pattern Demo
Step Sparring
Don’t worry, we didn’t do full contact sparring in our demo the way Black Belts do in real tournaments
