Tracy Cameron
COUNTDOWN TO THE
OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL RACE
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Tracy Cameron
The Anticipation June 24, 2011
It's hard to believe that seven months have passed since Lindsay and I took the World Champion title in New Zealand. Time marches forward and now we found ourselves blurry eyed and marginally feeble as we suffered through our first day of jetlag in the Netherlands. Despite feeling like we were rowing in la la land during the first row, it was remarkable how much we were able to rally up more strength & more stability as the day progressed.
Testing the Water
Luckily the Holland Beker Regatta doesn't start until Saturday, so we still have a couple of days to reset our biorhythms and get into the groove.
The races will begin on Saturday morning and as it stands (with the current number of entries) we will race five times over two days (given that we progress through to the final on each day). There is nothing like jumping in full throttle; having so many races in such a short period of time allows us to carry the lessons that we've learned from one race straight into the next with no delay. So often when racing on the International scene the time between races can seem like an eternity, which means the lessons that you've learned and wish to take forward cannot be tested immediately. All in all it means that this weekend will be a real opportunity for us to test our race plan and tweek it as we see fit prior to heading in to World Cup racing in Luzern.
So far there have been very few sightings of our competitors. I'm expecting that things will pick up on the scene tomorrow. The Holland Beker is an Internationally sanctioned regatta and the Canadian team had been invited and are staying (all expenses) courtesy of the Netherlands National Rowing Federation. We (along with all the other Internationals) are staying at the Hotel Schiphol A4 near the airport. We've now had three meals here and I simply must comment on the buffet....wow....thank gawd we are racing in the heavyweight division this weekend is all I have to say. The dish options are endless and the flavors are to be savored. Why? Salt. The sodium content in these dishes enhance and brighten, to a point where n average salad (let's say) turns into an inspiring work of art. As lightweights around race time we are very careful to keep our salt intake low so that we don't retain unnecessary water weight. So to be able to indulge in such salty dishes prior to racing is a pleasure for us. Oh, to be a heavyweight, such wishful thinking.
It's hard to believe that seven months have passed since Lindsay and I took the World Champion title in New Zealand. Time marches forward and now we found ourselves blurry eyed and marginally feeble as we suffered through our first day of jetlag in the Netherlands. Despite feeling like we were rowing in la la land during the first row, it was remarkable how much we were able to rally up more strength & more stability as the day progressed.
Testing the Water
Luckily the Holland Beker Regatta doesn't start until Saturday, so we still have a couple of days to reset our biorhythms and get into the groove.
The races will begin on Saturday morning and as it stands (with the current number of entries) we will race five times over two days (given that we progress through to the final on each day). There is nothing like jumping in full throttle; having so many races in such a short period of time allows us to carry the lessons that we've learned from one race straight into the next with no delay. So often when racing on the International scene the time between races can seem like an eternity, which means the lessons that you've learned and wish to take forward cannot be tested immediately. All in all it means that this weekend will be a real opportunity for us to test our race plan and tweek it as we see fit prior to heading in to World Cup racing in Luzern.
So far there have been very few sightings of our competitors. I'm expecting that things will pick up on the scene tomorrow. The Holland Beker is an Internationally sanctioned regatta and the Canadian team had been invited and are staying (all expenses) courtesy of the Netherlands National Rowing Federation. We (along with all the other Internationals) are staying at the Hotel Schiphol A4 near the airport. We've now had three meals here and I simply must comment on the buffet....wow....thank gawd we are racing in the heavyweight division this weekend is all I have to say. The dish options are endless and the flavors are to be savored. Why? Salt. The sodium content in these dishes enhance and brighten, to a point where n average salad (let's say) turns into an inspiring work of art. As lightweights around race time we are very careful to keep our salt intake low so that we don't retain unnecessary water weight. So to be able to indulge in such salty dishes prior to racing is a pleasure for us. Oh, to be a heavyweight, such wishful thinking.
Holland Beker Regatta Race Recap June 27, 2011
Day One: Day one of racing seemed like a complete haze. We faced our toughest competitors straight away. The British lightweights (and leaders in this years World Cup Circuit) also raced in the open double today. We knew going into the race that three boats would progress through to the afternoon final. We had a great start but as the race progressed things got messy. We lacked that crisp/sharp feeling of gripping the catch and really sending the boat with conviction. Steering and course corrections set us back as our reaction time to the crosswind was less than stellar. Great Britain and the second USA boat slipped out of our grasp, but it was good enough to get us into the next round.
The critical points of the race were discussed among Lindsay, Al, and myself so we were armed and ready with new focuses for the final. However, staying focused on the technique changes proved to be the easy part of the day; staying awake between races turned out to be the real challenge. There is a tennis club adjacent to the course, so in an effort to stay dry (it has been raining cats and dogs since we arrived) and warm I headed over to their restaurant for a little rest and recovery. I thought that a hot chocolate was the perfect remedy to perk up and increase my body temperature. While it did warm me up, it certainly did nothing to keep me awake. So I dove into my crossword puzzles hoping that the increased cognitive demand would renew my energy, but again the attempt was unsuccessful. Listening to music, lively pre-race music to be exact became my last ditch effort to bring life back into my body. To no avail, an afternoon nap was unavoidable. Shortly thereafter, I bounced back from the cap nap and Lindsay I hit the line flying in the final. Apparently, succumbing to the nap wasn't a bad idea after all. We raced and we had clear focus and sharp intension. We executed our plan as we'd discussed and we ended in a duel with the Brits. They nipped up in the end, but we were satisfied with our improvements.
Day Two: The clouds lifted and the sunshine appeared. The day started well, we had good momentum coming off of our final yesterday. I would argue that we executed our best race of the weekend. We rowed technically and tactically well; we were in control line to line. We won the heat and were once again pleased with our progress. Then everything went south. During the afternoon final the most comprehensive way to put it is “we lost our mojo”. There are several areas where we could highlight the contributing factors to our forth place finish. You could say, “well we just got off a plane and three days later were full on racing; jetlag may have played a part”, or one might say “we didn’t row the tailwind well enough”, or you could simply say “we were outraced”. We have not competed in either World Cup I or II and this was our first kick at the can. Race readiness comes from hitting the line as many times as you can and building from each experience. So if that’s the case, then that’s the direction we are heading.
This weekend we backed into the gates four times. So I figure we’ve had a good taste of the competition, we have a better idea of the areas that we need to target in practice, and we have to use these next two weeks in Italy as an opportunity to get faster. I know that we can rewrite the chapter in Lucerne. I am looking forward to the next two weeks, but right now I’ll admit I’m looking forward to a good meal and a good night sleep.
Day One: Day one of racing seemed like a complete haze. We faced our toughest competitors straight away. The British lightweights (and leaders in this years World Cup Circuit) also raced in the open double today. We knew going into the race that three boats would progress through to the afternoon final. We had a great start but as the race progressed things got messy. We lacked that crisp/sharp feeling of gripping the catch and really sending the boat with conviction. Steering and course corrections set us back as our reaction time to the crosswind was less than stellar. Great Britain and the second USA boat slipped out of our grasp, but it was good enough to get us into the next round.
The critical points of the race were discussed among Lindsay, Al, and myself so we were armed and ready with new focuses for the final. However, staying focused on the technique changes proved to be the easy part of the day; staying awake between races turned out to be the real challenge. There is a tennis club adjacent to the course, so in an effort to stay dry (it has been raining cats and dogs since we arrived) and warm I headed over to their restaurant for a little rest and recovery. I thought that a hot chocolate was the perfect remedy to perk up and increase my body temperature. While it did warm me up, it certainly did nothing to keep me awake. So I dove into my crossword puzzles hoping that the increased cognitive demand would renew my energy, but again the attempt was unsuccessful. Listening to music, lively pre-race music to be exact became my last ditch effort to bring life back into my body. To no avail, an afternoon nap was unavoidable. Shortly thereafter, I bounced back from the cap nap and Lindsay I hit the line flying in the final. Apparently, succumbing to the nap wasn't a bad idea after all. We raced and we had clear focus and sharp intension. We executed our plan as we'd discussed and we ended in a duel with the Brits. They nipped up in the end, but we were satisfied with our improvements.
Day Two: The clouds lifted and the sunshine appeared. The day started well, we had good momentum coming off of our final yesterday. I would argue that we executed our best race of the weekend. We rowed technically and tactically well; we were in control line to line. We won the heat and were once again pleased with our progress. Then everything went south. During the afternoon final the most comprehensive way to put it is “we lost our mojo”. There are several areas where we could highlight the contributing factors to our forth place finish. You could say, “well we just got off a plane and three days later were full on racing; jetlag may have played a part”, or one might say “we didn’t row the tailwind well enough”, or you could simply say “we were outraced”. We have not competed in either World Cup I or II and this was our first kick at the can. Race readiness comes from hitting the line as many times as you can and building from each experience. So if that’s the case, then that’s the direction we are heading.
This weekend we backed into the gates four times. So I figure we’ve had a good taste of the competition, we have a better idea of the areas that we need to target in practice, and we have to use these next two weeks in Italy as an opportunity to get faster. I know that we can rewrite the chapter in Lucerne. I am looking forward to the next two weeks, but right now I’ll admit I’m looking forward to a good meal and a good night sleep.
Viva Italia July
1st, 2011
The Arrival
Since the Holland Beker Regatta, the Canadian Women’s team plus Malcolm (our Cdn. Single sculler) have been calling Corgeno, Italy home. Stepping into new territory has given us the ability to push the refresh button and switch the focus from race mode to training mode. Our hotel is right at one end of the lake and our boathouse is at the other. So every morning at 6:30am, bright eyed and bushy tailed (or blurry eyed and silent- depending on the personalities in the crew) we make our way around the lake, giving us ample time to scope out the water conditions.
I must say that the heat and sunshine for our first two days were a welcome change to the rainy, cool conditions that we experienced for most of our time in the Netherlands. Another welcome sight, (to be read with a giant hand-raising, Halleluiah style voice in mind) flat water!! Honestly, I cannot remember the last time I saw flat water like we’ve experienced here already, perfect conditions. For Lindsay and I in particular this was exactly what the doctor ordered. We have been working really hard on a technique point that becomes exponentially easier to engrain when the wind factor is eliminated, in other words, gains can be made much faster at the moment (this may call for another halleluiah)!
The Tourist
For now it’s been business as usual and our next day off is not scheduled until Sunday. So little side adventures and excursions are on the back burner, but I have a feeling that a bike tour may be in the cards. In the meantime, I will play tourist in our own backyard here in the village. One of the highlights, as usual, has been the divinely delicious Italian cuisine. Only the freshest ingredients will do, only olive oil that melts in your mouth is placed on the table, only the sweetest balsamic vinegar can be used as a dressing. The Italians take pride in their food and are completely offended if your plate is not overflowing. So serving a lightweight is incomprehensive to them, they cannot understand why I am not eating the pasta (“momma mia- what is wrong with this girl”). On the other hand Malcolm is adored and from the chefs and wait staff he receives constant pats on the back, lots of smiles, and even two thumbs up when they see the amount of food that he polishes off in one seating. I take pleasure in seeing how happy it makes the kitchen staff when they see how much their food is being enjoyed.
The Arrival
Since the Holland Beker Regatta, the Canadian Women’s team plus Malcolm (our Cdn. Single sculler) have been calling Corgeno, Italy home. Stepping into new territory has given us the ability to push the refresh button and switch the focus from race mode to training mode. Our hotel is right at one end of the lake and our boathouse is at the other. So every morning at 6:30am, bright eyed and bushy tailed (or blurry eyed and silent- depending on the personalities in the crew) we make our way around the lake, giving us ample time to scope out the water conditions.
I must say that the heat and sunshine for our first two days were a welcome change to the rainy, cool conditions that we experienced for most of our time in the Netherlands. Another welcome sight, (to be read with a giant hand-raising, Halleluiah style voice in mind) flat water!! Honestly, I cannot remember the last time I saw flat water like we’ve experienced here already, perfect conditions. For Lindsay and I in particular this was exactly what the doctor ordered. We have been working really hard on a technique point that becomes exponentially easier to engrain when the wind factor is eliminated, in other words, gains can be made much faster at the moment (this may call for another halleluiah)!
The Tourist
For now it’s been business as usual and our next day off is not scheduled until Sunday. So little side adventures and excursions are on the back burner, but I have a feeling that a bike tour may be in the cards. In the meantime, I will play tourist in our own backyard here in the village. One of the highlights, as usual, has been the divinely delicious Italian cuisine. Only the freshest ingredients will do, only olive oil that melts in your mouth is placed on the table, only the sweetest balsamic vinegar can be used as a dressing. The Italians take pride in their food and are completely offended if your plate is not overflowing. So serving a lightweight is incomprehensive to them, they cannot understand why I am not eating the pasta (“momma mia- what is wrong with this girl”). On the other hand Malcolm is adored and from the chefs and wait staff he receives constant pats on the back, lots of smiles, and even two thumbs up when they see the amount of food that he polishes off in one seating. I take pleasure in seeing how happy it makes the kitchen staff when they see how much their food is being enjoyed.
Building Momentum July
9th, 2011
The Semi Finals
In the semi today you could feel the momentum building across the line. It’s a do or die situation for all crews; top three in each semi would advance to the final. So crews that get behind the lead boats will throw everything but the kitchen sink to snag that third place finish. Strong crews will try to establish the lead early and hold their position. So that’s exactly what we did. To quote one of my favorite rowing coaches (Milan Urimavic) from my humble beginnings at the Calgary Rowing Club, “get in front and stay in front and don’t shit pants”. Milan’s words of wisdom never get old for me!
The dye has been cast and the final line-up is in. Tomorrow at 11:27am in Lucerne SUI you will be able to watch the live feed of our race online. There you will see many of the usual suspects:
Today was one of those days where I can say in all honesty, I love my life, I love racing, and I am having so much fun!
And now it is time for a coffee break!
Outside of racing there’s been another bonus for me on this trip. For the first time my boyfriend Jarret is here and he has embraced the International Regatta scene. He is soaking up the experience and making oodles of friends on the sidelines. He’s actually converted many spectators (whose crews have been eliminated) and has built a posse who will be cheering for us tomorrow! It makes me smile J. So at the end of the day, when all is said and done, it has been absolutely fabulous to have him here. To be able to escape the World of Rowing (if only for an hour or two), sipping my Café mit Milch with my best friend has been a real treat!
The Semi Finals
In the semi today you could feel the momentum building across the line. It’s a do or die situation for all crews; top three in each semi would advance to the final. So crews that get behind the lead boats will throw everything but the kitchen sink to snag that third place finish. Strong crews will try to establish the lead early and hold their position. So that’s exactly what we did. To quote one of my favorite rowing coaches (Milan Urimavic) from my humble beginnings at the Calgary Rowing Club, “get in front and stay in front and don’t shit pants”. Milan’s words of wisdom never get old for me!
The dye has been cast and the final line-up is in. Tomorrow at 11:27am in Lucerne SUI you will be able to watch the live feed of our race online. There you will see many of the usual suspects:
- Lane 1- Italy
- Lane 2- Greece
- Lane 3- United States of America
- Lane 4- Canada
- Lane 5- Great Britain
- Lane 6- Australia
Today was one of those days where I can say in all honesty, I love my life, I love racing, and I am having so much fun!
And now it is time for a coffee break!
Outside of racing there’s been another bonus for me on this trip. For the first time my boyfriend Jarret is here and he has embraced the International Regatta scene. He is soaking up the experience and making oodles of friends on the sidelines. He’s actually converted many spectators (whose crews have been eliminated) and has built a posse who will be cheering for us tomorrow! It makes me smile J. So at the end of the day, when all is said and done, it has been absolutely fabulous to have him here. To be able to escape the World of Rowing (if only for an hour or two), sipping my Café mit Milch with my best friend has been a real treat!
Things are Heating up on the Rotsee! July 8th,2011
Racing action got underway in the beautiful Swiss Alps this morning. In our event there were four heats and only the winners of these heats would advance directly to the semi-final tomorrow. All others would head into the repachage slated to begin around 7:30 tonight. Based on this progression it’s clearly an advantage to win the heat so that your legs don’t have to take the abuse of racing twice in a day. Although winning was the outcome that we wanted to achieve, we had clearly defined tasks that we set out to accomplish as well.
We’d drawn a couple of much respected crews, USA2 and DEN are tough competitors, so we knew we’d need to stay edgy. At the end of the day we successfully accomplished our mission by winning our heat and posting the fastest time of the day by two seconds!
We are happy with our win, but our coach continues to remind us that today is only day one of a three day regatta. So tomorrow is a new day; a fresh start where the results of today are history. Now it is time to pick up the pen and attend to the business of preparing ourselves for the semis. The draw will not be released until after the repachage racing is over tonight…it may be after my bedtime before we know who we’ll be racing.
On that note, if you are keen you can find most details about the regatta and results on the World Rowing website at www.worldrowing.com.
Thanks for all your cheering!! Keep it up!
Tracy
These are a few of my favourite things
July
6th, 2011
Our training camp in Italy was excellent, we had our final row there on Monday before loading the boats on the trailer and heading to Switzerland. Before we are compared to the World’s best this coming weekend I have to say that I am really proud of the gains that Lindsay and I made at camp. Obviously we were disappointed in our racing in Amsterdam, but in my mind the true test of a champion is how you handle setbacks. You can either fall into a downward spiral of self-helplessness or you can take a deep breath and refocus. After a micro-pity-party (that may have lasted 10mins; while lactic acid was oozing through my body), we flipped the switch and made the camp a ground for refining and defining our skills and race strategies. That chapter is behind us now and we are really excited to see how it all shakes down.
As I mentioned we arrived in Lucerne on Tuesday. This will be my sixth time racing here and I can say with absolute certainty that this is my favourite course in the world. I experience such nostalgia here. It’s almost like I’ve come home. Julie Andrews voice chimes through my mind, “these are a few of my favourite things”… even though the Sound of Music was filmed in Austria it represents all of my feelings and emotions as I get set to race here in Lucerne.
So these are the “things” that make me happy:
Our training camp in Italy was excellent, we had our final row there on Monday before loading the boats on the trailer and heading to Switzerland. Before we are compared to the World’s best this coming weekend I have to say that I am really proud of the gains that Lindsay and I made at camp. Obviously we were disappointed in our racing in Amsterdam, but in my mind the true test of a champion is how you handle setbacks. You can either fall into a downward spiral of self-helplessness or you can take a deep breath and refocus. After a micro-pity-party (that may have lasted 10mins; while lactic acid was oozing through my body), we flipped the switch and made the camp a ground for refining and defining our skills and race strategies. That chapter is behind us now and we are really excited to see how it all shakes down.
As I mentioned we arrived in Lucerne on Tuesday. This will be my sixth time racing here and I can say with absolute certainty that this is my favourite course in the world. I experience such nostalgia here. It’s almost like I’ve come home. Julie Andrews voice chimes through my mind, “these are a few of my favourite things”… even though the Sound of Music was filmed in Austria it represents all of my feelings and emotions as I get set to race here in Lucerne.
So these are the “things” that make me happy:
- the protected emerald green waters that are tucked into the hillside.
- the swans that mingle among us with that display such power and grace
- the coming together and the comrade of all races, religions, genders, and abilities to compete for that top world ranking
- the fresh, clean, delicious food that is served at our wonderful Grand Hotel Europe
- the strength & confidence that my team (Lindsay and Al) and I have
- an afternoon stroll along the lakeside promenade to the historic covered bridge
- an caffe mit milch at the Heini where I can sit under the yellow umbrella and people watch
- butterflies that I get pre-race, the anticipation, and then the execution of the plan…oh my heart just flittered just thinking about it!
The Final Finale ( a.k.a. The Extremes )
July 9th,
2011
The Finals
So this morning when I woke at 6:00am the first order of business is the scale. How much weight did I sweat off through the night and more importantly how much do I need to sweat in the next few hours. Ya see, if Lindsay and I don’t average 57kg, we don’t get to race. So this whole weigh-in thing is kind of a big deal. I step on the scale, one eye open, head tilted sideways, trying to will the number…I see it and know what I need to do…I draw a hot bath and go to my imaginary spa. Today was different. As I was sweating I had time to contemplate the extremes that I get to experience in my life. For instance on race day in a two hour window of time, I know what it’s like to be really hungry, thirsty, hot, and weak…hit the fast forward button, post weigh-in I know what it feels like to be really full, water logged, cold and strong. After going through these extremes I face the World’s Best lightweight women’s scullers. For me it’s a true test of peak performance; who can handle these extremes best?
Today the answer to that question was Canada. Lindsay and I had a great race. We felt calm, strong, and in control. I want to describe it as being on a plane somewhere between reality and surreal. A place where you are watching things unfold when challenges from the other teams are mounting but it has no effect on our rhythm, our flow, our race plan. This state of flow is amazing and I wish that everyone on the planet could experience this. This is my challenge for you. Go out there, live it, experience something to the extreme. I can tell you for sure the rewards are truly great!
Thank you so much for living it with me. Now, where is that bottle of Cotes-du-Rhone 2008!
Also, below is an image from our win by Getty Images!
Cheers, Tracy
The Finals
So this morning when I woke at 6:00am the first order of business is the scale. How much weight did I sweat off through the night and more importantly how much do I need to sweat in the next few hours. Ya see, if Lindsay and I don’t average 57kg, we don’t get to race. So this whole weigh-in thing is kind of a big deal. I step on the scale, one eye open, head tilted sideways, trying to will the number…I see it and know what I need to do…I draw a hot bath and go to my imaginary spa. Today was different. As I was sweating I had time to contemplate the extremes that I get to experience in my life. For instance on race day in a two hour window of time, I know what it’s like to be really hungry, thirsty, hot, and weak…hit the fast forward button, post weigh-in I know what it feels like to be really full, water logged, cold and strong. After going through these extremes I face the World’s Best lightweight women’s scullers. For me it’s a true test of peak performance; who can handle these extremes best?
Today the answer to that question was Canada. Lindsay and I had a great race. We felt calm, strong, and in control. I want to describe it as being on a plane somewhere between reality and surreal. A place where you are watching things unfold when challenges from the other teams are mounting but it has no effect on our rhythm, our flow, our race plan. This state of flow is amazing and I wish that everyone on the planet could experience this. This is my challenge for you. Go out there, live it, experience something to the extreme. I can tell you for sure the rewards are truly great!
Thank you so much for living it with me. Now, where is that bottle of Cotes-du-Rhone 2008!
Also, below is an image from our win by Getty Images!
Cheers, Tracy