Well here I am again, back in Parry Sound. This time two weeks ago I was on my way from the Okanagan to a race in Victoria, BC. Now here I am chilling in my hometown with my parents and getting some supply teaching in at my old high school.

I love seeing old friends and folks I grew up knowing while I'm home. Mind you people look a little different now than what I remember as everyone has seemed to grow up a little except me. I was in a gr. 9 class the other day where they had some of the old yearbooks kicking around, one of the kids was flipping through one and asked me if my first name was Leanne. I was a little miffed but said yeah. "Wow, you look exactly the same!" she said. The book then got passed around the room and they all agreed. Well, that yearbook was 1995-96 ... I was in grade 9!

I've been able to get out on the water with my former marathon canoeing coach and partner while I'm home. Nice to know that I'm definitely faster than what I used to be!

Which leads me to ..... OMG, I leave in like 10 days for the WORLDS! Trying not to freak out, wondering if I've done enough, wondering if there's anything more I can do, if I'm ready, etc. What I've done is done. I'm in better shape, stronger and faster than I've ever been so yeah, I'm way ahead of where I was for the Worlds in 2008. Is it going to be enough to get to the top of the podium? I'll just have to wait and see what happens on race day. You never know what the ladies from other countries are like, what the water conditions will do or who makes the least number of mistakes. Last I could find, there are at least 68 women registered in my event, Open Womens V1. Not sure how many teams are in the V6 but I'm confident that our CANADA I team is going to be a contender. We have all improved and are stronger than our Silver medal team in 2008. No matter what happens, it's going to be an Adventure!

I start out in Fiji, staying and paddling with locals as I acclimatize to the weather, the time change and get my insulin/basals adjusted to the major time change. I'll be getting to New Caledonia a few days before the majority of the rest of Team Canada, so will have time to explore the site and hopefully Helen and I will be able to con our way into a boat :) After the Worlds, I'm heading over to Sydney Australia. What I'll do with 10 days in Australia ... well, that's still up for debate. I have a couple options but you never know what may come up when I meet the Aussie paddlers at Worlds.

I'm hoping that I'll have internet access while I'm away so that I can update this page fairly frequently and post as many pictures and videos as I can. So ... stay tuned ... the excitment is just beginning!

For now I'm off to the gym, then interview at Moose FM (local radio station) then lunch and hitting the water later this afternoon.

"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character." -- T. Alan Armstrong

I couldn't do all this with out the help of some key folks. Be sure to check out their links on my Sponsors page!

• Animas Canada has been my major sponsor for the past year and I look forward to the years to come as part of the Animas family.
• Dr. Sarah and Dr. Travis at Health in Hand Family Chiropractic in West Kelowna are helping to keep me aligned and healthy.
• Dr. Garvey helped me realize just how important "whole" health is and put a smile on my face every day I went to see him in Mississauga.
• Alex and the folks at Georgian Bay Fitness were always encouraging and supportive in the gym while I was back home. I look forward to training there again while I'm home in April!
• Ellen Koennecke has increase my flexibility and my core strength more than I could have ever imagined with her yoga classes. I sleep so much better after spending some time in her class.
• Sandra Mowat is one of my best friends and THE best massage therapist I've ever had. She rips me apart then helps put me back together. She is also my training partner in the gym, no matter how tired I am, she's always there to kick my butt.
• Diabetes Exercise and Sport Association for their support and encouragement.

You may not know this but all my expenses/costs/fees come out of my own pocket. I DO NOT receive any funding from the government as an athlete representing Canada. I am actively seeking assistance with my training and competition expenses. If you or your company are interested in becoming a sponsor or supporter for Leanne’s quest to become the fastest woman in the World then please don’t hesitate to contact her here for a sponsorship package and information on what she can offer in return for your support.

Old Posts ...

March:

• March 9th - Oh the Joys of Temp Basal Rates
• March 8th - Settled in and Training Hard

February:

• February 22nd

January:

• January 18th
• January 1st

December:

• December 24 - Merry Christmas ...

November:

• November 18th - The Greece Story
• For Wai Nui Year End Video Click here! (right click save target as to download file)
• November 14th

Older:

• See the Archives Page