Mission Accomplished ... for now!

• V6 Open Womens 1500m - GOLD
• V6 Open Womens 500m - GOLD
• V1 Open Womens 500m - BRONZE

I'm back in Canada now after spending the last couple weeks in Australia after the Worlds were over. I apologize that I haven't been able to update this site as I have not had access to the internet on my computer, I was relying on the kindness of others for internet access.

So a quick little recap. After my Bronze medal performance on the Friday of Worlds, the next focus was the V6 races. The masters women from Canada set the tone with a Gold performance in the 1000m. So when it came time shortly after that for Chelsey and I to jump in with four of those girls, we were pumped to say the least!

Right off the start we showed that we were in it to win it. We got a great jump off the line and were just a little ahead going in to the first turn. By the time we were out of the second turn there was no doubt, we were ahead and we weren't looking back. In the boat we were following the calls of Cheryl and Chelsey as they told us to pull away with every stroke, and that we did! We showed the world that the Canadians are a force to be reckoned with! We were 7 seconds ahead of second place Hawaii and 14 seconds ahead of third place Tahiti (who beat us in 2008).

A couple hours later it was time for the V6 500m. The masters didn't do as well as they had anticipated so Chelsey and I were determined to make those girls feel the power as soon as we got out there for our warmup. After winning the first gold, we were not ready to settle for anything less. We had a great start and gave it everything we had all the way through the line. We finished over a second ahead of former Champions Tahiti and Gold was ours again.

It felt so good to share that feeling with the team, we had all worked so hard since the Silvers in Sacramento and especially hard since the trials last October. Seeing the result of all OUR hardwork is indescribable and motivating.

But I must say, after waiting around for a few hours to get up on that podium, seeing the Canada flag go up as the anthem played was made even sweeter by the new Viper paddle I got along with the cheeseburger and bottle of wine that was waiting for me when I got back to my hotel room! (Thanks Casey, best roommate ever!)

A night of celebration followed with the closing ceremonies, each country performing a cultural number and then it was time to pack and move on.

From May 30th to June 10th I was in Australia. Spent time in Port Macquarie and Sydney. Got to pet a Koala and feed some kangaroos, crawl through the Jenolan Caves, gaze upon the beautiful Blue Mountains, ride the ferries all around Sydney Harbour, see the Opera House sails lit up with colours as part of the Vivid Festival, but most of all I got to meet a family with whom have been corresponding with my nana for many years and ensure that that connection will last for another generation.

Thank you so much to Stan, Loretta and Karel along with the Nadi Bay gang in Fiji. Paul and Marianne Pilon for a fantastic time in Port Macquarie. Suzanne, Andrew, Alex and Max for welcoming me into their family in Castle Hill.

Pictures of the last week of Australian Adventure should be up soon, but for now, I have to go race here in Parry Sound then head to Toronto for the JDRF Walk for a Cure Sunday!

Results site:
http://www.vaa2010.nc/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=63&Itemid=65

Paul Pilon's Blog (with vids and pics):
http://teamcanadanewcaledonia.blogspot.com/

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com
all my fb pics are accessible through here under photos if you're not on facebook.

"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." --- Christopher Robin, Pooh's Grand Adventure

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 me here for a sponsorship package and information on what she can offer in return for your support.

Old Posts ...

May:

• May 26th - The Journey to Day 3
• May 24th - Let the racing begin
• May 19th - In Noumea
• May 14th - Already been a week in Fiji
• May 6th - Chillin in Sydney

April:

• April 23rd - Home sweet Home

March:

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

Older:

• See the Archives Page