Flew into Nadi on last Thursday night (Fiji time that is, would have been Wednesday night back home). We've finally figured out that it's a 16hr change to Ontario and 19hr change to BC. So right now it's noon here in Nadi on Thursday meaning it's 8pm Wednesday in Ontario and 5pm Wednesday in BC.

Anyways, I was picked up at the airport by Stanley Ooms (great name btw), he recognized me and my paddle bag right away. I crashed pretty quick that night! The next day I headed to Suva with him and his family for a sprint regatta on Saturday. He had already signed me up for the V1 races and slotted me into he's club's women's V6 crew since they were short a girl.

On race day I was there early so had some time to play around in the V1. The conditions were ideal for sprinting, perfectly calm and very little wind. It remained that way until about 5 minutes before the womens V1 when the wind kicked up significantly! So I got a good feel of what the crosswind is going to be like at Worlds in Noumea. First race was nerve wracking, not knowing where I stood relative to the other girls, plus crosswind, plus unfamiliar boats, plus HEAT! I got quite frustrated by the 250m mark as I was struggling with the steering and was on the right side the whole time. I tried to find a rhythm and slug it out to the finish ... 495m all on the right (got my first three strokes off the start on the left). It was like dragon boat all over again!

Reflected on what happened after the race and decided to be more aggressive with my steering and stick more to my race plan in the final. The final felt a lot better (hurt but felt faster). I increased the gap between myself and the field in the second half of the race and actually got to paddle some on the left. My time was about 2s slower than my heat but the wind was stronger and based on the differences in the mens times from their semis (same time as our heats) and their finals, I increased my speed significantly over my heat. So ... good morning. I race V6 500m and 1500m with the Nadi Bay women. It's interesting to hear other team's strategies and tactics. We won each of the races.

My week here in Nadi has been filled mostly with paddling and sleeping. I know it sounds like a waste of a vacation but my intent was not to be on vacation until May 30th. This is like a training camp, getting acclimatized to the heat (glad I did), to the time change and get quality paddling time in V1. I've done a bit of exploring. Met some of the Samoan rugby team that's here for a tournament. Hung out with an adorable 4.5mth old boy and learnt a lot about island life. Trust me, Fiji is not like you see on the brochures online! That's only the resorts, everyday life is much, much different!

Off to Nadi Town with Stan and Karel!

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

Old Posts ...

April:

• April 23rd - Home sweet Home

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