I'm back

Well, where to begin......
Following the U23  World Championships, I flew to Bremen, Germany, to visit my grandfather for one week. While there, I trained with the Runderclub HANSA von 1898 ( http://www.rchd1898.de/ ), and had the opportunity to row in their 8+ for a training session. Following this short excursion, I flew back into London, Ontario, pulled a batch of tests on the ergometer for RADAR submissions (RADAR is a standardized week of testing on the ergometer, which includes a 60 minute test rate capped at 22 strokes per minute, a 6km erg test, a 2km erg test, a one minute erg test, and two max power tests at testing drag factor and max drag factor). RADAR allows Rowing Canada to rank athletes across the country, and is an important factor in determining invites to training camps and carding etc. There is also an on water time trail following the erg tests, which is an important factor in determining boat moving ability. For those of you who row, you probably understand how physically taxing this procedure is, for those of you who don't.... just take my word for it. Ask almost any athlete familiar with the system, and you will probably hear groans or complaints. There is something about getting on that erg and pounding out one test after the other, which often breaks people.... if not mentally, then physically. Regardless of your opinion (or mine), RADAR and other erg testing is something that most rowers encounter in their rowing career, which is why it is important to maintain a neutral attitude towards them. You don't have to love 'em, but hating them isn't going to get you very far either.
Whoops, I am getting off topic. Now where were we, oh yes, RADAR in London.... I managed to set personal records on all my tests, some of which were very marginal. They were best times nonetheless, so I was pleased.
I flew home to the small town of  Smithers, BC (population ~6000) the very next day (after testing finished), and had three beautiful weeks at home, spending time with family and friends, hiking, biking, and occasionally going on runs. For more information on my hometown check out http://www.hellobc.com/smithers.aspx?gclid=CMHxtuiQrrICFYeDQgodoRUAXQ  or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smithers,_British_Columbia . It was an amazing three weeks off, and gave me ample time to recover and reflect on the summer/re-evaluate my goals and figure out fall training plans.
Fast forward to August 20: I flew back to Victoria BC, to prep for the coming school semester and start up fall training. I was happily re-united with the 1x, time trialed on the 25th, started the fourth year of my microbiology bachelors degree, and am back into full time training for NRC's (the Canadian National Rowing Championships). I am only taking three courses this fall, to help with time management and stress reduction...... as training 20+ hours a week while working on school can be quite challenging.
...and the journey continues.....