Just got back from a week in Jamaica. “No Problem!”, they like to say down there. Of course, they don’t read my blog in Jamaica, and therefore couldn’t possibly know how much it has sucked lately. But I know, and it’s a problem.
First thing to do is to catch up on the training log. After Alabama, I took a few days off to recover physically and reflect on the tournament. Losing to the USA in the final was disappointing, as is any loss, but as I watched the tape, I saw a lot of things we can improve on. We now have an opportunity to work on those things, and then test ourselves again next week in Georgia. The USA is in the same position. Even though they won, I’m sure they’re watching tape and looking for ways to play better. I know I saw a few, though I hope they’ll understand if I keep them to myself for the time being.
I’m always of two minds about these tune-up tournaments. On the one hand, we can think of them strictly as guideposts on the way to our final destination, which is hopefully a gold medal in Beijing. On the other hand, a win is a win right? We won the Roosevelt Cup something like six times in a row. When the Aussies ended that streak by beating us in ‘04, they broke out champagne and cigars. As you can imagine, not a few people rolled their eyes, and wondered what the big deal was. It was a Paralympic year after all, and the big prize was still up for grabs. I was one of those people. But looking back, I have no problem with it. For one thing, they played great and won a fantastic game that went down to the wire. But also, I realize that they did us a favour. I’m not talking about Athens, and how it gave us extra motivation. I mean that it helped me appreciate our Roosevelt streak. That accomplishment stands alone in my mind, apart from any other achievements, thanks in part to the slightly ridiculous sight (I had to say it) of the Aussies laughing and celebrating in a cloud of smoke.
I think we need more ridiculous sights like this. In fact, I’m calling out all countries. I want to see one next week. It’s just too bad the Aussies won’t be there.
Monday, June 23 – flight back to Vancouver
Tuesday June 24 – R and R
Wednesday June 25 – lifting – shooting with sprints 90 min
Thursday June 26 – shooting 2 hrs - ball hockey 90 min
Friday June 27 – shooting and chair skills with Jaimie and Bear at UBC 2 hrs
Saturday June 28 – jazz festival and shopping
Sunday June 29 – flight to Toronto – lifting
Monday June 30- lifting – flight to Montego Bay
Tuesday July 1 – pool 6 hours – beach 1 hr
Wednesday July 2 – it’s hazy
Thursday July 3 – a wedding (not mine)
Friday July 4 – ??
Saturday July 5 – lying under a tree 30 min
Sunday July 6 – watching Wimbledon final 6 hrs
