World Cup 2 - Duisburg, Germany

Just finished up World Cup 2 in Duisburg. Races this weekend were.... challenging. This world cup proved to be twice as big as the 1st World Cup. We saw many more of the international big names here. Times were generally a bit slow because of the cold water and usual headwind. Competition was fierce making it hard to advance in these races. I again raced the 1000m, 500m, 200m k1s. The experience I got from the races was priceless, but I'm most thankful for the spark these World Cups weeks have given me. I cant wait to get down to some serious training for the next few months as I get ready for World Champs in Milan, Italy (August).

World Cup 1 - Portugal

Just finished up World Cup 1 in Montemor-O-Velho, a nearly coastal town in Portugal covered in Castles and known for is 2km water-sport course. Race's this weekend were ok. It was the first international regatta of the season. So it's great to feel the pressure of international racing again, but man, there's a lot to learn and a huge ways to go. I'm stoked I found my way to the B-final in the 500m race. I need a little work in some of my other races. World cups results don't matter too too much. They're mostly just a chance for athletes to get some race experience early in the season. Some countries do use these as race off opportunities to select their national team athletes. For me it was about experience which meant I was entered into a good number of races- 1000m K1, 500m K1, 200m K1.

This is the first time I've raced sprint so close to the ocean- you can feel some of the coastal characteristics impacting the flatwater course. Like the wind. The wind would be calm in the morning. As the sun rises, a light onshore breeze would develop meaning a tailwind at the course. Throughout the day the wind would build and shift to an off shore breeze and side wind on the course. Watching the flags all day, you can see the wind growing and shifting the same way it would the day of a beach surfski race or something. It mirrors east coast USA conditions perfectly. All of this meant that the timing of your race and your lane assignment on this narrow man made channel could leave you with very different results. These were all factors we mentally thought out before each race. Just another cool part of being an outdoor water sport. This aint no gym treadmill workout.

It was really cool to see all of the international racers: some old friends, some new ones. There were like 25 countries at this regatta. This number is rumored to be doubled next week at World Cup 2 in Duisburg, Germany. It's all just part of the journey; adventuring throughout Europe!

Portugal

My training group and I just got to PORTUGAL this past weekend. We've been training the past few days at the Montebelo Aguieiro Nelo Training Center. This place is amazing! The water is beautiful, flat, and big. The climate is perfect: warm and sunny. The facilities are a bit tooo nice. There are a few other teams training here as well: China, Argentina, New Zealand, South Africa, etc. We have World Cup 1 this upcoming weekend at a venue about a half hour from here. I'm stoked to be racing the K1 1000m, 500m, and 200m. Should be quite a fun weekend! We have a great team USA here. I think we're creating the stereotype that all Americans are endlessly giggling and playing games. I guess there are worse things.

Nation Team Trials

After two weeks of training with the team in Oklahoma City, we finally got to do some races! This regatta was National team trials. Like usual in OKC, we had some serious wind for a lot of the races. 500m day had a pretty serious headwind which makes times slow, but I've always loved a good headwind. 200m day (race picture below) was a little bit calmer and sunny. I'm very proud of my team; everyone did quite well in all of their events. I raced all of the senior women's races. I got 3rd place in both singles distances- the 500m and the 200m. I'm very happy to say these results got me a spot on the World Cups Team! Now I'll race in Portugal the 2nd weekend of May, and Germany the 3rd weekend- representing my country: Merica. This summer will be really fun; full of European adventures, hard training, and races!

Painting for the USA Canoe/Kayak Auction

USA Canoe/Kayak is hosting an auction this Friday to raise money for the national team. I painted this for the event. I found a little time around my mid-day training naps :) This image was originally posted in a newspaper shortly after the 1984 Olympic team trials. In it is Jay Kearney, Jim Terrel, - and my own dad, Rod McLain, is the guy jumping the start on the left.

Driving out to Oklahoma City with the Team

We all drove out to Oklahoma in two cars. Had to play a few car games and make some fun pit stops along the way - like 'walking in Memphis.' It's great to have such an awesome team/family!

Getting Ready for National Team Trials

It's been a long winter of training. We just finished about a month of speed work to get us ready for the national team trials in Oklahoma City in a couple weeks. That will be the first big race of the season, and our results there will let each of us know what our summer will look like. From there we might be invited to big international competitions over the summer including World Cups, PanAmerican games, and World Championships. I'm excited for the season to start!