IM BACK!

The last few weeks haven’t been so great. I was set back further with my mild bone oedema and was highly restricted with training. I was at VIS twice a week doing physio again and I think for 4 days straight I had ice packs attached to my leg 24/7….someone must have been looking down on me because in the last week my recovery sky rocketed! And now not only do I have no pain, but I’m back into training and doing more than I have done in the last few months. I thought I might have lost some technical ability but the break has obviously been a good thing because I feel faster than I have ever felt before and just a strong, if not stronger! I think also watching training has motivated me to approach my sessions differently, my mind is now there 100% of the time and focused on kicking butt in January! I'll be back in Perth for this XMAS which is also GREAT, although I won't have a large amount of time to relax I will get to see my family in and out of training sessions.

Another week, Another session

This week was based on recovery and a good kick in during techincal sessions. I really felt great hitting things in again with passion,... it makes me treasure the time I have out on the matt especially in the recovery from bone oedema! Morning sessions in the gym, pool sessions, exam sessions, Sandra & Cam Sutton sessions were all on the menu so to speak. The best part was finishing my last exam of my psychology degree. What a relief!

Today, we finished another 'killer' aerobic workout with Tony. I was on the bike for most of it and came off looking like I had just jumped in the swimming pool and developed legs like that of a weight lifter - (no room between)...we really did work hard and to reward our bodies we headed down to Port Melbourne Beach for a swim. Despite the FREEZING water we managed to get about waste deep in. No one was brave enough to go under. I led the way out and I think as Ronnie put it "I led the way because I had the longest legs, thus although it seemed I was braver, it was only that I had more legs to cover."...or as Sandra put it "Cameron had the least fat content, thus stuck at the back shivering, whilst I led the way coz I was the "most covered".

3 weeks to go before the next comp! It is a selection for the Beyond Beijing Athlete Program in Olympic Weight Divisions.

First Day Back

Well we are finally back at training after a much deserved two week break! During the break, I studied for my FINAL exams, relaxed with friends, ate chocolate, and worked with the physiotherpists (Steve and Wendy) to help get me 100% for the upcoming comps. Now, its time for the serious work and I must say I'm really excited to be back on the matt.

Dr Amr (Head Coach), Daniel Trenton (Coach), Taeho Um (AC), Tony Hewitt (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Matthew Burgin and Lisa O'Keefe (Psychologists) and Ronnie Branca (Massage Therapist) are some of the team I will be involved with in taekwondo specific preparations. Today, we had our first strength session with Tony. Tony was invovled with our preps for last Olympics, so I'm extremely happy to see him back within the circle (I miss my abs of steel!!!!!!) and happy he's back to grind me into the ground, push me to do better, get me into tip top shape and of course, say it as it is.

The schedule has changed and we now train at 6.30 in the morning and 6.30 in the evening......I don't think I have ever woken up that early!!!! It's a mission and a half but i'm sure it'll all be worth it in the end! I'll be a lean, mean, fighting machine and if something went wrong, well.....I'll still use these frightening memories of waking up at 6.30 to power me through each fight!

My thoughts and warm wishes go out to my dear friend Kim's family and boyfriend Rob. Sadly, this week Kim lost her battle with cancer and passed away. Kim was an inspiration to all whom she came in contact with and I'm sure all whom will read her book she has written. She was a down to earth girl and someone who possesed so much fighting spirit that doesn't even compare to things we face on the matt. Rest in Peace Kim! MUAHHH! I'll remember you always. xxx

Reflecting on the Past and Looking Towards the Future

Jols

One Year On

Well it's now one year since the last Olympics and so much has happened since then that it is almost impossible for me to catch you up on all the moments, all the joy and all the heartache I've endured. However, a new journey is now beginning... not only do I now possess a fresh outlook on life but I also hold a new sense of happiness that can radiate from my very fingertips to the inside of your soul if you let it. As they say, sharing is caring and if its happiness or a laugh you are after, then look no further!!!! Experience the journey with me, let the good times keep rolling and the blonde moments ...well what can I say!

Towards 2008!