We’re all checked in, at the gate at Dulles and waiting to board our flight to Frankfurt.  This will be the last blog from the US until we return.  Thanks to all who helped us on our way - Sprint Selection Committee, USACK Staff and especially Mac Hickox, and most of all the great parents, coaches and club supporters who trained these fine young women and men to get them to this level. 

at Dulles waiting for team!

Packed and ready to go to Szeged.  Leave tonight at 10:00.  Into Dulles in the morning and meet team members as they arrive.  On to Szeged tomorrow.

Spent the last couple of days trying to get ahead a bit at work, communicating with parents of team members and staff, checking final travel plans, adjusting entries, finishing packing lists and looking at the race schedule.  Here's the link to the preliminary Olympic Hopes Regatta schedule:

Olympic Hopes Regatta Preliminary Schedule

Our training has gone pretty well, but the weather has been magnificent, which has brought out a lot of motorboat traffic, so the lake has been lumpy.

Had a nice chat with Mac and we discussed possible changes to the kayak men entries.  We reviewed some logistics and transportation ideas.  I also sent out a packing list for team members.  Great support from Manager Kristi Guay and Assistant Coach Alison Derrick.

Yesterday we sent out the hotel information so the team could have a look at where we’re staying.  Had a chat with Mac last night to help clear up some questions.  Today we finished getting everyone’s flight information and I e-mailed the entries to the team, parents and coaches.  Several parents had questions about entries and I responded to them by e-mail. 

We're getting ready for Olympic Hopes Regatta (OHR) in Szeged, Hungary.  The guys who were in the selection process at US National Championships did a mini taper for that race and are finishing up their second week of a 3 week anaerobic cycle.  We'll do our major taper for OHR starting on Thursday of this week.  Today is a recovery day after a hard anaerobic day yesterday.  Two water workouts and one weight workout are on the schedule.

As US Team Leader, I'm involved in the planning and execution of the US effort.  Mac Hickox, USA Canoe/Kayak National Development Director, has made most of the plans and Kristi Guay, Team Manager has been a great help in sorting through details.

I've had nice discussions with a couple of parents of team members and appreciate their input and support.

There is a possible travel glitch in that Lufthansa workers are staging disruptive strikes.  We are looking at alternatives once we get to Frankfurt - train and bus.

I continue to look forward to a great trip!