So as most of you know, just a few weeks ago I competed in Riverside, CA for UANA…. The last time I went to a UANA competition, I was….. 17?? Maybe? Hahaha, so it was very different than the last time I went 7 years ago, but it was pretty great nonetheless.
After a few weeks off, post World Series in July, we started training a new group of women from different clubs (Dollard Synchro, Quebec Excellence and Montreal Synchro) to prepare new routines (well, learn routines), prepare new duets and get everyone in great shape going into the competition. After a killer training camp with coaches Katie and Lillian, we were ready to go to California and have some fun!
There were some hiccups… like there are at most competitions…. it’s very rare to have the perfect scenario….VERY RARE. So of course, we battled through, made decisions on the spot like Pros and continued swimming.
I have to say…. California makes me feel blissful and relaxed. Almost like summer is swallowing you whole and telling you, “Lets take a vacation!” I don’t know why, maybe it’s the vibe of the people or just the heat, it made for an enjoyable experience. Though there were some crazy fires in the area, we stayed safe and I hope that things have started to clear up for the residence of Riverside as well!
In the end, we had some great swims and some not-so-great ones…. Like I said earlier, it doesn’t always go according to plan, but at least we battled through each situation, had some fun and made some memories with the people we love!
Naturally, we took some time off and while the pool at DDO was closed, we have been working in our own in gyms and pools to continue our National Team training before the start of the club season! As of two weeks ago, we were officially reunited with the lovely people at DDO! It feels so good to be back in a club and to be pushed every day by people that challenge you to be better!
Here’s to another great season!
Claudia Holzner 