Toasting EDBF 2010

"We are hot and you are not: Prepare to be toasted!"

Despite all our original plans to be creative (wearing toasters and throwing toast at our loving crowd) we settled on a fairly common chant and song, and tried keep focused.  The latter not easy since the site for the Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival was buzzing.  Tents for teams, for sponsors, for food vendors, crowded along the shoreline.  Music played and those not paddling were making plenty of noise cheering. 

Our sponsors funded a tent where we could hide away our stuff and hang out.  We stretched and waited.  And waited... and finally paddled! 

Coach Blain told us that if we still had breath to cheer at the end, then we didn't work hard enough.  But there was definitely cheering when we made it through the semi-finals, into the finals, and in the end, (though not quite certain that we really did - we weren't supposed to be watching the other boats after all) winning our (beginner) division! 

Our rendition of "We Will Rock You" didn't help us in the "Team Cheer" competition, but they did award us real hardware for the paddling. 

We did better than I think any of would have though, and completely stoked, some Toasters are already emailing about celebrating our win, ordering some of those fancy paddles, and preparing for next year.  My plan is to rest a little - only 12 days to China!

More photos of the Toasters at the EDBF here.

(A big thanks to Paul for his support and for taking photos.)

The Row Goes On

We hid in the equipment trailer.  So much rain!  Half of us were actually wishing for lightning so that practice would be cancelled.  But instead, about 10 minutes later the storm completely cleared.

There were just enough of us to go into the water (with faster river speeds we need more people).  We quickly did some stretches on the wet grass and headed down to the docks. 

I was fine on the rocks.  But then one misstep onto mud and I almost came crashing down.  Thankfully a team member held me up. 

For the first time since starting dragon boating I was partnered up with Melanie and put right in the back.  I've never been further back than 4th bench before.  The strategy, Coach Blain told us, was to have heavier / powerhouse members near the back, so the front of the boat wasn't weighted down causing resistance.  Those with good timing are usually put up front too... hm... Was coach Blain trying to telling me something? 

We did a little bailing, and then we're off! 

About midway through practice it starts raining again.  And I'm more wet than if we had been doing some major splashing (as in the first few practices).  This time Steersman Joe really did aim us right under the waterfalls.

Time with the Buoys

It was dark and humid.  Lights flashed and I could hear footsteps.  And... I'm hit!  My vest shook, and my gun was disabled, so I ran to hide and regroup.  Whatever strategy I had when I entered the maze, I defnitely had to rethink.  The others had gone in packs, while I had stalked off on my own, seeing if I could mentally map the maze (I couldn't).  And so, whenever I encountered another group, it was mad firing, and often I'd be hit before I could make any damages... Is there then really "safety" in numbers?  I got up and continued my stalking, listening close for more footsteps.  More firing.  The round ended.  Girl Indigo was not last.

A drink of fresh, cool air greeted us when we left the maze.  My involvement was just a lucky chance: One of the kids for Kevin's birthday party didn't show up, leaving an extra space for me. It was my first time playing Laser Quest and it had been pretty intense and fun. 

The second time (after a drink break), deciding again not to go for a fruit or chocolate bar code name, Girl Indigo managed to even lead for a little while... but then sneaky snipers got her.  In the end, I was middle of the pack, but happy with my high hits-to-fired ratio. 

After such a work out, the kids were ravenous.  Theresa had gone to pick up pizza and cake and was ready for us.  We ate, Kevin opened presents, and then (full of sugar and idle) they started hitting each other with balloons - just in time for parents to take them away.  A birthday party success!  Alot of original work and worry like last year, but this time I managed to have fun too.  Hm... maybe I won't have to wait a whole year for more laser tag...

Next day: The sprint races!

Arriving at early, Toasters were ready to put in some solid volunteer hours.  We bailed out boats, set buoys in the water, and in general were on very good behaviour.  Now if only they had congentiality awards that day... Instead, we found out exactly how hard it is to race.  Distractions were everywhere, from people standing on the bridge with megaphones yelling directions, to the little discomforts of being wet or itchy from mosquitoes... Coach Blain kept telling us to focus, and reminded us of all the commands.  But it was hard - especially when we could see other boats overtaking us...

We only did two races.  In one we'd been saddled with a steersperson in training - who almost lead us into the rocks.  We came in last for both of them.  I guess if we'd won, we'd probably have stayed around to do more races, but as it was, we all headed off on our own to find some lunch. 

Drew, Devin, and I headed downtown, and after picking up some food, went over to Devin's.  It wasn't a surprise to find he lived in one of the new modern and chic condos, or that he'd had some kind of gourmet dish planned for the Toasters' potluck barbeque that night. 

Fresh figs (one of the key ingredients for the dish) had both me and Drew surprised.  I've never seen a fresh one for real (but apparently they were available at Costco), and Drew had never tasted one fresh or dried.  Devin convinced him to take the plunge.  He liked it. 

After a quick change, I felt infinitely better and a little more ready for the party. 

Music was playing and while Coach Blain worked on chicken skewers (turns out he was a chef at one point in Saskatchewan), Drew danced with Monica in the kitchen that was just large enough for swing. 

More people arrived and we moved the party outside. Except for those of the attached to the game console.  

There was lots of great food (Devin's poached figs with marscapone cheese was exotic, Maylene's margaritas were fun, and my first attempt at tagine turned out suprisingly well) - and we enjoyed the warm weather.  But Julie and I also had other plans that night: TA Tryouts!  I couldn't believe we still managed to dance being so tired and so full of food. 

It's weekends like these that make me think weekdays for are for recovering.  But of course, I'll take it - little nephews and summers don't last forever. 

Wet Wet Wet

It rained as we stretched, but there was no lightning so practice wasn't cancelled. 

It rained even more though while we're on the water.  Huge raindrops made big splashes in the river.  When it wasn't raining, it seemed every bridge we passed under dripped and drained on us (though this we could have blamed on Steersman Joe).  And of course, our thrashing ("paddling") didn't help. 

We kept at it though.  Coach Blain tried to inspire (distract) us by getting to stretch between drills, and then asking about our heros.  I can't believe I completely blanked out and didn't say Dr. Pisani.  O.k. I don't really know that much about her, but between her talk and book, she's certainly one inspiring woman I'd like to be more like. 

Anyway, Coach Blain had worked us hard.  There was no way I could maintain competition speed for more than 2 minutes (what it would likely take for a race) - especially if there were things like river water in the face. 

I climbed out of the boat dripping.  Drew laughed, saying it looked like I had wet my pants.  How could he even tell?  Everything was wet! 

Mental note: Next time bring a towel. 

The Kiss of the Dragon*

The rain stopped mid-day.  Yes, the Toasters' first practice was a go! 

After ample stretching, making sure we were well versed in water safety, and could properly hold a paddle, Coach Blain led us to the boats.  Wendy and Will, who had some experience, were placed in bench one, and the rest of us were shuffled around to balance out the boat.  We did drills upriver and while floating back down, Coach Blain would give advice on technique (and the reminder to stretch). 

The splashing I did and called "a stroke" was actually supposed to be made up of four parts: The catch, the pull, the snap (bringing elbow up), and then the reach / recover.  Certainly not easy stuff.  And definitely I will have to work for more strength and endurance. 

We all probably have to, since Coach Blain's keeps yelling: “Don’t be Delilah. Be Sampson!”  Um... o.k., but hopefully without the killing.  Anyway, I think that means he'll keep us. 

Ouch!  Need to stretch. 
* Per Coach Blain, a.k.a "That Pain in the Ass - from Dragon Boating"

Horton, That's Who!

The big day has come!  And it was a bright and sunny one.  Paul and I met up with Drew's Corporate Challenge dragon boating team (Horton), and row like crazy.  It was intense.  And a lot of fun. 

The team didn't win either of its two races, but since we were so pumped, we volunteered to join any boat that was looking for more people.  What an experience!  Our adopted team was amazingly good - the boat surged and I could feel it push me (oops, that means I was off-time).  Powerful.  

After that, we hung around a bit more and enjoyed the Corporate Challenge festivities and sunshine (from the shade).  Paul had his first twisty soft ice cream cone (chocolate and vanilla together!). 

The rest of the day we were tired and goofy.  To help our muscles recover, Paul prepared a special meaty meal. 

Summer Signs

It is gorgeous outside with plus 30 degrees, which means it's freezing in the office.  Leave work popscicle cold, and only start to thaw when the train arrives with a waft of warm air.  Thankfully, I have fully defrosted by the time Drew picks me up. 

I know nothing about dragon boating*, but he's recruited me for his Corporate Challenge team.  I had to think twice (and thrice) about taking part since I don't particularly like water and not that athletic... but I also feel it's part of my heritage and I should give it a try (shapelier arms would be an added benefit). 

Yesterday, at their company's training session, an EDBRC coach tried to whip me (and the rest of Drew's team) into shape. 

First: Safety.  Second: How to hold a paddle.  Third: Basic dragon boating commands. 

Drew's co-workers seemed rather blase about the whole thing, but they fulfill the required boat minimum of warm bodies.  And eventually, having satisfied the coach we were ready(-ish), we were allowed to get into a boat. 

I sat on the left (still convinced that I'm a lefty), and attempt the whole "kick off" technique that the coach talks about... except I can't quite reach the foothold to kick-off of (Drew laughed). 

It's muggy out on the water.  From our vantage we could see Dawson bridge covered (being fixed), and also... lightning.  Dang! 

We rushed back to the dock and the rest of the session was cancelled.  Seemed like a waste of all that sunscreen I slathered on and the extra clothes I packed (etc) for only 20 minutes on the water.  But safety first, and even with what we did I don't feel quite as clueless for race day. 

Oh, also, I got my first mosquito bite of season.  Next time, bring bug spray.

* Aside from the basic legend related to Qu Yuan.