Hello from Munich!

This week, the American women joined a few of our heavyweight and lightweight men’s boats for a pre-Worlds training camp at the 1972 Munich Olympic Course. Rowing in Munich provides an excellent opportunity for us to overcome jet lag, acclimatize to the conditions, and prepare our game-faces for Slovenia. Aside from a few small boats from Chile, Japan, and Azerbaijan (as well as Munich’s recreational kayak-polo league!), we have the entire course to ourselves,  a true blessing when compared to the crowded conditions we’ll probably encounter on the Bled course!

We arrived Wednesday morning, and almost immediately headed down to the course to rig and row. Sunny skies, clear water, calm wind… perfect conditions for our initial post-airline workout! We took a hint from the sunbathers along the lake, and as soon as our practice was over, we all dove, cannonballed, or bellyflopped our way into the water. Glorious! (If it wasn’t for all the “Team USA” workout gear, we could’ve been just any random group of young people, enjoying a summer dip… all that was missing was the Ultimate Frisbee and the barbeque!)

Energized by our row, refreshed by our swim, and caffeinated by the handy-dandy espresso machine in the hotel lobby, we kept the worst of our jet lag at bay. By the next morning, we were ready and rarin’ to go!

When not rowing, we’re either eating, or napping, or preparing for the next practice. The Ibis Hotel has been more than accommodating--- many a concierge might run for cover when several dozen tall, muscular, and hungry athletes pile out from the minivans and make a beeline for the lunch buffet. However, the hotel staff has risen to the challenge, and no one bats an eyelash when the crazy American rowers eat their way through several bread baskets, or hang their clean laundry to dry out the windows, or camp out in the lobby to take advantage of the complimentary wi-fi.

We only have a few practices left in Germany, then we’re off to join the rest of Team USA in Bled. T-minus seven days until racing begins!!

Finally, a huge congrats to all the winners of Pan-Am Trials! Woohoo, you’re headed to Guadalajara! Good work!

P.S.  The 2012 Power & Grace Rowing Calendar is ALMOST READY! I’ve seen some of the photos, and believe me, it will be even *more amazing* than last year! We are soliciting corporate sponsorships this year; if you or any brand you know is interested in supporting our fundraising efforts, then please contact me! Go USA!