For the past 4 months, Ryan and I have been training with our school's dragon boat team, the Flying Canucks. It was a new experience for both of us, and it certainly took some getting used to. With 18-20 people to a boat and two to a row, you choose a side and paddle only that side. If you've ever canoed...it's nothing like that motion. It's totally awkward at first, but I can now say that the right side of my lower back is super strong! Don't ask me to twist left.
Once or twice a week we ran, walked, ran-walked, sauntered, moseyed, or bused down to the water for training. Admittedly, I considered skipping practice a couple times, but after a few choice words from our coach directed at potential flakes I fully committed. Being part of this team was good for our tired selves. For just a few hours a week, we were forced to stop working and be outside, get some exercise, and breathe fresh-ish air. And although we had some cold, wet practices, we also had many days of clear blue skies and warm temperatures.
Working hard!*
Listening to our fearless leader.
Running from school to practice.
And here I am, not far behind Ryan.
Gorgeous!
All of our hard work was leading up to the Stanley Races on Dragon Boat Festival Day. Yes, there is an entire day dedicated to dragon boating! Let me recap the day for you: stand around, race, stand around, stand around, stand around, race, stand around, stand around, stand around, race. There is certainly a lot of down time for basically 3 total minutes of exercise, but yesterday we were rewarded for our efforts with the Gold Plate of the Stanley Races!
Whoa, don't get too excited. We were basically the best team in the middle third of all teams entered. And maybe so many teams get awards that you feel like it's Elementary School Sports Day (everyone's a winner!) or a Grade 8 "Graduation" (everyone gets promoted!), but I'll take it!
Here is a video of the Flying Canucks' final race, where we are victorious! Ryan is on your right, in the back of the boat. I was filming.
The crowds at the races. Did you know there are a lot people in Asia?
It was panda-monium!
Victory!
Receiving our trophy on the podium.
And gloating just a little.
And below? Our proudest achievements this year....Flying Canucks rookie awards!
* Many thanks to Rob A. and Stephan for some of the pics on this post.
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