Annamay Pierse

What a hectic 6 weeks

2011-05-13T17:12:00.001-07:00

So I know it has been a while since I posted last but seriously I have almost been non stop go since the last post.
So here is an update on what went on......
Trials- Overall I was pretty happy with how trials went. My 200 was on the first day, which was a little bit weird, but nice to start with something good. The morning swim was so smooth and easy and actually a really good time for this time of the year, 2.24.1 it was just a little bit slower than I finished the year last Aug, and after everything I have been through the past few months I will take it. The final really was not as easy and fun as the morning swim..... First of all I had teammate Martha McCabe right there on my heels clearly looking to beat me, and I was not
in good enough shape to be head to head with someone and still be able to swim my own race. The last ten meters were deathly hard, but I managed to get to that wall and won with Martha right behind me having herself a great swim as well. The 100 was, well..... as it tends to be when I am not at the top of my game. I finished the final 5th (I think) and it was a better swim than my trials last summer, but unfortunately I will not be swimming it at World Champs. As unhappy as I was Joe my coach was ok with it and told me that perhaps this is the first sacrafice I am going to have to make to get the 200 to where I want it to be. My 50 was surprisingly good, I have to get it down about half a second so I can swim it at Worlds but I was happy with that finish. One of the surprising things that I did at trails was swim the 200 IM as a time trial, something I haven't swam since 2007. It was so much fun, went 2.15 which would have put me in a great spot for that final. Maybe next time I will get entered properly and race those girls for real.

So the week after trials was CRAZY!!! I moved into my new apartment which may I say is AWESOME!!!!!! I love it! Living on my own in a place that is all mine and I can make look however I want. It really is great. I was so lucky that my mammy came out from Edmonton to help me move, because let me tell you, that woman is a genius! I don't know how she does it, but I have never met anyone who can organize better than her. It was a bit overwhelming at times just how much stuff I had and how I was possibly going to fit it in everywhere, but she just got right too it and sorted everything out. The best part about my new condo has to be my walk in shoe, purses and dress closet! Yup that's right, I converted the den into a fashionistas dream room. The finishing touches still have to occur in there until it is perfect; I have to paint, and get a great big mirror and a better light, but other than that it is quite fantastic. My family was awesome at helping me put everything together, I can't imagine what it would have been like if I was doing this all by myself. I do NOT want to move again for a very long time, it is just way too much work. I mean it has been a month and I am still not finished everything that needs to be done. I guess there is no rush and I shouldn't exhaust myself with it all, I need to focus on training more than anything. I also need to somehow stop spending money on this move, wow my credit cards have been on FIRE!!! It really is all sorts of expensive to move, one of the other reasons why I do not want to do it again for a very long time.
My wall of the world with Vancouver, London, Beijing, New York and Paris time and 2 of my World record posters. As well as my living room.

So that was the move, after that, I had my very last University exam ever! Wooo hooo I am finally graduated, way to go me! haha It took a while but hey slow and steady wins the race right? Well that is what I will keep telling myself.

The day after my exam I flew out to Moncton NB for the Canadian Olympic Committee Hall of Fame dinner. It was an amazing weekend with 50 other Olympic athletes from across Canada and amazing people from Moncton and really all across this country. It was so much fun to see the friends that I don't get too see that often, and not only that but to get dressed to the nines and walk the red carpet with all of them.
A lady after my own heart with her Louboutins Lise Poirier

Apparently I am sort of a party animal and was leader and organizer in some of the great times that were had. A bunch of us went to laser tag on the Sat afternoon before the HOF rehersal, now I don't know if you can picture it, but Olympic athletes tend to be a bit competitive... and you put us together it was to the death!! I will say, I am HORRIBLE at laser tag, and the sneaky little short track speed skater boys were killing me non stop!

The gala was just incredible with Canadian heroes being inducted including swimming's own Curtis Myden. It really was an honor to be there and see one of my childhood heroes be inducted. Overall an amazing weekend, thanks so much to the COC for having all of us and putting on a great show, I cant wait until next years.

Continuing on.....
The next weekend, and it was the Pierse's take Vancouver.... Mamma, Papa and the baby came out for Easter leaving only my younger bro Conal at home to fend for himself. It was great to have everyone together and we did Easter dinner at my new apartment. It was yes, a little squishy but hey isn't that how you want the holidays? Smooshed between all of your family members??
On top of all the family time, Joe decided that he was going to go from 0 to 160 in a day. Training was ramped to the nines and really it was just ridiculous! I am still trying to recover two weeks later from the 2 weeks we did after our break from trials. I am getting seriously jacked (my arms are MASSIVE) and finally getting back into the shape that I need to be in to compete this summer at worlds. It really is nice to finally be healthy and able to train like I could before my disastrous 2010 year happened. I can see things getting better almost daily, and although I have some set backs things are generally moving in the right direction.

The first week of May the entire World Championship team met up in Phoenix for a week training camp. It was the first time we had done something like this before a meet, and it was really great. My swimming that week was just horrible, but everything else was really fun. We had some great team bonding, a silly hike up Camelback (I HATE heights and scaling parts of a mountain, not what I find fun. Had a few paralyzing moments, if it wasn't for some awesome team mates talking me through it I might still be stuck on that mountain.)
We flew home that Sat and I managed to get myself on the earlier flight from Calgary back to Van so I could attend one of my besties stagette party up in Whistler. It was a total surprise for her, she had no idea that I was going to be able to make it up on time. It was just amazing! We were channeling the 80's movie Girls Just Want to Have Fun, and that is exactly what we did. I was so glad that I could make it back and be part of her last celebration of singledom.
And here we are....... all caught up on my past few weeks. They have been jam packed, making sure I am getting enough rest has been a challenge, hence why the blog has suffered.
Last night I was fortunate enough to attend the Red Cross' Red Carpet Soiree, it was a fabulous fundraiser for the Red Cross and I got to get dressed up red carpet worthy. Of course I wore some fantastic shoes because... well that's what I do!
Heading down to Seattle tomorrow with my little sister Nunu to do some more shopping for the house, and meeee :)
Until next time, keep smiling

xox

Hello Blogging world.... again....

2011-03-28T15:26:00.001-07:00

Hello out there to those blog readers, especially my sister Grainne who for 2 years has relentlessly checked this blog with no updates, so I have promised her that I would get back on the blogging train, here I am, I'm back!

Hmmmm so what to write about? Well I guess not too much has changed with my day to day life, still swimming, still living in Vancouver, still a little crazy, you know all the fun things in life.
Actually today is the day that my mortgage all went through and I am officially a home owner in one of the most expensive cities in the world! Yay me! I move in next week and cannot be more excited for my creative juices to get flowing and make that place truly amazing and mine. I will post pictures once I have painted and decorated and let you all see what sort of skills I have, I will give you a little teaser and say that I am going to have a shoe closet!!!! Not entirely like the one SJP gets in Sex in the City, but it is going to be my own version and painted Louboutin Red. Why? Because that is the color of the most amazing shoes ever made!
Now that I have bought an apartment there is no way I will be buying anymore of those shoes for a very long time :-( Perhaps someone will love me enough and buy them for me..... haha

OK well anyways moving on..... I am currently in Victoria for World Championship trials. The meet starts Wed and first up is the 200 breast, it is weird, I don't think I have been at a meet where 200 breast is the first event up. I am a little nervous but that being said, I have pre-qualified in the 200 which means that a lot of the pressure is off and I just need to go out and have some fun. That should be pretty easy since I just love racing, and am swimming some great events, the 50, 100, & 200 Breast and...... the 200 IM!!! A race that I haven't swam in 4 years and am totally pumped for! It is always such a fun race to swim when tapered should be good!! We have some pretty speedy girls in Canada right now in that race, the plan is to be right in the mix of it.
Last year was such a disaster for me and I am really looking forward to redemption in 2011. This will be my first tapered meet since recovering from Dengue fever I really can't wait to see how it all goes.
Well..... this seems like it is a good enough post for my first time back, I don't want to bore you all to death with my blabbing on, but don't you worry I will be back later in the week to let you know how it is all going.

xox
Dream big
Annamay

Overwhelmed

2009-03-24T02:11:00.001-07:00

I should be sleeping right now but I can't shut my brain off enough to actually relax and get tired enough to sleep.
I am feeling rather overwhelmed and don't even know where to start. My room, my house, school, among others are in complete disarray and instead of an attempt to manage all of this I end up just sitting on my couch distracting myself from it with time wasting measures. It is truly amazing how much time one can waste on the computer and on television.
My house looks like it has been bulldozed,,, mostly because I have so much crap everywhere and no where to put it. I am not organized enough to have places to put my bills after I pay them or the countless number of silly things I keep thinking that one day I will need them or do something with; such as scrapbook. Lets be honest... you need way more patience than I have to do something such as scrap booking. And as things get worse and keep piling up I leave them, because it is easier to leave it than deal with it.
The past few weeks have been quite amazing, I will admit, however my poor organizational skills are leading to very poorly managed time. School,,,, while yes I usually do not put an exorbitant amount of work into, is getting nothing at all. This is not going to help me graduate by December!
I love all the messages people have been sending me, the support has been truly amazing!! I feel that I should respond and let them know how much it means to me, but there have honestly been so many that that in itself is overwhelming. So if I do not get to you soon, I do appreciate it more than you know, thank you!!!
I really just need someone like a clutter expert to de-clutter my life, set me up a time table, get me started,,,, I know I can be organized and clutter free, but need a good swift kick in the behind to get there.
I guess this is kind of like my swimming, if it wasn't for Jozsef turning my training upside down and inside out I never would be where I am today. Sooo,,,, what is needed then is an outside the pool Joszef to get me in order!! haha
The funny thing about all of this is that I am not overwhelmed in any part with my swim! I knew I could do it and had planned in my mind to go that fast since November maybe even earlier,, I can't wait to get back to training and have that structured constant daily routine in my life.
Well I guess I should try and sleep,,,, big day tomorrow! It's the Sport BC awards night, and I am a nominee for Female athlete of the year. I know I am not wining (I am up against Carol Huyng who won not only Canada's first medal in Beijing but a GOLD to boot!), but it is still pretty amazing to be one of the top 3. Plus my good friend Ryan Cochrane will be here as a male nomination!!
So until later...
Toodaloo
xox

I DID IT!!!!

2009-03-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a bit since I updated, and there is good reason!! Life has been a bit hectic after my swim on Saturday,,,, and the reason behind that is........... I BROKE THE WORLD RECORD!!!!!!!!
Yes that is correct, by .25 seconds. What an incredible feeling, to know that I am the best in the world.... not only the best this year but that there ever has been in the history of the 200 meter Breaststroke! This had been one of those times that when it had been made I remember telling my mom oh wow that is never going to be broken. Well lookie here!!! I did it!
Not only that but I won a car for doing it!
The crowd in Toronto was just nuts. Over the whole week I could feel the energy building as more and more people started to find out that this was a viable task for me and it was what I was gunning for. So when we finally got to Saturday, I am pretty sure the entire pool knew what was going on, and I had been asked by almost everyone there was I going to do it!
The day was pretty much just like any other day getting ready for a race, got up, ate breakfast, went to the pool to get ready to warm up. Felt great in pool when I got in for warm up, which is always nice. Everything was pretty normal, it was really just a race, that I knew I could swim fast in. My plan for the morning was just swim an easy relaxed race and make it into the finals. The heat before mine, fellow team mate and friend Haylee dropped a rocking fast time of 2.23! Oh man.... This meant I was going to have to put a bit more effort in haha! Well my morning swim was nice and controlled and 2.21 was the time. Not bad for an easy swim...
Warm down followed and then back to the hotel for lunch and a rest.
Waking up from my nap I knew something special was going to happen. I could just feel it!
Same routine, back at the pool, the only thing that was different was the buzz that was flying around the building. I was feeling a bit over stimulated when I got out of workout, so I went up to our chiropractor Ken and asked him to please calm me down. He had me do some breathing exercises and I was feeling much better. Next task was putting on my suit,,,,,, holy man are they ever tight! 20 mins later with the help of friend Janice I was in,,, and ready to go!
Waiting in the ready room was hectic, all I wanted to do was get out there and race. When the music started for us to walk out, the place went NUTS!!!!!!!! Seriously.... it was Nuts! I turned around to Haylee and just said holy cow! Everyone there was cheering to support me :) I felt like Phelps!
The race went well... I say well because I don't really remember all of it, and I was a little fast on the out and my last 50 ended up being a little slow. The crowd definitely pushed me to the wall in that last 50 and when I touched the wall...... EEEEEEEEEEEEEE I had done it! WOW!!! What a feeling! I had just done something no one else in world has ever done! My sister Hanna was in the race with me (which is totally cool) and my 2 other training partners Martha and Haylee.
I could see my dad in the stands going nuts, knowing that he was calling absolutely everyone he knew (including all the relatives in Ireland), my brother Michael was up there too, tons of friends, and all the Canadians who were screaming to help me to the record.
Two of my other sisters were at the side of the pool (Grainne and Fionnuala). I made Grainne cry!! haha which never happens... My coach Joszef, all the staff from SNC. It was awesome!
For the medal presentation I was presented with flowers, and a huge key for my new car, and a bottle of champagne to shower over the other competitors.
All in all, I have to say it was a pretty spectacular day. I could keep writing for probably ages going through every little detail, but I think my fingers might fall off. :)
So I will leave you with a link to my race on youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-GbxMDBvmw

Enjoy, it was a day I will remember forever!

Photos are from Scott Grant

Toodaloo
xox

Hells YA!!!

2009-03-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

Canadians are KICKING AS*!! That's right!! There has been some serious domination going down here in the T-dot. I think so far 15 plus Canadian records have gone down the drain, which is totally awesome.
Yesterday I had the 50 breast, went a best time 30.32, under the old Canadian record but,,, I was second,,,, Amanda Reason, a little (well not so little) 15 year old went super fast 29.96! Totally great for her, and great to see the younger generation of Canadians coming up to challenge us old geezers :)
Today was the 100 breast, had an easy and relaxed swim this morning, with a 1.06.9, pretty much just went in there to make the final and get ready for tonight. Felt quite fabulous in warm up, and was super excited to race. First up for the night was the men's 800 free; Ryan Cochrane had a dominating swim breaking his own CR by I think 9 more seconds.... what a CHAMP!!! Next up was the 100 free,,,, fellow teammate Brent Hayden had another world class swim, posting a blistering 46.27, knocking a second off the old record of Colin Russel.
Then it was me!!!! Race felt relaxed and in control, second 50 could have been a little bit more controlled and streamline but overall, touched the wall at 1.04.67!!!!! Wooo Hoo!!! That puts me FIRST in the world this year, and 3rd all time EVER!!!!!
Such a great set up for my 200 on Saturday. I am soooooooo excited to race!!!! (but pretty glad to have a day off tomorrow)
In some other swims, Tanya Hunks had a fabulous swim in her 400 IM breaking Joanne Malar's CR, and lil sista Hanna having quite the race as well going 4.37 best time by 3 seconds, a bronze medal and all in all just a fantastic swim for her!!!!
Well, time to try and get some sleep. Stay tuned for some more fabulous swimming from the Canadians!!!! (Check the results online at www.swimming.ca)
Toodaloo
xoxox

Recap

2009-03-10T19:05:00.000-07:00

Been a few days since I posted last... and quite the week it has been.
First off,,, thank goodness for light poles!
Last Thursday after dropping my sisters off from a lovely dinner together, I get home, am sitting on my couch and about 5 minutes later some drunk idiot decided to smash into the cars parked on the street outside my building!! I don't think I have ever heard something so loud, no screeching of breaks just a slam! crash! Instantly I ran outside to see what had happened. A poor girl sitting on the steps of our building, lucky to be alive was the first person I ran to and check to see if she was alright, thank goodness she was more in shock than anything.
One of the pictures I took on my phone of the truck that crashed into the parked ones didn't load so you will have to make believe it was there. As for the white truck you see below; it was parked where I almost always park my little car, smashed into the silver car in front of it, completely totaling the back of it and then swinging around on to the pavement. The drunk trunk had so much force and speed it caused the white truck to spin off the road; if there had not been the lamp pole there the truck would probably have had so much force it would have flown down the pavement right towards the living room of my condo. Thank goodness no one was hurt including the drunk idiot who crashed. Who by the way had open alcohol in his truck.
I really don't get drunk drivers,, seriously you are an idiot!! Not only do you put yourself in danger, but everyone around you. He had better not ever get his license back is all I have to say!
Above is the divet in the ground from the drunk truck flying up on the pavement.

On a different happier note,,,,,
I'm in Toronto for our spring national, woo hoo!!! Taper is in full force and I am feeling speedy :)
Racing starts tomorrow, can't wait to race!
As well, on Sunday night, Grainne and I went to a dinner at Jane Roos (Can Fund founder) for International Women's Day. It was such a wonderful inspiring evening. Jane had us dress in black and white and when we arrived she had a photographer there to do a photo shoot with all of us. Sooooooo much fun!!! Dinner was delicious, cooked by Jane's lovely husband Conrad, the table talk was incredibly inspiring; being at that table with 8 other wonderful accomplished strong women was quite something. Just when you think Jane Roos couldn't possibly be more amazing, she goes and throws a dinner like this bringing great people together, has a wonderful dinner planned and then on top of all that she makes you walk out of there feeling like you are so special, unique, incredible and make a difference in the lives of so many people.

This is just one of the photo's from that night, when I get more I will post them. :)
Well I will keep you all informed with my results this week! If you want to watch, there will be live streaming Internet feed from the Swim Canada site. www.swimming.ca
Bed time for me :)
Toodaloo
xox

2009-03-03T08:57:00.000-08:00

Here are my two races from the other weekend at CIS. I am in lane 4 the middle of the pool. Both were pretty great swims, so enjoy
xox

2009-02-28T17:09:00.000-08:00

Have another great week of training down, taper is well..... ummm I think on its way. I sure hope so!! I think the week after a meet is one of the hardest weeks ever, your body hurts soooo much, yet you have to do all the same training and swim just as fast if not faster than before, cause you are trying to get better!! So needless to say I have been a little bit on the tired side. I love when its 7pm on a Friday night and I am getting ready for bed already. Ahhh 12 hrs of sleep is truly glorious!
In some exciting news... It was announced on Tuesday that any swimmers who break a World Record at our up coming nationals win a car!!! How sweet is that? Not that there is anything wrong with my old car, but a sweet new 2010 Pontiac Wave,,, I wont say no to that! :)
I have been trying to get my swim from CIS to post on here, but am having a few technical difficulties... Hopefully next week it will be up.
Well that's about all I can think of for now. So I am going to post some pics, of a few random things nothing in particular!The hot springs in Greece, that everyone was covering themselves with this mud, seemed like a good idea at the time... It wasn't,,, we were stained orange for the rest of the day.
One of my favorite places Ever! I have decided, and one of the most beautiful. Oia Greece!
Lynda and I in Ios, at Harmony Grill!! So delicious and wonderful
Erica and I in Singapore, pre Beijing, glowing like the angels we are :)My ladies, Jo, Vix and Shawna out on a walk xox

Toodaloo
xox

Pancake day!!!

2009-02-24T18:34:00.000-08:00

Yummy yummy yummy pancake Tuesday today!! Probably one of my favorite days ever cause you get to eat pancakes for dinner. I mean ya you can do that whenever you want but you actually have to eat them today!!! This however means that I have to give something up tomorrow for lent.... This year my gal Sharon and I have decided that Shopping should be that thing.. This may be the hardest thing I will ever do, shopping is my love!! There are 2 exceptions that I am allowed to breech this pact, one... I have to find a bridesmaids dress for my darling Jo's wedding, and two... If I swim super fast in 3 weeks I am allowed to treat myself.
Yesterday I experienced probably one of the WORST days of my life. So I have this acid reflux problem, and my docs wanted to check out how bad things actually were. This meant that I had to have a tube shoved up my nose, and down my throat. Now apparently this isn't supposed to be that bad, the tube should slide smoothly and the numbing gel should make it not hurt too much, my nose decided to be the difficult one... The first tube he put in was one that was to measure how I swallowed, and see how my sphincters were functioning. Holy Crap not cool! The doc tried my left nostril first, and well the tube just didn't want to go, apparently there was not a big enough space for it to get through, so he proceeds to try the next side, which is even smaller so doesn't work either. Then he goes back to the first side; all the while saying well sometimes, not often but sometimes this does not work. SO I asked well what do you do if it doesn't fit, he responded we cant do the test, but then figures he just has to be a bit more forceful. Now I don't know if you have ever been punched in the nose, or had a nose job but Cheese Sauce... NOT FUN!! but I imagine that is what this felt like, someone was ramming something too big through my nasal passage and it hurt like hell. It didn't get better from there; the tube now had to go down my throat, all the while hitting your gag reflex, so now, not only does my nose hurt like hell, and my eyes watering like mad but you can now add to it cause I am heaving and barfing my guts out. I know know why they tell you not to eat before coming in. Finally the tube was in and the doc does the 5 min test with me swallowing little amounts of water with the tube at different positions in my esophagus. Hard part done.. The tube was then taken out (not easy either on my now broken feeling nose) and another one (a much thinner one) needing to be put in. This new tube was way smaller than the first, thank the Lord, and should have gone right in. NOPE, it was still quite large for my poor delicate nose. So more pain, and more gagging, but finally it was in. Now this new tube had to stay in for 24 hrs attached to a little machine that I had to record when I ate, slept had symptoms etc. Ugh, it wasn't too bad, more irritating than anything, but every now and again when I would swallow it would pull on my nose and send pain shooting through my head. Sleeping with it was too bad, I think I was so exhausted from the weekend I passed out relatively easy. The tube was slightly pulled out when I woke up, and I couldn't get it back in so just took it out myself. RELIEF! I still have a sore nose, but at least now they will know what is happening and can come up with a solution. :)
On the swimming front, taper is about to start!!! YAY!!!! I love taper, it means that slowly training is going to come down and I am going to swim like a rocket.
I will leave you with a pic that was in the Sun paper last week of me and 2 of my little sistas.
Toodaloo
xox

2 days down,,,, OH so Close!!!

2009-02-20T22:12:00.000-08:00

Well 2 days of the meet are finished, and wow are Canadians doing a hell of a job out here! First race of the meet started with my great friend Erica Morningstar capturing the Canadian record in the 200 free, followed up by fellow Olympian Collin Russel in the men's 200 free. What else was I supposed to do? All these friends of mine swimming so fast I just had to go in there and see what I could do. 100 breast was the event, I felt a bit slow on the out but went into the turn with some great speed and rocketed home with my fastest 2nd 50 split ever. A new best time by 1.1 seconds and a new Canadian record to boot!
The night got even more exciting from there, our T-Bird men had a PHENOMENAL race in their relay against the Calgary boys and WON!!! In another Canadian record time, it was such an awesome race, the boys put it all out there and deserve everything they got.
Some other great races of the night, Scott Dickens tied the Canadian record in the men's 100 br, lil sista Hanna won her 400 IM for the second year in a row and made FISU games this summer, and even litteler sis Grainne was quite the little rookie star and had a fabulous 100 bk moving up to 5th, and relay having the fastest split out of all 4 of us!
Day 2!
200 breast was on the menu for me today, went in this morning just had a relaxed easy swim to make it into the finals. The real business was tonight.
I have had some great training as of late so knew it was going to be a fast swim. Race went pretty much as planned, was right on world record (yes world record) pace after the first 100. The crowd was awesome cheering for me as I powered home in the last 100 trying to get as close to that time as possible. 2.18.59 was the final time, that is 86/100ths off Leisle Jones' world record time! When I get to taper over the next few weeks leading into Toronto, things should be GREAT! It definitely wasn't the perfect race, had a few slow turn, which is good to know, there are things I can fix to be faster down the road.
Maybe swimming this fast will finally get some sponsorships knocking on my door. :)
Grainne told me I should write a letter to Mr. Christian Louboutin and ask him for a sponsorship if I do break this record, haha she thinks that I should tell him I will walk out at worlds wearing his shoes!! I fully agree, I mean what better advertisement would you want than that?? So if anybody knows how to pass that on?? Let me know. :-)
Once again our men's relay was one of the swims of the night, it was a 3 way battle between us, Calgary and Toronto. Colin Russel for Toronto had one of the fastest relay splits ever in Canada to give them a commanding lead, but our boys fought until the end, with Duncan Furer having the swim of his life getting the TBirds in for their second relay win of the meet!
So far I think there have been 9 Canadian records broken here! What a meet for us Canadians!
Well, one more day to go, 3 events left for me. The 50 br, 200 IM and medley relay. I think it is time for bed, I am feeling a little pooped and it's a big day tomorrow.
Toodaloo
xoxox

It all begins here!

2009-02-18T21:49:00.000-08:00

Well we are on the eve of my last ever meet as a T-Bird! CIS starts tomorrow, wooo hooo!!!! First event on the menu is the 100 breast, I've had some pretty good 100's in the past few races, so I am pretty pumped to see how fast I can get it tomorrow.
My momma and dadda and sistas get in tomorrow to!! EEEeeeee that's the best part of this whole weekend, that and seeing my good friends who are here from around the country.
So good luck to all my T-Bird mates and to all the other swimmers out there. History is going to be made I think this weekend, Canadian records don't stand much of a chance. Just wait for it!
Till tomorrow
xox

2009-02-16T22:24:00.000-08:00

Back home, in good ol' Vancouver, the best place on earth :)
It was quite the long travel day, but felt awesome to finally get home, see my little sista, some friends and get back to the everyday regular home schedule.
Spent Valentines day with some girlfriends, with the typical chick flick, and junk food. Always good.
We had a girls team get together on Sunday to make posters for CIS this week, such artistic folk we are (haha) Sticking to the pool is better for most on the team :)
To finish off the weekend I went and saw the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic. Soooooo good!!! Almost a biopic of my life, but you know,,, haha it was hilarious, if you want a great laugh movie I suggest going to see this. At one point I was laughing so hard I almost fell out of my seat, and if I had to pee,,, well that would have been all sorts of bad news. It did however make me desperately want to go shopping and just spend like she does without conscience, the shoes alone ohhh especially one pair of Christian Louboutin's that I am pretty sure I would give a toe for. :) haha they are completely FABULOUS!!!! One day I will own shoes like this...
Oh they are what I dream about at night! haha What I wouldn't do for a pair of red soled Louboutin shoes.

Training this week is going to come down a little, definitely not a taper, but a few days rest is better than nothing. Racing will still be great! After all the hard training at camp there is bound to be some good results.
The other teams get here tomorrow, I think this will make things more exciting around the pool, and the meet starts Thursday.
Well until next time
toodaloo
xox

Done and Done!

2009-02-13T20:00:00.000-08:00

Well the Florida camp is finally over.... oh man, I am pretty sure I have been hit by a few trucks and then they have backed up and hit me again....
All in all it was a pretty great camp, the weather finally warmed up, as terrible as I felt in the water, I had some pretty kick as* sets. A few of them I am really not all that sure how in the good heavens I did it. One in particular I thought I was going to strait up die right there in the middle of the pool, and the only thing left to do at the end of it all was get out of the pool lie on the deck and cry! You know it's been something great when that happens. I have to say it really is quite the feeling to know that there was nothing else left in my body after that and I truly gave my everything.
I am pretty stoked to race next weekend and see how I do. We have the CIS university championships. My last ever race as a university student, and a T-Bird, pretty sad when you come to think of it. Although I have only been a bird for 3 years, it has been quite the experience. The lady birds are just awesome, and although we aren't going to come up with a 12th title, we will die trying and I am proud to be apart of it. (Calgary just has too many girls for us to compete with, I think they have 28 more races than us, and when it's all scored that is just too much to catch up, especially when they've got some pretty amazing girls who I know are going to have phenomenal races)
One good thing about being here has been staying on the beach, the hotel was a little sketchy but the beach was AWESOME! Us girls had a bit of a dance slash picture party so here are some lovely pics for you to enjoy.
Haylee and I
Sisters looking pretty oh so pretty
And Even prettier here... hee hee
The Breaststroke girls,, team tb
Look at our talents,,, so much more than swimming, and yes that is me the one having trouble getting both feet up..
Our new friend Bro, we wanted to steal and keep forever!
Toodaloo Florida! It's been a slice, and now I must go to bed cause a 3:15 am wakeup call is coming and that SUCKS!!!
xoxox

25 Random things about me

2009-02-11T05:47:00.000-08:00

This is a facebook post that is going around but its got some interesting stuff about me so here ya go....
Well for those of you who know me most of these things are not going to come as a surprise or anything new, I am perhaps a bit of a talker and sharer.

1. I love to talk; I love meeting people and can pretty much talk to anyone anywhere. Some people may think this is a bad thing but I love it, I love encountering new people, and talking to them.
2. I have never been shy a day in my life, and love being in front of people, I think I was born to be on stage
3. I absolutely LOVE to shop. Another thing I was born to do, and I think I am pretty good at it. I love finding a great deal, or an amazing buy.
4. On the above note,,, I HATE when people copy me,, it is one of my biggest pet peeves. My mom says I should be flattered but I love trying to be an individual so when I buy something kind of unique it really makes me mad when someone sees it and tells me oo that’s nice and then goes out and buys the same thing.
5. My friends and family are the most important people in my life, they are AMAZING!!
6. I have realized that life doesn’t always go to plan and can be pretty tough sometimes, but that being said I wouldn’t change my past at all, it has made me who I am today.
7. I hate school, always have. Love learning but hate when you are told what you need to know and studying
8. I do not apply myself when it comes to school, I squeak by and figure that is good enough
9. I know I am going to be successful in life because I am too driven and stubborn not to be. When I want to do something I pretty much never give up (this is sometimes not a good thing)
10. I am very disorganized, mostly because I procrastinate and somewhat because I am lazy.
11. I believe in fairytale love, it hasn’t happened yet but one day I know it will.
12. It had been my dream since I was 6 years old to make it to the Olympics, after 18 years it finally came true and was mind blowing.
13. My favorite moment of the Olympics was seeing my family after my 100 breast prelims and my dad was so excited he cried. This just showed me how much it meant not only to me but to my family after all I had been through
14. Swimming is my life, it takes priority over pretty much anything. I love being in the water and training, it makes me feel like home.
15. My goal is to get the tri-fecta that my coach talks about
16. I am a crier. I cry when I am happy, sad, mad, excited, or completely exhausted (kind of like today)
17. My dream job would be being either a movie star or fashion designer.
18. I not so secretly wish I were a singer; I am terrible this I know but it makes me happy and I sing all the time, everywhere no matter who hears me. (It’s a good thing I’m not shy) I love all types of music, especially country, and if I ever was a singer my dream would be to perform as Cossette in Les Miserables
19. I do not have the best eating habits, I love junk food and chocolate. I wish I didn’t have such a sweet tooth
20. I can be a very girly girl, and love the color pink, and wish I owned one of those amazing tutu’s prima ballerinas have.
21. When I grow up I want to live in either New York, Paris, Dublin or Vancouver.
22. I think traveling is one of the greatest things ever, and have been lucky enough to travel this world and have many the adventure.
23. I love Disney and kids movies. I think this comes from having so many little sisters, I always had an excuse to watch little kid movies Peter Pan is my favorite
24. I love reading a great book, I get so into them, and often laugh out loud or cry if necessary. I am also a very speedy ready
25. I should be studying for an English midterm that I am supposed to write tomorrow, but instead I am doing this….

Well hope you enjoyed
xox

I'm BACK!

2009-02-09T17:48:00.000-08:00

After a 2 month hiatus, and much begging from my beloved fans,,,, I am Back!
It’s been a while I know so with a quick recap this was the past 2 months....
Went to Vegas, had a phenomenal time (apart from the snow that showed up.. who knew it snowed there? that and the blisters that did such damage to my feet I still have the scars 2 months later)
Went to Canmore for Christmas.... Had some amazing family time, got spoilt rotten, ate some delicious food, trained a little (went to the pool one day and there were 3 Olympians training, how cool is that? myself, Zoe Hoskins-Light- rower, and Simon Whitfield- triathlete medalist)
Came back to Vancouver to more snow than they have had in oh maybe EVER!!! What the hey? I so did not move to Vancouver for snow,,,
Had training camp here in Vancouver, went alright, way better than last year, didn't end up with any injuries wooo hoooo
New Years,,, WOOP WOOP welcome to 2009, can't believe it is already 2009, 2008 flew by so fast, but wow what a year it was, absolutely amazing.
Classes started again, ugh,, but actually in some pretty interesting classes, including a children lit class that I get to read Harry Potter in. Who could ask for a better class.
Then life got a little bit boring, school, swim, eat, sleep, and repeat
24 started!!!! Oh I LOVE LOVE LOVE Jack Bauer and Tony Almeda!!! They are so bad ass, what an amazing show.
We had our Can West championships in Victoria, the T-Birds had a pretty awesome meet, but Calgary just has so many more swimmers than us, they out scored us by a mile. I was pretty impressed with how I swam there, both of my races were faster than my results from CIS last year, which at the time were both Canadian records, so pretty good times to start the year with.
We have had some death training lately, I swear the better I get the harder Joe gets with me. I know this is a good thing but it doesn't make it any easier. It does however get me pretty pumped for the season ahead.
The weekend after Can West we had the annual BC Sr champs, with a top prize of 2500$ for the top swimmer of the meet. Your best 2 swims prelims and finals were added up and averaged. I ended up winning by about .5 of a point. WOO HOO, I can pay the bills for another month. Gotta love being an athlete in Canada, money just flows in..... (cough*cough)
Since the beginning of February I have been down in Ft Lauderdale Florida training with our National center swimmers. Things are going well, apart from Florida being the coldest it has been in years.... (I think I have bad luck with weather this year) Feeling pretty dead, but I know it will be worth it in the end. We have our university national championships in a week and a half, I am pumped! I love CIS and this is my 5th and final year racing as a T-Bird, one of the best parts is it's on home turf and almost my whole family is going to be there and countless amounts of friends!!
Well I guess that is all for now, enjoy the recap and stay tuned for incoming posts
Toodaloo
xox

oops

2008-12-10T22:36:00.000-08:00

oh yes, and DJ helped decorate my fabulous cake.. and it wouldn't have been anything special without the decorations so props to him :) thanks
hee hee
Counting down the hours till Vegas, I don't know how I am going to pack, so many fabulous outfits, and shoes, I am so not a light packer, and four days oh man that is like 10 outfits.... ok well maybe not quite, but the tricky thing is you never know what you are going to feel like wearing. Such a dilemma haha, life must be good when the biggest thing you have to worry about is what clothes to pack for vacation...
Life is good right now, I get to go home in 10 days and see my family, most of them I have seen quite a bit lately but not my older brother :) and he is bringing his girlfriend Dannie home for the holiday, (and she is just fabulous) so we are all really excited. Plus Christmas is the best, we are wild and crazy and I love it.
Well back to the books
Toodaloo
xox

In the swim of things... Finally!

2008-12-09T21:47:00.000-08:00

Well I finally feel like this whole swimming thing is coming back to me. I have actually had some good workouts the past 2 days and not only good for me but good under Joszef standards. Last night we did this set, that last year totally BROKE me, and I mean broke me I was done for a few weeks after it but last night I dominated it and it was way easier than ever before.
5x200 long course breast pull with fins and paddles, they have to be under 2.30 and are on 3 mins. My times were, 2.27, 2.24, 2.24, 2.23, 2.22
then a bit more easy swimming and then all over again this time without paddles, and my times were, 2.24, 2.22, 2.22, 2.20, 2.16!
Pretty awesome to go that fast and not completely break from it, my stroke felt really long and smooth too, and my breathing actually was pretty good. I am discovering that if I breathe almost every second stroke and only out through my nose then I actually can breath. woo hoo!
Other than swimming, just been trying to study away for my exams. Have 2 left, one hard and one mediocre. Can not wait to be done cause on Monday... I am off to VEGAS eee hee hee. Just a little holiday with some friends, it is going to be awesome.
Well back to the books...
Toodaloo
xox
ps. had a fabulous Birthday weekend, with the best friends ever. My friend Susan made me quite the delicious and fabulous cake. (I am sure she would be up for hire if there was enough of an incentive)Some of my lovely friends celebrating my quarter day with me :)

Reached a Quarter

2008-12-05T16:56:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness! I can't believe that I am a quarter of a century today! Where has the time gone. I hope the next 75 will be just as amazing.
Thanks to all my friends and family for the birthday wishes
xox

Wisdom

2008-12-02T22:21:00.000-08:00

Had the past 2 days pretty much off swimming, had to get in today and splash around. Mainly it was time to recover from the weekend and get ready for the next block of training.
I've had a bit of a hard time dealing with some bad news the past couple days, but I think in times like this you really have to think about all the good things you have and cherish every moment in your life. My massive crazy family that I don't know what I would do without xox

I have two quotes up on my wall that really means a lot to me-
"Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away"
"Dream as though you will live forever, Live as though you will die tomorrow"
I have discovered in the past few years that the choices and decisions we make every day shape the way our lives are going to turn out, so why not try to have as many breath taking moments as possible. My advice,,, You never know what is going to happen tomorrow, so make today count, and never regret.
xox

Another great night!

2008-11-29T20:00:00.000-08:00

Tonight was almost as good as last night. Julia Smit just missed another world record in the 200 IM by 2 tenths of a second! WOW Pretty phenomenal swimming if you ask me. This girl is going to be someone to watch over the next 4 years.
And I went another best time in my 200 Br. 2.21.63. New Canadian record, best time by almost 2 full seconds. I am really pleased with this time, and can't wait to race later in the year when I feel at full capacity.
I have to say that I was inspired to swim this fast by a dear family friend who my mom says is the bravest person she has ever met. Aingeal, that was for you xoxox My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Well one more day, I've got the 50 br and the 100 IM, just a few fun sprint events :) I love ending the meet on the 50, there is no pressure and I can just go out there and give it my all.
So till tomorrow
xox
Toodaloo

What a Night!

2008-11-28T19:18:00.001-08:00

First night of the Canada Cup here in Toronto proved to be quite the experience!!! Julia Smit from Stanford smashed the WORLD RECORD! in the 400 IM!! WOW, she looked amazing from start to finish. It is quite something to swim that fast this early in the season, and here in Toronto where it really isn't the best pool. But hey, I guess all you need is a lane and some water. So well done to her!!
My race was not to bad either, raced Tara Kirk, the American record holder in the 100 BR. I always like racing people who are quite a bit faster than me, it gives me new goals and things to work towards. Ended up with a best time and therefore a new Canadian record, 106.23. Pretty happy with that all things considering, there were quite a few mistakes with the race, mostly the start and the turns. Now if I can get those fixed and get some real training under my belt this spring should be pretty awesome.
There were 4 Canadian records broken tonight!! And 2 more missed by under 1 tenth. WAY TO GO CANADA!!
I think everyone was pretty pumped after our awards night last night. It was soooo much fun MCing, I was seriously born to be on the stage. I am so comfortable up there, it is like second nature. They showed a great highlight video from the past year, and another one from the past 100 years of Canadian swimming (we are celebrating our 100 year anniversary). Ryan Cochrane was the guest speaker and did a wonderful job, his race from Beijing was truly inspiring. London 2012, I don't think the world is going to know what hit them when us Canadians come to town. They presented the Omega male and female swimmers of the year last night, Ryan Cochrane was the male and yours truly the female. It is nice to be rewarded for all the hard work I have put in over the past 2 years, we were both presented with Omega watches for the award.
Well bed time for me :)
200 breast tomorrow! Let's hope for some speedyness :)
toodaloo

Busy Week

2008-11-26T18:49:00.000-08:00

It has been quite the busy week, from papers due, to a mountain (and yes I mean mountain) of laundry, and packing, I can't believe it is Wednesday already.
Flew to Toronto today for the Canada Cup swim meet that will be held at the Etobicoke Olympian all weekend. Had to get up at the crack of dawn (ugh) 5am, to get to the airport for 5:50, luckily I have a pretty great roomie who didn't mind getting up and driving me there. xox
Should be a pretty speedy meet, the first real racing since the Olympics, I am pretty pumped. It is going to be awesome as well to see the teammates I haven't seen since we left Beijing 2 months ago wholy moley I mean 3 months,,, wow has time ever flown by. I am pretty much swimming the usual, 50, 100, 200 breaststroke, and the 100 IM (woo hoo I never get to branch out). There is some great competition here, Tara Kirk from Stanford will be a great race in the 50 and 100, her best times are pretty speedy, and she is just coming back from some great swims at the world cups so I look forward to that.
The Big Splash in on tomorrow night, this is our much much smaller version of the Americans Golden Goggle awards. But all in all a great time to celebrate what we achieved this past year. Over 30 Canadian records were broken last year, a feat that has not happened in well.. almost forever. It is really amazing to see how much better we are becoming as a swimming nation. I am very proud. Also.... I happen to be the MC for tomorrow nights processions,,, eeek, a little nervous, kinda,,, meh not really, this is what I do best :) Stand up in front of people and talk! haha!

We don't come to Toronto very often but I love when we do.. not so much because of the pool (it is actually a dump with no air!) but because I get to see one of my bestest friends in the world Nikki. We went to high school together and were pretty much forced to be friends because of our vice principal. See she was the new kid in school and a synchro swimmer, so he figured I was around the pool a lot, and so was she so we may as well give it a try. One embarrassing hockey game later,,, it was inevitable. Friends always. Man the adventures the two of us have gotten into I don't even think people would believe them. Lets just say, there will never be a Thanksgiving that goes by, or a Valentines day that I don't think of her.There is always an adventure to be had when Nikki is around!
Well, I will let ya all know how it goes in the days to come.
Toodaloo from Chilly Toronto

Week in Review

2008-11-23T20:37:00.000-08:00

Well it has been quite the busy week, hence the lack of updating.
On Monday went to a speed networking function put on by the Canadian Sports Center. Basically it was like speed dating but with business people from all over the city, to network, hopefully get some great contacts and in the future, when I become a real person,,, a job!
Then Wednesday I met Jane Roos, founder of the Canadian Athletes Now Fund. What an amazing woman she is, I was truly inspired, her journey over the past 11 years that the fund has been in place has been quite the adventure, with many many ups and downs but she has never given up her desire to help as many Canadian athletes as she can. Plus I got to hang out with some of my Olympic friends, and some new ones. I have mentioned this fund before, it is so awesome, they have helped almost 1000 Canadian athletes, and are working towards helping many more.
The best thing about this fund is that every person in Canada can help, there is no exclusivity to the fund. Jane wants every Canadian out there to feel like they have helped put our athletes on that international podium. The campaign before Beijing 8 for 08,08, was a huge success, donate just 8 dollars to help out an athlete. Unlike other charities or funds the money goes straight to the athlete and the person who donates is sent the name of the athlete they have just helped. So if anyone feels like donating, and you really should,,, I mean 8 dollars is all you have to give,,, that's skipping your Starbucks for 2 days, and instead helping out one of our athletes. Go check out the homepage
http://www.canadianathletesnow.ca/home/
Other than that, it's taper time! I am heading off to Toronto on Wednesday for Canada Cup. Where there should be some pretty speedy swimming that goes down. Not that I have had much to taper from, racing is going to be more of a mental game for me next weekend. I am going to have to be really tough and just give it everything I've got, and then some. I am actually really excited to get there, it will be a chance to see most of my teammates from the summer who I haven't seen since we left Beijing.
Practices have been mediocre, it seems to be that I have one really great workout, and then 2 bad ones. As stressful as that is I am trying to stay as positive as I can and use it as an opportunity to really work on my technique, and all the little things that will hopefully bring me to the next level, and I am getting RIPPED!!! Well at least working on it!
My appointment with the ENT is December 10th, a little bit of a wait, but hopefully they will be able to give me some solutions when I do finally get into seeing them.

Here are some pics from Wednesday night. Enjoy!
The group of people who came out to show their support for the Canadian Athletes Fund!

A list of the athletes helped in 2007/2008, pretty amazing if you ask me.
Jane Roos daughter and my new friend Ruby. She wants to be an Olympic athlete when she grows up.
Some UBC athletes, Anthony Wright (field hockey), Jake Wetzel (Olympic gold medalist-mens 8 Beijing, silver-mens 4 Athens), me, Marian Schole (field hockey), all recipients of fund in 2008.

Jake Wetzel with his 2 Olympic medals.
Trying to fit under a table to play with Ruby
Anthony, Jane Roos, Marian. What we would do without Jane?? I don't know...
All the fabulous photos were taken by Ron Sombilon, go check out his site, it's pretty cool.
www.ronsombilongallery.com

What a trip!

2008-11-18T21:12:00.001-08:00

Three Beautiful sisters! xox
Model posing,,, I look,,,, specialOur most fantastic chocolate cake... now I can eat, but we almost died trying to finish this...It came with gravy boats of chocolate and caramel sauce... Is there anything better? No I really do not think so!! YummyRealizing that I have been using the serving spoon, and the others are using measly little teaspoons hee heeWe were a little bit messy, or I should say Hanna was a little messy..The eventually finished plate, we pushed through and never gave up.
Pike place market.. Flying fishies, they threw one at me, what a rip! Not to worry though, it was fakeThe scary Monk fish that tried to attack me, we kissed and made up :)

Thanks to Seattle, my sisters and The Oceanaire restaurant extraordinaire for the wonderful weekend.

I'm in!!

2008-11-16T22:21:00.000-08:00

Back from a most fabulous weekend down south with my sisters. We shopped, we ate, we laughed so hard there may have been stares from strangers. All in all quite the weekend.
I am in a bit of shock though at how much money I managed to spend, ooops, but I guess it was all worth it, lots of great times were had. :) We conquered the most massive brownie mountain you have ever seen, almost didn't make it through, but we were troopers, and pulled through in the clutch. I am proud of us!
There was however one injury that happened, I was stepped on while looking at shoes, yup that's right.... Injury by Jimmy Choo! I mean if it had to happen at least it was by one fabulous pair of shoes, and also, I now know that if you are ever being attacked, a great pair of heels can have your back! Now all I need is that great pair of heels.
I saw a preview for the movie shopaholic, I think the director could have followed me around for an afternoon and no one would know the difference between that and the real movie.
Well, off to bed for me now, I will post some pics tomorrow.
Toodaloo

Roadtripping!!!!

2008-11-15T09:55:00.001-08:00

Me and ma sistas are off to Seattle for a little shopping roadtrip!!!! SOOOOOOOO exciting!!!
wooo hooo

Team TB

2008-11-14T12:09:00.000-08:00

Finally! I have had a few good workouts in the past 2 days, this not breathing thing really is not too fun when it comes to hard workouts and you basically are doing them without oxygen. But yesterday I pulled through and sucked it up and had a good one. Now when it comes to workouts with coach Joe a good workout does not just mean swimming through the whole workout, it means that you are kicking some serious butt!! And that is what I did last night! I thought I was going to barf for a good hour afterwards but it was sooooo worth it. I hate not being able to train at my full potential, and what sucks more is that there is really not much that I can do about it. I have some sort of vocal dysfunction, this means that my vocal cords are getting irritated for some reason and spasming and then closing. NOT FUN! I sound just awful when it starts to happen, and getting air both in and out becomes a challenge.
My little group that I train with consists of 4 amazing girls, TEAM TB! (The TB stands for tough Bi*%h) It's true, there are not many people who can handle the workouts and stuff that we do day in and day out. People have tried,,,, they come in planning on doing it for a week or two and crash and burn somewhere in the first week completely unable to handle it and go home with their tails between their legs. It is pretty awesome to know that what I am doing in training can out do many people in the swimming world. It is quite the mental boost when you hop up on those blocks to race.
I believe in honest training. Giving it your all and not giving up. Now this means that when you are not doing what you should you are going to get called out on it! And fair enough, but the thing is you have to make sure that when you do call someone out its has to be at the proper time and for the right reason. It is super annoying when you are doing a really hard set and someone is consistently behind by quite a bit because they aren't trying, and then on the last one all of a sudden they take off and beat you, you have worked your butt off the entire way and they get the glory of the last one. (We like to call this save it up Sammy) However, this accounts only for sets that matter.... and if you still beat the person on the last one well then ya it is still annoying but really don't worry about it. And do not start calling someone out on a set that isn't important.
My other little is here saying I have to say how fabulous she is... so hi Winnie, you are a fabulous dork! xox
Well thats all..
Today was brought to you by the letter G, the number 6 and my 3$TH crew
toodaloo

Adventures and Thanks

2008-11-13T11:10:00.000-08:00

Wooo Hooo.... Starbucks came out with their wonderful Christmas stuff today :) It is actually almost as exciting as real Christmas, so I am sitting here, writing this entry and sipping on an eggnog latte. YUMMY!
Being a professional athlete is not always the easiest. I love it, but the huge amount of time it consumes sometimes makes life difficult. I have never had enough time to have a "real" job, and as we all know the Canadian funding system is really not the greatest (unless you are a winter sport), therefore finding the funding and means to keep ones self afloat can be super difficult. Sometimes there are amazing funds out there formed just for the purpose of helping us athletes make it to the top. The Canadian Athletes Now fund is one of those funds. Jane Roos, the founder, since its inception in 1996 has given bursaries to so many Canadian athletes it is astounding. I was one of the fortunate athletes last year to receive her bursary, it made such a difference in my financial capabilities, for a while I did not have to worry at all how I was going to pay for my swimming. So to Jane and everyone at Canadian Athletes Now Fund THANK YOU!!!!!
This weekend the Canadian Athletes Now Fund is having a live telethon and auction on Shaw TV. Shaw is going to match the donations made by up to 500, 000$ WOW! That is 1 million for Canadian athletes!! I am linking a website so all of you can go and check out the fabulous auction items, or simply donate to this wonderful cause.
http://www.shaw.ca/en-ca/AboutShaw/MakingItHappen/A uctionItems.html

Support your athletes and please donate.

On another note.... I had some extra time yesterday,,, I really should have been writing my paper... but instead my sister Hanna and I had ourselves a little picture adventure.

Hanna and I in the car pumping ourselves up before the adventureA little car dancing to get pumped up.Laughing after Hanna gets a little to intense and hits her head...A little bit of physio to make sure all is in working orderOur Championship banners from CIS for the past 11 years!The stairs our breaststroking group has to frog hop up dailyHanna found a very interesting book... hmm I wonder??Ooops Hanna got stuck in a bush...Somebody lost a pretty glove with a bow :(Playing in the leaves, how fun!All the fun Christmas toys YAY!And that is the end of our adventure!! Finishing at the place we call home :)

Remember when...

2008-11-11T19:26:00.000-08:00

It is Remembrance Day, so a great big hug to all the vets out there and the brave men and women who are fighting for us today.
I forgot to mention yesterday a thank you to the Slingshot group who were the sponsors of the meet this weekend, and to Cascade swimming for putting on a great meet.
It was awesome for swim of the meet I got a 50$ Starbucks gift certificate, I mean what is better than that? Swimming fast and then getting money toward one of my favorite things... woo hoo!
I have a bit of an addiction to Starbucks coffee, I just wish I didn't have to pay for it, haha, if there is anyone out there who would like to send me Starbucks cards :) I am more than happy to take them off your hands.
Well in the spirit of remembering, here are a few pics that I love and remind me of some fabulous times.
Me and Kel in Hawaii eating chocolate peanut butter ice cream cake
Me and Shawna on just a boring Tuesday night
Me, Jo, Kel summer time
My daddy and little cousin Tressan, so cute!
Dinner in Cali after a meet.

2008-11-10T19:27:00.001-08:00

Back in good ol' Vancouver after a weekend of family time and swimming.
Starting the swim season off with a bang, I must say, being faster now than I was at nearly the end of last years season looks pretty promising. It's going to be FAB!
Day 2 went over much like the day before, can't complain :), went a best time in my 50 breast and broke one of my good friends Erica Morningstar's Canadian record. Erica and I were roomies at the Olympics and pretty much attached at the hip, she is such an amazing girl and a I know that together we are going to have some great races and times this year. Now if I could just get her to move out to Vancouver things would all be fabulous.
The 200 was pretty much the same time that I went in Victoria two weeks ago, an alrighty swim. After the first 50 both of my feet had foot cramps which really was not so fun, but I managed to push through and have a decent swim. Sometimes I forget to drink enough and I am pretty sure that is what caused the cramps..oops
It was a pretty awesome weekend overall, saw all my sisters, they swam pretty kick ass as well, wining some of their own events, some best times, I was a very proud big sister. My parentals were there :) which is always nice to have watching me swim. I also got to see my other family the O'Kellys, I stayed with Orlagh, who by the way needs to be my own personal chef from now on at all meets, her older sister Ronagh, who is so beautifully pregnant, and I am soooooo excited about it! I think if it is a girl Annamay would be a most wonderful name.. hee hee...
And had some other friends come out to see me swim, which is always nice, so to you... Thanks a bunch it is always great to see you and have your support.
ps. haha Jo I got to hold your niece :-P
The week ahead is going to be a busy one, I have a few papers due (boo), and really have to start getting my study on.

Good Enough

2008-11-08T17:07:00.000-08:00

Swam at the Cascade Slingshot speed meet today, all I had was the 100 breast, was supposed to be in the 200 IM as well but decided against it. I didn't think I had enough background training behind me to have any sort of decent swim and Joszef said to just concentrate on the "important" stroke. So breaststroke was all it was.
Took the morning pretty east, coach Joszef told me just to swim into the finals and have a lane for tonight, so that was basically what I did. Tonight however was a different story, the goal was to go in there and see how fast I could possibly go. Although I haven't had much in the training lately my technique has had a ton of work. I guess when you can't go fast there has to be something you work on.
Final time was... 1.06.63... Best time by half a second and therefor a new Canadian record by the same thing. Woo hooo! Good enough.... haha that is the usual answer from my coach, good enough for today but tomorrow we have to find a way to go faster. I must admit, after swimming with him for 2 years I have adopted the same mantra. Don't get me wrong I am pumped, but the fact of the matter is I am still 3 seconds off the world record. Need to learn how to go faster. :)
Had a lil family time today, always awesome. As I said before we are super close, most people looking in from the outside just usually laugh when they see the 5 of us together. We are usually in our own little world and don't care much for anyone else.
My two youngest sisters were adorning the tshirts my older brother made for us and all of his friends while I was at the Olympics. Quite the shirt I must say... There was probably a good dozen of them being worn as I raced in Beijing, makes me feel really special!! And yup, they sent me my very own. Not sure if I will wear it in public, but hey, it's a pretty sweet. Michael and his girlfriend Danielle sporting their team Annamay shirts.

Well till tomorrow...
Toodaloo

Airports, Sisters, Politics

2008-11-07T10:26:00.001-08:00

Well I am off to cowtown, sitting in the YVR airport, and our flight is delayed an hour because of the brutal weather in Winnipeg. De-icing of the plane... ugh... the amount of times flying out of Edmonton while growing up that I had to wait on planes for stupid weather and deicing. Not fun.
I don't mind hanging out in the airports I really enjoy people watching and find that airports are some of the best places to watch. Plus you never know who you are going to meet, that is also why it is a good idea to always travel looking your best :)
From left- Hanna, Patricia, Me, Fionnuala, and Grainne

So I have kind of a large family, 2 brothers and 4 sisters, and I get to see my sisters and my parents this weekend!!! Yay. We are one big crazy family, but pretty much the best thing ever. Two of my sisters live out in Vancouver with me, but then the baby two still live at home with the parentals. I don't get to see them that often and get pretty excited when I do. Growing up they were like my own live barbie dolls, it was great, I could pretty much dress them up and do whatever I wanted with them but now it is kinda nuts having all five of us competing at the same competition. At least 3 of us will be in the same breaststroke events.

Now I have to comment on the US election from the other day. I am such a proud Canadian, never have I ever wanted to be anything else, if you cut me open I am pretty sure I bleed red and white. But I will admit, I was proud of Americans on Tuesday. For them to come so far and elect Barack Obama as their next president is truly amazing. I find Obama, eloquent and inspiring, his victory speech actually made me cry, and not just for Americans, but for the rest of the world. This shows that change is possible, to go from slavery to president... wow!
I am currently in an English class that discusses the black Atlantic, it is all about the slave trade and movement, and even as little as 20 years ago I don't think anyone thought there would ever be a black man elected president. Now just as little white kids dreamed of being president, so can any other color or race.
Well all for now.
Toodaloo

A lil bit more

2008-11-05T19:07:00.000-08:00

So some pretty awesome news.... I have just become a Lululemon ambassador! I am sooo pumped. This means that I get to have some great input on some of their designs, get to hang out and participate in some really great in store events, tell people how amazing Lululemon is, and then get to buy lots of sweet clothes. Which lets be honest.. me + shopping = very happy times.
As well, on Sunday I hung out with a bunch of great little girls who all swim out of the Hollyburn swim club on the north shore. We had some great times, shopping, eating, giggling, you know, all the great stuff girls no how to do.
Well thats all... for now.
Toodaloo

this week so far

2008-11-05T18:40:00.000-08:00

Just to show you that I do occasionally work out :)
My training the past 2 weeks have consisted of double dryland a day plus some pretty slack swimming. Starting yesterday I actually did a real workout, woo hoo, felt not the best but hey I did it. I think all the weights are catching up to me, my poor little muscles are dying.
Here is a little preview into me and my ladies at Halloween. We were as I said before Jem and the Holograms.
Lil sis Hanna and me just havin some sisterly love. I don't know if you can see her, but if you do find her she is dressed as Waldo.
Our absolutely fabulous group! Jem and the Holograms on one side, synergy in the middle, and the Misfits on the other side. If you don't know who these people are well then I suggest you either google, or youtube them. You are in for a serious treat.

I am off to Cow town this weekend for a university meet between us, U of C, U of A, and Manitoba. And then another meet on Sat and Sunday at the Talisman center. Should be some good times. Although I haven't trained too much, the swimming should still be pretty fast. Keep your eyes peeled for some fast results.
Till latas
Toodaloo

2008-10-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

Our syncro team
Jo's broken leg, her fiance and I decorated
Our tragic granny costumes.

Halloween is coming up and I must say it is one of my favorite holidays of the year. You get to dress up, act like whomever you want and nobody cares. I think I was seriously born to be on the stage, you give me a mic and an audience and I’m pretty sure I couldn’t be happier. My girlfriends and I have started a tradition that we dress up together in some really fabulous outfits, a few years ago we were grannies in our knickers (a costume that was so hideous people couldn’t look away) then it was some tragic 80’s prom queens decked out in some dresses that my mother actually wore and I am quite embarrassed about, and then last year four of us went as an old lady syncro team. Once again it was a wonderfully horrific costume where we went more for the shock effect of others than the usual trying to be all sexy and skanky. This year there is a huge group of us going as Jem and the Holograms and Misfits, a group of awesome punk rockers from an early 80’s cartoon. There will be lots of spandex, fluorescents and hair. Stay tuned for pictures in a few days. I will be rocking some blue hair, sparkly blue tights, purple skirt and hot pink shoes and shirt. Wooo Hooo! However I think the best part of this night is going to be my best friend Jo. OK a little background on Jo, best friend I have ever had, and amazing girl but a clutz! Seriously she is such a clutz, I’m not sure if you can meet someone who bruises more or has some sort of cut or scrape, you really have to love her for it, I think the injury gods are just out to get her. Now last weekend we were at a house warming party for another friend when I felt it would be a good idea to walk down to the beach, (there was a little bit of drama going on and I needed out). All we had to do was hop over this little fence (about 2 feet high) and bam easy peasy, we were outta there. Umm not so easy for our dear Josniff, she started the jump, ankle gave way and well to end the story we were left with a broken foot. Oh dear,,,, well back to the reason for this, Jo is going to be one of the Misfits, Pizzaz, and her character is supposed to have one leg that has a bright green leg warmer on it, Jo having a cast there is really only one way to overcome this problem! We are going to spray paint the cast bright green!! Woo Hoo haha and she is totally game for it, that’s the best part. Oh man, we are so going to win the costume contest.
On other notes, training is going just mediocre as of late. I have asthma, had it since I was 15, which really hasn’t been a problem until late. The pool at UBC for some reason has been all over the place with their chlorine and air quality and it really is making it just crap for me trying to train. As soon as I start doing any sort of hard effort my lungs and throat pretty much close up. Not so good for a professional athlete who makes her livelihood as a swimmer. I am hopefully getting into see a respiratory specialist in the next few days and we can sort this little problem out. As much as I would like to think breathing is overrated, it’s not! I am keeping myself calm, trying to do as much as I can in the situation I am in but for now I am just going to have to deal with not really training as much in the water but making the out of water stuff that I can do as good as it can be.
Toodaloo

2008-10-29T16:48:00.000-07:00

Training session with coach Joe
Women's relay members
Erica Morningstar and I outside the water cube. The coolest pool I have ever been in, and where the fastest swim meet of all time was held.
Inside the water cube, right behind the podium.
Official flag raising inside the village.
Best roomie ever and I glowing with speed! (or just really humid weather)
Our Vancouver Olympic team
Ryan Cochrane and I at a friendly soccer game between our Canadians and New Zealand
My favorite little soccer fans came to see me off to Beijing

Here it is!

2008-10-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

Well here I am, starting a blog.
A little about myself to get things started.. Name is Annamay Pierse, age 24, occupation... umm well if you want a real persons job nope don't have one, but I have been a member of Canada's National Swim team for the past 8 years so I guess you could say professional athlete is my occupation. Now, some might say that's not a job, I know it's no pro hockey or pro football, but the 3o+ hours a week that I have to spend consumed with all things swimming I beg to differ.
I live in the best city in the entire world, Vancouver BC, and attend the university of British Columbia.
What else??
I was a member of the Canadian Olympic team this year in Beijing, came 6th in the 200 breaststroke, setting 2 Canadian records in the process, 7th on the medley relay with another record, and 10th in the 100 breaststroke.
The Olympics had been my dream and goal since I started swimming as a rambunctious 6 year old. Let me tell you, it was freekin amazing, everything about it; the competition, the Chinese people, Beijing, everything. It is almost too difficult to put it into words, well writing words, I can pretty much talk to anyone about anything at anytime.
I am completely obsessed with shopping, it is a total addiction, I swear. I could shop for anything and everything and usually do. :) There is nothing better then walking around downtown Vancouver with a Starbucks, heading into Holt Renfrew, or Browns, or one of my favorites, the Runway section at Winners.
Well I should be in class right now, so I am going to head out, get myself a Starbucks, and perhaps learn a little something.
Toodaloo