So the hiatus has kicked in and I wish everyone a restful break for the back, shoulders and arms.

We will be sliding back in practice gently after the break, which will be a great time to raise a paw for interest in the Feb Fest 2008.
I'm talking specifically to people like Jono, Timi, Sandra (ok so pregnancy is her excuse) and any novices you think would like to try out paddling, or any of the paddlers who have been quiet for one reason or another.
The incentive of the regatta is always a good one - the Paddlesnappers have a decade of being the top local team every single time. We do not plan to lose that hold!

To that end, we will be doing time-trials in the last 10 days of November (before December break, but enough time after Ramadan to get strong enough to handle the strain without too much risk of injury).
Based on the times there, attendance, differentials with previous performances, technique and mass we will be selecting our starting line-up for the regatta, which won't be final, but may be all the difference between a favourite and/or a place in the boat.

I thus implore you to please keep in shape with walking / stretching / jogging / cycling / light to heavy cardio work outs as this will definitely gain you a few seconds in the time trials. Definitely.
Or at least stop you from setting a slower time than before.

I'll take this opportunity to please implore you to make full use of this time off to focus on your self and enjoying succeeding at a personal goal.

My goals are to get to 83kg and run from Roeland str to Kloof Nek and back in 35 minutes, but the point is the pursuit of the goal must be enjoyable and rewarding to you (whatever the goal is). (Even if part of your goal is ignoring anything I say for one month!)


Just remember:
The privileges we have and the freedoms we enjoy - the freedom to paddle, to paddle at a convenient, beautiful (if smelly occasionally) location, the freedom to move without restriction, the freedom of association with good people, the blessings of good health, sound mind and a full active life - are not for all the world to enjoy.
We have all these things, and just need to choose to have the courage and discipline to reach out and revel in it.

Have a selfish break, and see you in the new month.

-M

The inaugural Great Annual Paddlesnapper Pie Fest.

Every so often, we need a break from it all (the muscles, the people).
Also, as it turns out, it is worthwhile to throw caution to the wind and indulge in the more chocolaty aspects of the typical diet.

Therefore, for the duration of Ramadan, we will not be paddling.
Those who wish to continue training (and thwarting pies), can continue to come along and we will be jogging and doing full motion training to compliment our full-body fitness.

However, before we do so, let's celebrate all the forbidden culinary delights.
On Tueday 11th Sepetember, at our house (address withheld - ask Thor if you're not sure), we will be eating like it's Armageddon.
We're talking:

• pies
• cakes
• pizza
• chocolate
• hot chocolate
• chips
• lasagne

etc.

Please bring your fav. junk food with a surplus to share.

Please bring drinks (coke / fruit juice / beer etc)

It's a breather before we get down to the serious business of training for Feb Fest 2008.

M