Hey Everyone!
I'm writing you from the team shed as I lay on the ground with my legs elevated and in the Normatec compression boots. I'm trying to help speed up the process of recovery so I can be ready for another day of training with my coach Luther Carpenter and training partner Isabella Bertold from Canada.
I arrived four days ago and was greeted with typical English weather: rain, clouds and cold weather. It's been up and down since then, but it's bearable. Yesterday was my first day in the boat and if any of you saw my tweets then you already know that it was a long day and pretty hard because it was windy and new hiking pants. They were a bit too slippery which made hiking much harder because I couldn't grip the boat. This made my back pretty sore today, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger?! After sailing I had a gym session in the team shed. It was really cool because Chris our trainer is here to help us with our workouts. It's pretty hard because he is watching our every move making sure we are working hard and have good form.
Today, I helped load up a container with three 49ers, a motorboat and two lasers. It took a lot longer then we expected so we couldn't make it out sailing. What did that mean? no sailing=kill yourself in the gym. I started off with a bike and the minute I stepped off Chris was ready to work me with the weights. It was a great session, but hard (hint as to why I am sitting in the compression boots).
Tomorrow we are sailing at 11 and then gym at night. This is pretty much what my days are going to look like until August 2. My event for the Pre-Olympics stars on August 5th. It just hit me the other day that I am sailing in the Pre-Olymps. This is pretty big and I'm getting quite excited for it. I can't wait to represent myself, country, federation, yacht club, sponsors and family at this event. I'll do my best, but all I can focus on right now is getting myself mentally and physically prepared.
Sign up for my twitter PaigeSailor or facebook page Paige Railey 2012 to see the photos I upload daily. They are on the wall represented by a link that takes you to the webpage so you can view it.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Hunter-Gatherer Time
This break has been one of the best things for me mentally and physically. It has been refreshing in all ways! This year has been based around sailing, working out and gaining weight so it's really nice to do something else. I have to admit that I am really missing being out in my boat because sailing is a part of me. It has made me into the person I am today and has changed/taught me many things in my life.
So, what am I up to now?! In my last blog I had visited Lauderdale and Key West, but now I am in the Bahamas. I had an old friend ask me to join a bunch of friends and family on a vacation. It's been a blast catching up and meeting new people. It's been so crazy! Everything that I have been doing has been on a whim and I have to admit that I love it.
The trip started out by taking an 8 hour boat trip from Florida to Guana (Bahama Island). There was a variety of conditions, but all in all it was a fun ride. When we arrived to the island we were greeted by a beautiful house...perfect island decor (white pristine walls, pool, starfish, coral, and flowers everywhere!) We headed off to dinner at a local eatery and then went to bed. We woke up to a bright sun, turquoise water and warm weather. Only one word can describe it: PERFECT!
So, whats the deal with the title of this blog? Well, thats exactly what we have done...gone back to the old days where you hunt your own food. I learned how to clean conch and make a ceviche salad with the meat. Besides that we have been fishing, snorkeling and lounging around...well not completely for me. I have been diligent about working out here, eventhough the heat makes it ten times harder. One of the coolest things about the training is I have been put through boot camp! One of the guys here is part of the Airforce so he has taken me through some of his workouts. I thought I would give it a try, but little did I know that I would end up pushing a golf cart up a hill, carrying a 190 pounds person on my back and squating sand bags. Pain is temporary, but glory is forever right?! LOL
Well, England is coming soon, but honeslty I am still going to enjoy my last few days before it's back to work!
So, what am I up to now?! In my last blog I had visited Lauderdale and Key West, but now I am in the Bahamas. I had an old friend ask me to join a bunch of friends and family on a vacation. It's been a blast catching up and meeting new people. It's been so crazy! Everything that I have been doing has been on a whim and I have to admit that I love it.
The trip started out by taking an 8 hour boat trip from Florida to Guana (Bahama Island). There was a variety of conditions, but all in all it was a fun ride. When we arrived to the island we were greeted by a beautiful house...perfect island decor (white pristine walls, pool, starfish, coral, and flowers everywhere!) We headed off to dinner at a local eatery and then went to bed. We woke up to a bright sun, turquoise water and warm weather. Only one word can describe it: PERFECT!
So, whats the deal with the title of this blog? Well, thats exactly what we have done...gone back to the old days where you hunt your own food. I learned how to clean conch and make a ceviche salad with the meat. Besides that we have been fishing, snorkeling and lounging around...well not completely for me. I have been diligent about working out here, eventhough the heat makes it ten times harder. One of the coolest things about the training is I have been put through boot camp! One of the guys here is part of the Airforce so he has taken me through some of his workouts. I thought I would give it a try, but little did I know that I would end up pushing a golf cart up a hill, carrying a 190 pounds person on my back and squating sand bags. Pain is temporary, but glory is forever right?! LOL
Well, England is coming soon, but honeslty I am still going to enjoy my last few days before it's back to work!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Vacation Time!
Hey!!!!
Life has been so relaxing!!! It sure has been a while since I have had a break. We worked so hard in Europe and I was looking forward to being home in Florida. Of course my sailing objectives are still in place.....train in the gym and gain weight, which I must say is going quite well so far. I have put on the weight that I lost from being ill and a bit more. This makes me pretty excited to go back to Weymouth and hopefully bring it in the breeze!
Anyways, lets talk about my other life...my non sailing life. I returned home to a happy family and twin! I missed them all so it was amazing to see them again. I went shopping, hung out and gossiped with Brooke. It's always great to catch up with her.
On another note, Sarah Lihan and I have really bonded over the last few years. So, when I came home I told her that I would drive down to visit her. I packed up the car and off I went to Southern Florida. We trained together (which was a blast) and went out and explored the area. It is truly beautiful down here.The next day I decided to go to the Florida Keys where I celebrated the fourth with my family (which I haven't done since I was 13). I truly love the warm weather, turquoise water, fishing and swimming here in Florida. I will post some photos up in about 2 weeks.
This has been a great re-booster on my energy and I am motivated to get back sailing. Two more weeks and its back to the boat...and I can't wait!
I leave for England on July 20th and will begin training on the 24th. Next regatta: PRE-OLYMPICS!!!
Life has been so relaxing!!! It sure has been a while since I have had a break. We worked so hard in Europe and I was looking forward to being home in Florida. Of course my sailing objectives are still in place.....train in the gym and gain weight, which I must say is going quite well so far. I have put on the weight that I lost from being ill and a bit more. This makes me pretty excited to go back to Weymouth and hopefully bring it in the breeze!
Anyways, lets talk about my other life...my non sailing life. I returned home to a happy family and twin! I missed them all so it was amazing to see them again. I went shopping, hung out and gossiped with Brooke. It's always great to catch up with her.
On another note, Sarah Lihan and I have really bonded over the last few years. So, when I came home I told her that I would drive down to visit her. I packed up the car and off I went to Southern Florida. We trained together (which was a blast) and went out and explored the area. It is truly beautiful down here.The next day I decided to go to the Florida Keys where I celebrated the fourth with my family (which I haven't done since I was 13). I truly love the warm weather, turquoise water, fishing and swimming here in Florida. I will post some photos up in about 2 weeks.
This has been a great re-booster on my energy and I am motivated to get back sailing. Two more weeks and its back to the boat...and I can't wait!
I leave for England on July 20th and will begin training on the 24th. Next regatta: PRE-OLYMPICS!!!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Olivia Lives
Today was an amazing day! Olivia Lives Foundation hosted a day at Clearwater Yacht Club for 20 children that have been inflicted with cancer or blood diseases. They are all in remission right now which is a true blessing and it made me so glad to hear it. This is the second year that Olivia Lives has hosted this event for the children.
If you do not know what Olivia Lives is then please check out the website or facebook page. www.olivialives.com. The Ceraolo family (Olivias family), my family, and the Widger family decided to start Olivia Lives in honor of my dear friend Olivia who died of a rare form of cancer at such a young age. We want to help other children out in any way we can. Along with cancer patients we work with the local homeless shelters. We believe strongly in aiding our community and other people in need. We are all very fortunate to be healthy, so I feel it is important to give back.
The day started off with taking them out for a ride on the motorboats. I took a group of girls out, while my friend Jackie took the boys out on his boat. For some of them it was the first time they were ever on a boat. I let all of the girls drive which they all enjoyed. Some went in a straight line and fast while others did so many circles that they made the others feel dizzy.
When we came back in it was lunch time so we all sat around and talked. This was where I learned how strong they all were. They were very open about their cancer stories. They all endured the most aggressive chemio and radiation therapies. It was so sad to hear about their struggles, but they were all so strong. They fought so hard. One girl I met was told that she was going to die four different times by her doctor and now she is in remission! It made me so grateful for my health and motivated me even more to want to help others. I respect the kids I met today and would love to one day be as great as a role model to others as they are to me.
After lunch we went fishing and swimming. Fishing was a blast because angler Zach was helping everyone to catch a fish. It was soo cool!!! We took more photos and then everyone headed home.
No matter what you do or where you live everyone can help. You can start by helping us with Olivia Lives or doing small things in your own community. Please check out our website or you can even write me. I am currently donating 10% of my bonuses to the National Sarcoma Foundation. If you would like to help then please let me know.
I have posted photos onto my facebook Paige Railey 2012 site...Please check them out.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.167994969933817.46547.134272439972737
If you do not know what Olivia Lives is then please check out the website or facebook page. www.olivialives.com. The Ceraolo family (Olivias family), my family, and the Widger family decided to start Olivia Lives in honor of my dear friend Olivia who died of a rare form of cancer at such a young age. We want to help other children out in any way we can. Along with cancer patients we work with the local homeless shelters. We believe strongly in aiding our community and other people in need. We are all very fortunate to be healthy, so I feel it is important to give back.
The day started off with taking them out for a ride on the motorboats. I took a group of girls out, while my friend Jackie took the boys out on his boat. For some of them it was the first time they were ever on a boat. I let all of the girls drive which they all enjoyed. Some went in a straight line and fast while others did so many circles that they made the others feel dizzy.
When we came back in it was lunch time so we all sat around and talked. This was where I learned how strong they all were. They were very open about their cancer stories. They all endured the most aggressive chemio and radiation therapies. It was so sad to hear about their struggles, but they were all so strong. They fought so hard. One girl I met was told that she was going to die four different times by her doctor and now she is in remission! It made me so grateful for my health and motivated me even more to want to help others. I respect the kids I met today and would love to one day be as great as a role model to others as they are to me.
After lunch we went fishing and swimming. Fishing was a blast because angler Zach was helping everyone to catch a fish. It was soo cool!!! We took more photos and then everyone headed home.
No matter what you do or where you live everyone can help. You can start by helping us with Olivia Lives or doing small things in your own community. Please check out our website or you can even write me. I am currently donating 10% of my bonuses to the National Sarcoma Foundation. If you would like to help then please let me know.
I have posted photos onto my facebook Paige Railey 2012 site...Please check them out.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.167994969933817.46547.134272439972737
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Kieler Woche Conclusion
I set three goals and I accomplished them...
I am proud to say that I just won the Kieler Woche in Kiel, Germany and finished third in the ISAF World Cup. This is the third consecutive year for winning the regatta in Kiel. One of the coolest parts about winning this event is your name gets put up on a wall that shows all of the past winners. It's nice to be apart of history.
I have to say that I really wanted to win the ISAF World Cup this year, but after being ill at the last two events I had to change directions. I am very proud to of put together a good event here to bring my standings back up. It was hard to have two bad events in a row and see my standing drop from 1st to out of the top 5. It was a great learning experience because it taught me to change gears and get going on the new track.
The regatta was very tough, because we were dealt trying conditions. Big breeze, cold water/temperature, rain, sun, etc. It seems we had it all. This had to of been one of the most fun events that I have sailed in this year. I roomed with my brother Zach and team mate Caleb Paine. We pretty much laughed the whole time. At the beginning the three of us were in complete shock that we were sailing another event. It didn't feel like we had any break.
I thought that during the event I had great upwind speed/tactics, but I thought my downwinds were lacking. This is something that Luther and I will work on in the upcoming training. I noticed that I was never really in the right place for the oncoming puffs.
Tina Mihelic and Krystal Weir placed 3rd and 2nd in the event. It was very close amongst us three, the German and Belarussian team. I had a blast sailing against them all and noticed things that I need to work on such as my downwinds. I believe many of them are heading off to the Europeans in Helsinki, Finland. So good luck to them all and hopefully Tina can capture her third European title.
Tina Mihelic and Krystal Weir placed 3rd and 2nd in the event. It was very close amongst us three, the German and Belarussian team. I had a blast sailing against them all and noticed things that I need to work on such as my downwinds. I believe many of them are heading off to the Europeans in Helsinki, Finland. So good luck to them all and hopefully Tina can capture her third European title.
Tomorrow I go home and I am sooooo excited. I can't wait to go back and relax...I'm pretty tired physically and mentally. It's time for a little break......but not from the gym!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Kieler Woche
Time for last event of the ISAF Sailing World Cup. I'm here in Kiel, Germany getting ready for another windy event. Our meteorologist is predicting the wind to be 15-25 knots for the whole event. It has begun to rain on and off and the temperature is dropping.
Yesterday I had my first day off....it consisted of sleeping all day! I'm feeling a lot better and refreshed after the stomach bug. Zach and I are going to register our boats and get them ready for the event, but I don't think we are going to sail today. The weather looks a bit rough.
This event is big for me because I would like to qualify for funding for the US Sailing Team Alphagraphics and I would like to finish 3rd in the ISAF Sailing World Cup. AND honestly, I would like to redeem myself after my finishes/bloopers in Weymouth and Hyeres. = )
You can view the results at:
http://www.kieler-woche.de/eng/englishdefault.php
Yesterday I had my first day off....it consisted of sleeping all day! I'm feeling a lot better and refreshed after the stomach bug. Zach and I are going to register our boats and get them ready for the event, but I don't think we are going to sail today. The weather looks a bit rough.
This event is big for me because I would like to qualify for funding for the US Sailing Team Alphagraphics and I would like to finish 3rd in the ISAF Sailing World Cup. AND honestly, I would like to redeem myself after my finishes/bloopers in Weymouth and Hyeres. = )
You can view the results at:
http://www.kieler-woche.de/eng/englishdefault.php
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
A huge eye opener
I am writing this blog in a state of aggravation and disappointment that I feel towards myself.
I opened up Sail For Gold with a bang and positioned myself to make an attack in the Gold Fleet. All was going great until the third day into the event. I managed to get a stomach bug that made me extremely ill. I was up all night sick and was worried that I wasn't going to make it out for the fourth day of racing. I had my mom, dad, and brother up at 3 am trying to help me. We were worried that if I went to the ER that they wouldn't release me. So, I just toughed it out and forced myself to go sailing the next day. I had terrible results, but that was expected.
Luther helped me out a lot by rigging my boat and helping me take it to and from the ramp. I was so weak and tired. So a big thanks goes out to him. He went above and beyond for me at this event.
My goal for the last two days was strictly damage control. I wanted to do as best as I could to keep points on the talented Erika Reineke. This was the first part of my trials and knowing how good of a sailor Erika is I knew I had to keep going. I finished the event in 14 (30 positions ahead of Erika) thus giving me a comfortable lead on hopefully winning these trials.
I have achieved my goal at starting trials off good, but I am upset with my position. Luther and I saw huge improvements in my sailing, but the result doesn't show it. This regatta has been a huge awakening for me because this is the second event in a row that I have gotten a stomach bug. First it was the regatta in France and now in England. It has made me take a look at the things I am doing and reconsider. I am going to make some drastic changes because what I am doing now is not working. There is no point to do all of this training to then go get sick during the events.
Since I have a very sensitive stomach, I need to become more strict with what I eat along with many other things. Maybe this is what I needed...a little bit of shock to show me that I need to change. But, it's always disappointing when you have two events in a row go bad.
Okay, onto a more positive note. Tomorrow, I leave for Germany to sail the Kieler Woche. I want this to be my turn around event. I am going to try very hard to rest for now, get all my energy back (because I still feel very weak) and get ready to sail the event. I want this one to go well and I will do all I can to make it happen.
The regatta starts Saturday, I will write with more later on in the week.
I opened up Sail For Gold with a bang and positioned myself to make an attack in the Gold Fleet. All was going great until the third day into the event. I managed to get a stomach bug that made me extremely ill. I was up all night sick and was worried that I wasn't going to make it out for the fourth day of racing. I had my mom, dad, and brother up at 3 am trying to help me. We were worried that if I went to the ER that they wouldn't release me. So, I just toughed it out and forced myself to go sailing the next day. I had terrible results, but that was expected.
Luther helped me out a lot by rigging my boat and helping me take it to and from the ramp. I was so weak and tired. So a big thanks goes out to him. He went above and beyond for me at this event.
My goal for the last two days was strictly damage control. I wanted to do as best as I could to keep points on the talented Erika Reineke. This was the first part of my trials and knowing how good of a sailor Erika is I knew I had to keep going. I finished the event in 14 (30 positions ahead of Erika) thus giving me a comfortable lead on hopefully winning these trials.
I have achieved my goal at starting trials off good, but I am upset with my position. Luther and I saw huge improvements in my sailing, but the result doesn't show it. This regatta has been a huge awakening for me because this is the second event in a row that I have gotten a stomach bug. First it was the regatta in France and now in England. It has made me take a look at the things I am doing and reconsider. I am going to make some drastic changes because what I am doing now is not working. There is no point to do all of this training to then go get sick during the events.
Since I have a very sensitive stomach, I need to become more strict with what I eat along with many other things. Maybe this is what I needed...a little bit of shock to show me that I need to change. But, it's always disappointing when you have two events in a row go bad.
Okay, onto a more positive note. Tomorrow, I leave for Germany to sail the Kieler Woche. I want this to be my turn around event. I am going to try very hard to rest for now, get all my energy back (because I still feel very weak) and get ready to sail the event. I want this one to go well and I will do all I can to make it happen.
The regatta starts Saturday, I will write with more later on in the week.
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