What does a typical evening look like at the training center for me? Usually after evening practice, I head to the dining hall for about an hour, call my husband to talk for about thirty minutes, turn on the tele to watch American Gladiator or something just in from Blockbuster online and peel a grapefruit. And, I will always read for a short bit before turning out the lights. It isn’t glorious, but it entertains me and makes me happy!

Tomorrow our teams are headed to San Francisco for an Olympic Ambassador Program, hosted by the USOC. We will only be there for just over 28 hours, but in that time, I am sure we’ll have a great time. I don’t know much about what we will be up to, but I know we will meet many other athletes with their hopes set on Beijing, athletes from past Games, and of course, I am sure there will be some bits about China and what it will be like to represent the USA. This will be a needed break from our hard training. It won’t be too much of a rest as we will be so busy for the weekend, but it will be a nice change.

I must say, though, that I am most looking forward to seeing my husband for an hour and a half during one of the breaks! He’ll be in town for a work conference. What are the chances of that?

I am now a happily married woman! With rowing picking up intensity and duration it seems just about daily, I could not be more thankful for my second half. Bob is truly great at understanding and supporting my efforts on the team and he really makes me stronger. It is times like these – three practices a day, selection right around the corner, emotions tipping the gunnels – that a loving and patient husband helps keep me on keel, even from 3,000 miles away. Tight friends and family help too.

I am with the US women training in sunny San Diego at the Olympic Training Center. We are lifting, rowing, and running toward Beijing. In preparation for our early selection races in the small boats, we are switching up our small boat partners weekly to find a fast combination and strengthen our big boat dynamics. I truly don’t know what else to say other than that we’re working hard and we’re real tired. Come August, there will be no regrets!