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Do it! - Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

11/7/2013

6 Comments

 
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In September 2010 I started Dragonboat Racing in Tasmania. 2 months later I had my first  race at Panpacs as a guest of the Broadwater Paddling Club (how ironic). Day one  I raced 13 x 500 m races and Day 2,  I competed in 11  x 200m races and as a result tore my intercostal  muscle off my rib cage and was out for 6 weeks.

I was hooked on the sport though.  I loved the adrenaline rush of competition and even better I had made a heap of new friends.

I had no real understanding of the sport and  a pretty ordinary technique but I was keen to learn. The only thing I had going for me was fitness. So after 3 months in my new sport I passed the fitness test for the Aust team selections and invited to trial for the Auroras.

After 4 days  of intense paddling, fitness tests and video scrutiny I came home covered in blisters and the biggest gunnell bruise I'd ever seen. My body went into meltdown and it took 4 days lying on the couch to recover.

I had stepped way outside my comfort zone. I didn't make the team - not even close - but I had soaked up the experience and learnt from the best coaches and paddlers in the country and i had a whole new group of likeminded friends.

Fast forward 2 years and I'm about to get on a plane to compete at the highest level of our sport-  I'm about to represent Australia.

I said I love to compete - but it's not all about winning - it's about doing the best you possibly can.  It's about the team, giving all you've got for your team and being the best you can be.

If I do that in Hungary and don't win a medal, I'll come home with a huge smile and sense of satisfaction - and i will have shared the journey with my team mates and supporters and made more new friends.

Those of you who paddled at Nationals for the first time this year, and those that represented Queensland would  know the exhilaration of what it's like to go to that "next level".

This journey hasn't been easy. The commitment to training 6 nights a week has taken its toll with injury and training fatigue and I've had some real  psychological battles that I've had to push through.

I look around at our Broadwater paddlers and see so much potential  in every age division. I encourage you all - give it a go - go to the "next level", step outside your comfort zone.  Be the best you can be.  The worst that can happen is a few blisters. The best - who knows? You could represent your State next year or your country in 2 years time. Either way, you  will learn much more about our sport, yourself, become a better paddler and make new friends - that's really what it's all about.

For me personally , I get to share another fantastic  adventure with my best friend Kalinda.

Finally -  Without the support of your club and club members none of this would happen. You can't paddle a dragon boat on your own. Thanks Broadie family.

Cheers Crispy

6 Comments
Susie Pitt
11/7/2013 04:40:37

What a great story ...Well done for your tenacity and the will to never give up till you reach the prize....a special person

Reply
Grace Mihaere
11/7/2013 14:28:38

An amazing achiever and an Awesome motivator. Yet reading between the lines, you're for real. Good luck and enjoy the journey. Well done. Mate : )

Reply
Paul Taylor
12/7/2013 01:54:03

Crispy,
It goes without saying that your an inspiration to all of us who have any aspirations or dreams.
The media is full of people who've gone that extra mile to represent their country in their respective sport but we have one in our own backyard.
Well done is an obvious comment but thank you is more applicable. Thanks for always offering that extra support when we're buggered after a hard training session.
Thanks for that subtle suggestion on improving our paddling technique.
Thanks for that smile of understanding when we rattle off some paddling training frustration.
It all helps.
There's absolutely no doubt that you will all give 100% as none of you would do any less. Have a great time and our prayers for your personal success are with you.

Paul and Carmel

Reply
Jane chapman link
12/7/2013 07:05:34

Hi Crispy,

I can't wait to follow your progress it is SO exciting!!!

XX

Reply
Ian vivian
12/7/2013 11:56:41

Mate, i saw the effort you put in prior to the last campaign....you represent what every Aurora should aspire to be....have a great time over there.... You deserve the rewards. :-)

Reply
Margie Messinbird
12/7/2013 13:59:27

Chris

I wish you every success on this journey I know you will do well and bring home the gold.

I too have been in your shoes and know what it feels like to train hard and then to represent our country for the Auroras in the sport of Dragon Boat Racing. Very proud moments in my life especially when I stood on the podium to receive my gold medals what a buzz!

Stay focused and paddle hard .

Safe travels and God speed.

Reply



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