DOORNEK UPDATE, MILAN, ITALY - AUGUST 24, 2003

"A Rower's Life in Italy"

From: "Dale Doornek"- ddoornek@verizon.net
Subject: A rowers life in Italy
Date: Sun, 24 Aug 2003 09:59:12 -0700

Greetings from Milano Italia

Day One: 8-21-03
The flight from Newark New Jersey to Milan wasa long one 7.5 hours. we
departed at 1800 and arrived in Milano at 0730. Milano is 6hrs ahead of
Newark (EST). Once we got all of our baggage we headed for the hotel. Got
checked in and situated. About 4hrs later we all got on the buss and headed
to the Venue. While there we located our boats and checked them out. we then
walked to the accredidation area where photos were taken for IDs and
received access passes. We then hopped on the bus back to the hotel and met
for dinner at 730

Day Two: 8-22-03
It began with breakfast at 0830. At 11:30 we all got on the buss for the
venue. At the venue we assembled our seat and rigged the boats. Once this
was done the single and double went out for a row. This row was primarily
for getting to know the coarse and knowing your bearing points and landmarks
for when it is time to pour on the coals. For myself it was getting familiar
with a buoyed coarse and staying between the lines. My race will be 500
meters and at 250 meters is where the grand stands begin and where i will
have to push the limits. Docked the boats and went back to the hotel for a
short nap and dinner. It was a scorcher today 100 degrees or better. we all
must remember to to keep our selves hydrated.

Day Three: 8-23-03
To the venue at 12:30. On the water at 1:30. the coach had me go to the
start line and do 250 meters full pressure, 250 meters 1/4 pressure, 250
meters full pressure, 750 meters 1/4 pressure, and 250 meters full pressure
and then row back to the dock. I did this and was wringing wet and DONE!!!
It was blazing hot again today 100 +. Keeping hydrated and out of the sun is
the best medicine. Had a team meeting after the row. We were told that we
are guests at this table and to focus on rowing and nothing but rowing.
There re peole here that have been training for years and peoples lives and
jobs were on the line as the Olympics are next year. Some people were in
heat races today and wont be racing any more. They did not make the finals.
Quite on eye opener for all of us.

For the past 3 weeks there has been no vacation all of this is serious hard
work and the next seven days will be the hardest work. Keeping focused on
what you need to do to get the top performance out of yourself. That top
performance will come from correctly eating, sleeping, and drinking plenty
of water and keeping focused on your rowing and that we are at the World
Championship and are amongst the Worlds best rowers. Keeping a professional
demeanor about you and a spirit of can-do-ism.

For the next few days it will be the same. Eat and sleep rowing. I will try
to get another update out but I cannot gaurentee it as there are many
athletes here and 3 computers.

For more information go to www.prpd.net

Peace
Dale