Pushing the anaerobic threshold
DeAnne Hemmens

April 11
We have had a busy two weeks. I am continuously fatigued as we try to adapt to the heavy workload after the trials. Last weekend we trained on Saturday triathlon-style. We ran three miles, paddled five kilometers, and then cycled 20 miles--not a typical Saturday workout, but it was meant to promote teamwork and show each other commitment. And it turned out to be fun as well.

Easter Sunday was special because I picked up my husband from South Africa. We spent a day together, then back to the OTC (Olympic Training Center). The training is changing from an aerobic-base workload to anaerobic threshold--so we are stepping up the intensity. At the end of this week we are going from basic conditioning to heavy weights in the gym; All this in preparation for the hemispheric (and final) Olympic qualifier May 4-6.

A typical aerobic kayak workout would be three 20-minutes workouts with two minutes rest between each. At an intensity level equal to 80% of your maximum heart rate. An anaerobic threshold workout would consist of a higher intensity and little rest. For example, 50 seconds on with 10 seconds rest ten times--two sets of this--very hard!

Speed training--which we start one to two weeks before a race, is an all-out effort with rest equal to or longer than the effort. For example, 10 X 100 meters, with two minutes rest.

In the weight room, we are lifting 3-4 sets, 13-18 reps--eight to 10 exercies, mostly chest, back, and legs. As the race approaches, we go to eight to 12 reps, heavier. Then four to eight reps at the heaviest. All to move the mass of the boat.

April 16
Today was gloomy and rainy. We were prepared for a K2 time-trial and ended up with a decent time for the conditions, slight headwind, and fatigue.

The team is getting anxious to leave for Atlanta and the qualifier. We have spent this afternoon loading the trailer with our boats. The boat handler will be leaving tomorrow to drive the fleet of kayaks from San Diego to Atlanta.

The media is starting to focus some attention on the team as the Olympics approach. Lots of cameras and interviews. I am anxious to go home this weekend--to spend some time with my husband and dogs before we travel.

Last weekend I was away at a Champion international corporate trade show, signing autographs for some of their customers. Champion's sponsorship of the U.S. Canoe and Kayak Team has meant a great deal to me financially. They provide training grants, prize money, and appearance fees, and have enabled me to take a leave of absence from my job to train full-time. In addition, my own private sponsor, Classic Homes of Colorado Springs, has provided financial assistance to me and my husband since 1993. Without this kind of support, many of America's Olympians would not realize their dreams, and for this I am very grateful.

April 22
We leave on Thursday for the Hemispheric qualifier, where the top two boats will advance to the Olympic Games. The world is divided into three regions: Europe and Africa, the Americas, and Asia. The top eight boats have already qualified from the 1995 World Championships.

For the women's team things look relatively easy. In fact, for the K2 and K4, the only other entry besides us is Mexico. Canada has already qualified from the Worlds and the rest of the Pan American countries either didn't have the funds to send a team or they didn't think they were fast enough to qualify. In any case, we have to race to win, but we shouldn't have a problem qualifying.

The men's team doesn't have it so easy. I am confident they will make it, but Cuba, Canada, Argentina, and Brazil will be strong. All in all, I know we will have a successful trip--the final step to the big event.

April 23
It's hot today in Chula Vista. Seems like the middle of summer with the sun blazing. On April 28th, the Olympic torch will pass through the training center. After being lit on March 30th in Athens and arriving in the United States on April 27th, the torch will leave Huntington Beach for the training center. Then the men's rowing eight will row the flame across Otay Lakes on its way to Atlanta. Pretty exciting--too bad we will be in Atlanta. Nevertheless, my husband will be standing on the route as it passes through Newport Beach, taking lots of pictures for me.

DeAnne Hemmens is keeping a periodic diary for Outside Online during her quest to become an Olympian.