Settling in to Atlanta
DeAnne Hemmens

July 8-14
Monday was the busiest day. We worked hard loading to move (finally) to the Olympic venue. A long process because of security and logistics. The course is great and it will be super to train here. Not too many other teams are here yet so we have it almost entirely to ourselves.

Workouts have been harder and harder. By Thursday, things became very difficult to cope with. But now, with a rest day and an easier week ahead, I am starting to get excited to race.

We have two weeks left and we will start our taper and our peak. I am anxious to move to the village, even with the hour bus ride involved. Next week I have the honor of carrying the torch across the lake in the front of the K4 (four-person kayak). Wow! I am looking forward to that.

I am missing my husband but know that it's all so close now and that a dream of a lifetime is coming true. I feel that our preparation isn't the best but I am hopeful that we can overcome it with our mental skills and end up with a personal-best performance.

It is now Sunday and we are now having a huge thunderstorm. And the change is refreshing. We plan to see a movie and rest up for a very busy week, and opening ceremonies!