Rhian Wilkinson's Official Website

RHIAN'S SOCCER JOURNALS:

RESIDENTIAL CAMP RESUMES 3rd May 2008

The last few days of my two and a half week break were hectic, but great. On 25th April, I left Montreal to visit a friend in Fredericton N.B. The problem with being a soccer player is that sometimes we have such a busy and arbitrary schedule that any breaks we get may not be in line with those of friends who are working. So, I try to use any breaks we do get, to see my friends and family who are scattered throughout the country.

On this occasion, I imposed on one of my oldest friends, Laura, who now teaches in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and spent three days lazing about with her in the Maritimes. It was obviously an interesting time to be there, because of the serious flooding they have been having this year. By the time I arrived, the worst of the flooding was over in Fredericton, but you can still see the devastation from the rising waters, houses cut off and little islands surrounded by mud and water.

After I returned to Quebec, I went to talk to the students and staff at Dorset School in Baie d"Urfe, a school I once attended. My gym teacher, Mr. Wilson is still teaching there, so it was good to see him again and reminisce. Dorset school is having its 50th anniversary in May, 2008, so I, and another former student, Tara Cambell went to talk to the assembled school. Tara was in my class in grades 4 through 6, and she now plays water polo for Canada.

We spoke to the school for about 10 minutes during their assembly, and it was a great honour. I remember sitting in that same gym listening to speakers not so long ago - no comments please. So, having the opportunity to go back and see the school, my old teachers, and the students was a massive thrill. I am sorry I can't attend the 50th anniversary celebrations, but getting to be a small part of the commemoration events was something special. A big thank you to Doug Wilson for inviting me back and to the school for listening to my rambles.

My return to the residency camp in Vancouver was not well-timed. My mother's birthday was on the day I headed back, and she was not pleased. My brother, sister and I had bought her an electronic picture frame (it will be obvious that we have limited creativity in buying presents). However, she seemed to like it, but I think my brother is going to have to quickly learn how to assemble and work it, as my mother didn’t look very interested in figuring out the pages of instructions.

Since 30th April, we have been back at the National Women's team residency camp in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Our first day back at actual training was appropriately enough Labour day, 1st May, 2008. I have to admit that I was looking forward to getting back to work and seeing all my teammates again. We are so used to being in each others' company that it seems strange when we have time off to be apart and with our families. We were all raring to go at our first training sessions in the morning, but the luster had worn off somewhat by the time we went to TWIST in the afternoon.

You would be surprised how quickly lactic acid builds up in bodies that are no longer in tiptop condition after a short break. By the time the 2nd May came around, we were SORE! I had to have Randee help me onto the bleachers to put my cleats on …. How quickly we forget. Today is day three of training camp, and it already feels like week two. The novelty of being back together in Vancouver has quickly worn off. We are now fully back on one another’s nerves, a good thing, as you should see how intense sessions are at the moment.

This is exactly what we need in order to be as sharp as possible when we face our first challenge in an international friendly with the United States on 10th May. The 18 player squad will leave for Washington, DC in one week’s time.