Tearing our hair out

If you have been following us on facebook, you will know that we are having trouble getting flights to/from Lithuania! Holy moly!
First this flight doesn’t go there then that flight can only be booked via phone and then her card is denied and my card cancels the payment… We all agree we would rather 2k test in the hot barn than have to try to book international flights again! Uh and we still have to book the coach’s flight… Just waiting on her passport info and my card to clear:)
We’ll be there, though, to represent the USA with pride! Cornelia

Wildlife safari

Look closely, there is a deer in the background.

Mrs. Paini, your daughter is experiencing the wonders of a Connecticut forest!

On our run this evening Carolina and I came across this quiet deer. Carolina absolutely loves them – there was one outside our porch this afternoon and Carolina made sure we all saw it:)
Carolina, you must tell everyone about your first lightening bug:)

->Cornelia

We love our ergs!

Sarah and Sam power through an elective erg workout

Hop on an erg and let loose some extra energy! Thank goodness it’s not 100 degrees out like it was yesterday! There was a ton of wooden debris on the lake today do rather than do some battering ram action, G-man had us turn around a bit early. Good thing too! We actually came about 2 inches from hitting a boat long log! I’d be in the water now if it wasn’t for the quick eyes of stroke Sam!
When we were given this boat we were expressly told that there were at least 20 people who would come hunt us down and kill us if we damaged the boat. So if any of you are reading this then be assured the boat is still hale and healthy!
After Wednesday’s race you can count me in that number of people who would protect the boat – it was perfect for the wild conditions at Mercer!
-> Cornelia

Thanks Huskies!!!!

The girls and I after trials!

Just wanted to thank all of my Northeastern teammates for coming to support our quad!

-Sarah

Our Chain Countdown for Trials! Worlds Chain coming soon……

Sunday 6/24 Our last pink ring! This meant it was time to travel to New Jersey for Trials.

We are in the process of making our new chain to countdown for when we leave for Lithuania. Each day after completing our challenging workouts on the water, on the erg, and in the weight room, one of us breaks off the paper ring and puts into our little fire place. Each ring represents another day of training completed and one day closer to our grand competition. At the end of our adventures, we are going to light the fire and celebrate with some s’mores!!!

-Carolina

Hello from Samantha Brecht!

My name is Samantha Brecht, and I’m so thrilled to be on this adventure, with the fine ladies who sit behind me in the lightweight quad. I’m living my dreams right now. And I am so honored to represent the United States at the U23 World Championships!

I took my first strokes as a high-school freshman at Mount Saint Joseph Academy. In the magical boats of Mount Crew, I progressed from know-nothing novice to fierce competitor, became a two-time national champion lightweight eight, served as a team captain, came to crave the exhilaration of moving boats like a physical addiction, and entered into the tight-knit community some like to call the “rowing world.”

I attend the University of Wisconsin, where I study Biology and English. I am also an NCAA Division I student-athlete on the women’s varsity lightweight rowing team. I am immensely proud to be a Badger! My first year at Wisco was incredible, and I am so glad that I have at least two more years as an undergraduate at Wisco!! I transferred to Wisconsin after spending my freshman year at the University of Pittsburgh. I have spent my summers racing for elite rowing programs, in Philadelphia at Penn A.C. and Vesper B.C. before coming to GMS in New Milford, CT this summer.

When not studying for class or rowing in boats, I enjoy activities such as hiking, drawing, riding my purple bike, drawing, and reading books. Aside from physical activity, I also have a complementary passion for food. Though my dad is the former chef, both of my parents can cook really well, and I am grateful I was encouraged to develop my culinary skills and creativity from an early age. The challenge to create cuisine that is not only delicious but also nutritionally beneficial for an athlete is one that I accept with gusto. The website “foodgawker” is often one of the top visited sites on my computer, and I can spend hours pouring over recipes and food photography, seeking insight and inspiration. I love visits to farmers’ markets and coffee shops, locally-sourced ingredients, and chocolate!

Getting down to business

Between getting the paperwork for USRowing and the forms and waivers for MEDICAL SCHOOL, these past few days have been defined by hours spent in front of the computer. I think we’re getting everything in order though! Thank you to all of the people who have joined our facebook event and have donated to our trip! All of your messages mean so much to me and I know that Sam, Sarah, and Carolina feel the same!

We are so blessed to have so many incredible supporters – you inspire us to push harder!

Up next will be booking FLIGHTS – Sarah’s a bit apprehensive about flying… do you have any tips for us to get her on the plane or for her to relax when flying?

-> Cornelia

Hello from Sarah

Hello Everyone! I am so excited to have this wonderful opportunity to go to u23 Worlds – and such a great group of girls to experience it with! Camp thus far has been a very supportive environment to train hard in. We’ve all been improving at a rapid pace and will continue to do so as the World Championship approaches.

Our Quad at U23 Trials at Mercer Lake, New Jersey

A little bit about me: I am entering my final year at Northeastern University where I will be completing a dual degree in Cultural Anthropology and International Affairs with a minor in Middle Eastern Studies. This year I was co-captain of the Northeastern Women’s Rowing team and sat bow seat of the Varsity 8. This spring yielded good results for us, winning the CAA Conference Championship and getting a silver medal at Eastern Sprints. In addition to school and rowing, I was working part time at a non-profit research and consulting firm in Boston called Root Cause. I was also managing a cafe on Newbury Street called L’Aroma Cafe. If you’re ever in Boston feel free to check it out, a lot of Northeastern rowers work there!

As far as the lightweight portion of the rowing is considered, we’re all doing very well at camp. We all trade food favorites and are happy to take tips from each other which makes what can be a challenging experience into something very pleasant. We love egg time, quinoa, and my personal energizer: shotbloks!

Again, I just wanted to say thank you to my friends and family in the Buffalo community, from West Side Rowing Club, The Park School, Spot Coffee, and beyond and to my Northeastern huskies for all the support you’ve given to me! I wouldn’t have been able to do anything without you guys!

Egg time is my favorite time of day

Cornelia cracking her post-am-workout eggs like a pro

I prefer a simple sunny side up but Cornelia’s post workout scrambled egg specialty includes a spoonful of cream cheese and ton of spinach. Sam’s main feature are two fried eggs with veggies including mashed avocado on wheat toast. Sarah loves her eggs ALWAYS poached.
Post-training protein!
-Carolina

Square rowing:)

Look at Carolina Ballerina in her USA track jacket! This may be our favorite piece of gear to date as we woke up to a thunder and lightening storm! But it cleared up just as we got to the boathouse to do a LOT of rowing on the square! Beach later?

-> Cornelia