Monday 29 September 2008
Last Day of Competition
28th September – Last day competition
Agility can be a cruel sport, I guess in a way that is it most attractive feature! No matter how hard you train, how good your dog is or even how good your round is, it still comes down to the small moment for success or glory.
Today Team GB began with a real chance of gold in the individual medium and small categories and an outside chance in the large. Mediums were up first, and after yesterday’s run, Natasha was last to go. The course, again, was difficult tight and testing. But Dizzy put in another fantastic round and had everyone thinking to almost the last second that Natasha had done it. However, the judge saw it a little differently and marked another very harsh 5R almost 2 jumps after the deviation had taken place. The stadium collectively gave an unbelievable ahh. Clearly if the 5 stood the best medium was not going to win the WC. Now I don’t want to take anything from the eventually winner (Suisse dog Wytch, which I believe won last year as well). We cannot afford to be bad losers, so well done to them. But Natasha (or another GB member) will never get closer without actually winning. The atmosphere in the dressing room immediately after was collectively one of disappointment. But Natasha being Natasha (supported by Matt) took it very well. Soon the dressing room was back to its usual between run banter.
If I thought I was nervous watching Natasha run, I knew I would be almost unable to watch as my Beacon team mate and WC training partner Nicola ran second from last in the small event. I know that Nicola had trained for such a moment since she had Indi. Now was the opportunity. I personally went upstairs with the supporters and didn’t watch from the collecting ring as normal. After all I didn’t want to shout out the wrong thing at the wrong moment in my support in the pressure moment. Nicola like Tasha handled the pressure round fantastically and had the right time on the clock to be WC. Unfortunately a rolled pole said not this year. Nicola was exceptionally philosophical and had a big smile straight after.
The amount of bad luck messages that were received from international supporters and fellow competitors showed that we are good at agility, and good sports as well. I think that our reputation was enhanced further today. As for Nicola, Natasha, Angela and myself, our dogs are still very young (Jude oldest at 4). I believe that dogs peak between 5 – 8, so watch out rest of world the medium and small teams will be back but with more experienced and just as hungry.
Finally for the large individual. The judge set an exceptionally hard course followed up by some very hard (and a little questionable in my interpretation) judging. To a small extent this took a little gloss off the event. Though the USA dog, Juice, was the best dog and deserved to win. From our perspective, Dave and Spice can feel a little unluckily to be faulted on the see-saw.
So like I wrote yesterday, one still needs a good wind and some luck, particularly when competing at the highest level.
So what can we take from this years event. Well, on the whole GB team / agility is as good as anyone in the world at a given time. But we do have to remember the subtle differences in rules and course design mean we don’t compete identically week in
Agility can be a cruel sport, I guess in a way that is it most attractive feature! No matter how hard you train, how good your dog is or even how good your round is, it still comes down to the small moment for success or glory.
Today Team GB began with a real chance of gold in the individual medium and small categories and an outside chance in the large. Mediums were up first, and after yesterday’s run, Natasha was last to go. The course, again, was difficult tight and testing. But Dizzy put in another fantastic round and had everyone thinking to almost the last second that Natasha had done it. However, the judge saw it a little differently and marked another very harsh 5R almost 2 jumps after the deviation had taken place. The stadium collectively gave an unbelievable ahh. Clearly if the 5 stood the best medium was not going to win the WC. Now I don’t want to take anything from the eventually winner (Suisse dog Wytch, which I believe won last year as well). We cannot afford to be bad losers, so well done to them. But Natasha (or another GB member) will never get closer without actually winning. The atmosphere in the dressing room immediately after was collectively one of disappointment. But Natasha being Natasha (supported by Matt) took it very well. Soon the dressing room was back to its usual between run banter.
If I thought I was nervous watching Natasha run, I knew I would be almost unable to watch as my Beacon team mate and WC training partner Nicola ran second from last in the small event. I know that Nicola had trained for such a moment since she had Indi. Now was the opportunity. I personally went upstairs with the supporters and didn’t watch from the collecting ring as normal. After all I didn’t want to shout out the wrong thing at the wrong moment in my support in the pressure moment. Nicola like Tasha handled the pressure round fantastically and had the right time on the clock to be WC. Unfortunately a rolled pole said not this year. Nicola was exceptionally philosophical and had a big smile straight after.
The amount of bad luck messages that were received from international supporters and fellow competitors showed that we are good at agility, and good sports as well. I think that our reputation was enhanced further today. As for Nicola, Natasha, Angela and myself, our dogs are still very young (Jude oldest at 4). I believe that dogs peak between 5 – 8, so watch out rest of world the medium and small teams will be back but with more experienced and just as hungry.
Finally for the large individual. The judge set an exceptionally hard course followed up by some very hard (and a little questionable in my interpretation) judging. To a small extent this took a little gloss off the event. Though the USA dog, Juice, was the best dog and deserved to win. From our perspective, Dave and Spice can feel a little unluckily to be faulted on the see-saw.
So like I wrote yesterday, one still needs a good wind and some luck, particularly when competing at the highest level.
So what can we take from this years event. Well, on the whole GB team / agility is as good as anyone in the world at a given time. But we do have to remember the subtle differences in rules and course design mean we don’t compete identically week in
Saturday 27 September 2008
Day 6
27th September – Middle day competition
What a day of great agility! Team GB have also contributed to the day by some awesome performances. I think that Steve said last year was the best GB performance to date. Well, maybe with the right wind and some help from lady luck, 2008 may be better. It could be that what is happening now is that handlers with previous experience of FCI WC are training newer dogs to compete over the different types of courses one finds in continental competition (and they are different) and the running contacts they tend to do.
At the close of play today we have had the following results:
· Small team – 3rd (first ever podium finish for this group I understand)
· Small individual – All clear and in with a chance tomorrow. Nicky and Indie best placed with 2nd
· Medium individual – Tasha and Dizzy, phenomenal round and leading after the jumping, Angela and Ten nice clear round and in the top half of results
· Large individual – Dave and Spice with clear round and high place
The middle day is traditionally the longest and so proved as well today. It started with individual small (results above) then to medium individual. I was first to go for GB in this. I had long ago decided that in the jumping, no matter where I was drawn or the course, Jude and myself would give it 100% from the first jump. I was actually looking forward to this even in the collecting ring and really wanted to get out there. The course was nice (if a little tight) and up to #15 we were absolutely spot on. Then we took a wrong jump, so need to put my champagne back on ice for another year. It is easy in these circumstances to be wise after the event, but even as we came out of the ring I was pleased. I stuck to my game plan (after all it’s how we do every weekend of the year) and our clear round rate (>75% and trophy cabinet say we must be doing something OK.
The large individual jumping was next; Karen again had a great fast round, but with a jump down. Lesley was very unfortunate and had a harsh 5R (deviations are marked like this in FCI), before Dave (who is fast becoming know as clear round Dave) and Spice finished up with an excellent round and an outside chance of something in tomorrows finale.
Then onto the culmination of small and medium teams. The small team ran 7th from the end and put in 3 fantastic clears which held them in first place for a few more teams before finishing an excellent 3rd.
After yesterday, the mediums were ‘playing for pride’. We went out as professional and determined as if we were playing for places. Unfortunately apart from another sensational round from Tasha and Dizzy, we only had that clear round. Like yesterday myself and Jude had another harsh 5R. Am I disappointed as yet I have not had the magical ‘C’? Yes of course, I wouldn’t be here otherwise. Am I despondent? No, the learning I take from this weekend is smoother entries into tunnels and flat jumps. If we can manage to get back next year we will be even better off with that in our armoury.
Finally, 2 things. I attach a picture of Nicola and Rachel with their ears to the wall. What are they doing? Well next door is the doping room which came on line today. They were pressing their ears to the wall to try and hear who was in there being tested and what was happening. Oh well, girls will be girls!
And lastly, maybe, just maybe, Team GB could have an individual World Champion. Keep an eye on your texts and the net. Oh and keep everything crossed. Mediums run first. First dog will be off around 08.30 local time.
What a day of great agility! Team GB have also contributed to the day by some awesome performances. I think that Steve said last year was the best GB performance to date. Well, maybe with the right wind and some help from lady luck, 2008 may be better. It could be that what is happening now is that handlers with previous experience of FCI WC are training newer dogs to compete over the different types of courses one finds in continental competition (and they are different) and the running contacts they tend to do.
At the close of play today we have had the following results:
· Small team – 3rd (first ever podium finish for this group I understand)
· Small individual – All clear and in with a chance tomorrow. Nicky and Indie best placed with 2nd
· Medium individual – Tasha and Dizzy, phenomenal round and leading after the jumping, Angela and Ten nice clear round and in the top half of results
· Large individual – Dave and Spice with clear round and high place
The middle day is traditionally the longest and so proved as well today. It started with individual small (results above) then to medium individual. I was first to go for GB in this. I had long ago decided that in the jumping, no matter where I was drawn or the course, Jude and myself would give it 100% from the first jump. I was actually looking forward to this even in the collecting ring and really wanted to get out there. The course was nice (if a little tight) and up to #15 we were absolutely spot on. Then we took a wrong jump, so need to put my champagne back on ice for another year. It is easy in these circumstances to be wise after the event, but even as we came out of the ring I was pleased. I stuck to my game plan (after all it’s how we do every weekend of the year) and our clear round rate (>75% and trophy cabinet say we must be doing something OK.
The large individual jumping was next; Karen again had a great fast round, but with a jump down. Lesley was very unfortunate and had a harsh 5R (deviations are marked like this in FCI), before Dave (who is fast becoming know as clear round Dave) and Spice finished up with an excellent round and an outside chance of something in tomorrows finale.
Then onto the culmination of small and medium teams. The small team ran 7th from the end and put in 3 fantastic clears which held them in first place for a few more teams before finishing an excellent 3rd.
After yesterday, the mediums were ‘playing for pride’. We went out as professional and determined as if we were playing for places. Unfortunately apart from another sensational round from Tasha and Dizzy, we only had that clear round. Like yesterday myself and Jude had another harsh 5R. Am I disappointed as yet I have not had the magical ‘C’? Yes of course, I wouldn’t be here otherwise. Am I despondent? No, the learning I take from this weekend is smoother entries into tunnels and flat jumps. If we can manage to get back next year we will be even better off with that in our armoury.
Finally, 2 things. I attach a picture of Nicola and Rachel with their ears to the wall. What are they doing? Well next door is the doping room which came on line today. They were pressing their ears to the wall to try and hear who was in there being tested and what was happening. Oh well, girls will be girls!
And lastly, maybe, just maybe, Team GB could have an individual World Champion. Keep an eye on your texts and the net. Oh and keep everything crossed. Mediums run first. First dog will be off around 08.30 local time.
Some Photo at Last
Hotel
I promised some photos from my earlier blogs of the hotel and the view. Well, are a couple plus a few other shots.
I promised some photos from my earlier blogs of the hotel and the view. Well, are a couple plus a few other shots.
For a competitor needing access to venue, dog walking and shops, the hotel this year is almost perfect, so thanks must go to Kate Howard for this.
Friday 26 September 2008
First Days Competition
26th September – First day’s competition
Sometimes events happen in life that make you realise how insignificant and irrelevant ones own immediate experiences are. For Team GB, that happened on Thursday evening when news of Bernadette and Dennis sad loss through illness of one of their star shelties ‘Hex’.
People connected with the team have known Bernadette and Dennis much better and longer than me and Jackie (have). But, ironically, we forged a relationship on the GB team trip to Norway last year, and now we would like to think we can call them ‘friends’. Personally when I look back at that trip, almost all the happy recollections involve Bernadette and Dennis somehow. So it is difficult to write the following without in the back of my mind thinking……..and so what, does it really matter? So please forgive me if I miss out any details.
Opening ceremony / supporters
The WC always starts with an open ceremony in which the teams get to parade around the arena. Last year I was very grateful to be asked to carry the flag ahead of Team GB. This was (and will remain) one of the proudest moments of my agility career. I think that competitors know when the event has started as all the teams are in the arena seeing each other and exchanging banter. This year the organisers wanted to keep the ceremony short and quite frankly the whole event (in my opinion) was lost. We quickly paraded in, and just as quick out. I’ll be interested to gauge the other colleagues’ opinions in the next few days on what they thought.
As to the amount of supporters in the arena today, Kate Howard and myself couldn’t agree. I thought it was about 40% full, but Kate thinks it was more. One point that Kate did make was that the advance ticket sales led to supporter groups being fragmented around the stands, so perhaps reduced the atmosphere a bit today? From my point of view, I thought that the ‘dancing segments’ between events wasn’t as good as last year and so made the internal atmosphere a little flatter. However it is day one so perhaps tomorrow might be better.
Competition
Today the event focused on the team jumping (for all heights) and Large team agility. For the record, Brazil deservedly won the large competition, running last and keeping their cool in the agility rounds.
But the ‘hard luck story’ of the day belongs to GB large in the jumping. Running last they had seen most teams have faults at the weave poles (both entry and exit). Karen Stanbrook started for GB and put in a fantastic quick round with just one jump down. So far so good. Next up steps ‘big’ Dave Alderson. Big Dave and Spice were putting in their usual fast clear until number 18 when he (himself) knocked a wing over. Under FCI that is elimination. That was very, very cruel.
However Dave had to pick himself straight up and run early with Libby in the small. A great clear round from that pair, followed by a blistering quick round from Nicola and Indie (unfortunately one jump down) was completed by an excellent clear from Rachel and Meg. At time of writing, with just 5 course faults, the smalls are in contention. They compete in the agility round of the team tomorrow afternoon.
Come on Small Team GB!
In the medium team, Jude ran very well, only having a 5R for not entering a tunnel cleanly. Totally my fault from a handling perspective, but as the design from the wall to the tunnel is not something I can recall doing (in the pattern) before; hindsight about what I should have done is a great thing. Collectively the medium team have got to pick ourselves up and show that we can do great things together. Our aim is to win the agility part of the event.
But before we do the agility, all height categories have individual jumping rounds to do. For the mediums it will be our first crack at individual rounds. I think I am first to run and will go in with 100% effort. If we fail, we fail. We can’t afford to not go fast enough in the jumping therefore leaving too much to make up on the Agility round. Anyone who has watched continental agility competitions will know they only have one way of running – fast and furious.
To finish it seems pertinent to note a few things that an individual comes away with from the agility WC. The experience of competing on the top stage, the camaraderie of working together to achieve similar goals and relationships that will last way beyond the competition time frame.
Sometimes events happen in life that make you realise how insignificant and irrelevant ones own immediate experiences are. For Team GB, that happened on Thursday evening when news of Bernadette and Dennis sad loss through illness of one of their star shelties ‘Hex’.
People connected with the team have known Bernadette and Dennis much better and longer than me and Jackie (have). But, ironically, we forged a relationship on the GB team trip to Norway last year, and now we would like to think we can call them ‘friends’. Personally when I look back at that trip, almost all the happy recollections involve Bernadette and Dennis somehow. So it is difficult to write the following without in the back of my mind thinking……..and so what, does it really matter? So please forgive me if I miss out any details.
Opening ceremony / supporters
The WC always starts with an open ceremony in which the teams get to parade around the arena. Last year I was very grateful to be asked to carry the flag ahead of Team GB. This was (and will remain) one of the proudest moments of my agility career. I think that competitors know when the event has started as all the teams are in the arena seeing each other and exchanging banter. This year the organisers wanted to keep the ceremony short and quite frankly the whole event (in my opinion) was lost. We quickly paraded in, and just as quick out. I’ll be interested to gauge the other colleagues’ opinions in the next few days on what they thought.
As to the amount of supporters in the arena today, Kate Howard and myself couldn’t agree. I thought it was about 40% full, but Kate thinks it was more. One point that Kate did make was that the advance ticket sales led to supporter groups being fragmented around the stands, so perhaps reduced the atmosphere a bit today? From my point of view, I thought that the ‘dancing segments’ between events wasn’t as good as last year and so made the internal atmosphere a little flatter. However it is day one so perhaps tomorrow might be better.
Competition
Today the event focused on the team jumping (for all heights) and Large team agility. For the record, Brazil deservedly won the large competition, running last and keeping their cool in the agility rounds.
But the ‘hard luck story’ of the day belongs to GB large in the jumping. Running last they had seen most teams have faults at the weave poles (both entry and exit). Karen Stanbrook started for GB and put in a fantastic quick round with just one jump down. So far so good. Next up steps ‘big’ Dave Alderson. Big Dave and Spice were putting in their usual fast clear until number 18 when he (himself) knocked a wing over. Under FCI that is elimination. That was very, very cruel.
However Dave had to pick himself straight up and run early with Libby in the small. A great clear round from that pair, followed by a blistering quick round from Nicola and Indie (unfortunately one jump down) was completed by an excellent clear from Rachel and Meg. At time of writing, with just 5 course faults, the smalls are in contention. They compete in the agility round of the team tomorrow afternoon.
Come on Small Team GB!
In the medium team, Jude ran very well, only having a 5R for not entering a tunnel cleanly. Totally my fault from a handling perspective, but as the design from the wall to the tunnel is not something I can recall doing (in the pattern) before; hindsight about what I should have done is a great thing. Collectively the medium team have got to pick ourselves up and show that we can do great things together. Our aim is to win the agility part of the event.
But before we do the agility, all height categories have individual jumping rounds to do. For the mediums it will be our first crack at individual rounds. I think I am first to run and will go in with 100% effort. If we fail, we fail. We can’t afford to not go fast enough in the jumping therefore leaving too much to make up on the Agility round. Anyone who has watched continental agility competitions will know they only have one way of running – fast and furious.
To finish it seems pertinent to note a few things that an individual comes away with from the agility WC. The experience of competing on the top stage, the camaraderie of working together to achieve similar goals and relationships that will last way beyond the competition time frame.
Thursday 25 September 2008
Day 4
25th September – Vet Check, Measuring and Training day
The hotel is great. It is only some 15 mins walk to the venue or 5 mins on the tram. It is opposite a park and lake and close to shops for buying those extra bits and pieces. I will include some pictures when I have a lead to transfer them from the camera.
So after all the anticipation and travelling we are finally on the registration and training day. The venue, like last year, is an ice rink. The ice is covered with boarding and Astro turf. However, before we can make our training, we have to go through the vet check, oh and ‘random measuring’.
Measuring
We were informed (and here is a surprise) that the GB team has been randomly selected for measuring (for the second year running). To be honest, as we consist of a team of BC’s this came as no surprise. But after going through the ‘process’ last year one thing was obvious, unlike the UK KC, they don’t really have a process! You got the feeling last year that the organisers found one or two people who might have a bit of time on their hands, set up a ‘decorating pasting table’ in reception (with everyone else passing watching, car crash TV sprung to mind) and got on with it.
This year I am pleased to say was a bit better organised (after Steve raised it at a post WC meeting) and they tried to implement some of the suggestions, primarily a quiet room. Although this had people passing through (and as I later found out an external ‘interested party’ from another country), but it was acceptable.
Well those people in the UK who like to put pen to paper and write about and give their expert opinion on processes they never saw and have not been part of, sorry no exciting news. All 3 mediums measured in. Now there are 2 things which come out of this (1) how many measures can a dog have? (2) what did our interested party think?
Let me cover both points individually:
If a dog is measured in twice (or 4 times if you include UK based measures), would a negative measure in 2010 make the dog medium or large? What I am saying is that do you keep measuring until you measure it in or measure it out? It is a philosophical argument, but relative, especially to the team who has to go through it.
Well I am glad to say that the FCI have adapted the UK approach and that a dog measured in, has it record book stamped and it will compete in that height forever. Even they commented that it is not right to keep measuring the same dog over and over again.
What about our other interested party? I won’t reveal which country they represented, but clearly they sneaked in to view the measuring. Obviously this person should not have been present, but all they could go away with was the fact that all the UK dogs were measured officially in as FCI Medium.
Training
So with the measuring and the vet checks all completed, on to the training. A few of us decided to go through ‘Team GB’ pre-warm up. We found this helps to take the mind off the run and have a little laugh before competition.
With 9 dogs this year we had 12 mins to train, starting at 11.58 local time. The ring was divided into 3 sections and the small, medium and large each adopted 1 segment for 4 mins before moving to the next one. Everyone I think was pleased with the training, surface and equipment (apart from the wall). I will take some pictures of the wall tomorrow so you can see the unorthodox round top bricks.
For myself, training was OK. Jude likes running at inside venues so we just concentrate on letting her feel the surface and contacts. She didn’t right hand weave (RHW) well, so even though I probably wasn’t going to anyway, I will avoid doing this unless it is absolutely critical. At this stage its best not to ask me why, for me RHW is what it is and I can (usually) compensate by running out with Jude (famous last words).
So now everyone is waiting for the opening ceremony which takes place at 08.00 local time tomorrow (06.00 UK time). When I write this tomorrow, perhaps I will have great news about our performances. Fingers crossed. Wish the team well (if you read this post any good lucks that you put on the forum I will pass on).
The hotel is great. It is only some 15 mins walk to the venue or 5 mins on the tram. It is opposite a park and lake and close to shops for buying those extra bits and pieces. I will include some pictures when I have a lead to transfer them from the camera.
So after all the anticipation and travelling we are finally on the registration and training day. The venue, like last year, is an ice rink. The ice is covered with boarding and Astro turf. However, before we can make our training, we have to go through the vet check, oh and ‘random measuring’.
Measuring
We were informed (and here is a surprise) that the GB team has been randomly selected for measuring (for the second year running). To be honest, as we consist of a team of BC’s this came as no surprise. But after going through the ‘process’ last year one thing was obvious, unlike the UK KC, they don’t really have a process! You got the feeling last year that the organisers found one or two people who might have a bit of time on their hands, set up a ‘decorating pasting table’ in reception (with everyone else passing watching, car crash TV sprung to mind) and got on with it.
This year I am pleased to say was a bit better organised (after Steve raised it at a post WC meeting) and they tried to implement some of the suggestions, primarily a quiet room. Although this had people passing through (and as I later found out an external ‘interested party’ from another country), but it was acceptable.
Well those people in the UK who like to put pen to paper and write about and give their expert opinion on processes they never saw and have not been part of, sorry no exciting news. All 3 mediums measured in. Now there are 2 things which come out of this (1) how many measures can a dog have? (2) what did our interested party think?
Let me cover both points individually:
If a dog is measured in twice (or 4 times if you include UK based measures), would a negative measure in 2010 make the dog medium or large? What I am saying is that do you keep measuring until you measure it in or measure it out? It is a philosophical argument, but relative, especially to the team who has to go through it.
Well I am glad to say that the FCI have adapted the UK approach and that a dog measured in, has it record book stamped and it will compete in that height forever. Even they commented that it is not right to keep measuring the same dog over and over again.
What about our other interested party? I won’t reveal which country they represented, but clearly they sneaked in to view the measuring. Obviously this person should not have been present, but all they could go away with was the fact that all the UK dogs were measured officially in as FCI Medium.
Training
So with the measuring and the vet checks all completed, on to the training. A few of us decided to go through ‘Team GB’ pre-warm up. We found this helps to take the mind off the run and have a little laugh before competition.
With 9 dogs this year we had 12 mins to train, starting at 11.58 local time. The ring was divided into 3 sections and the small, medium and large each adopted 1 segment for 4 mins before moving to the next one. Everyone I think was pleased with the training, surface and equipment (apart from the wall). I will take some pictures of the wall tomorrow so you can see the unorthodox round top bricks.
For myself, training was OK. Jude likes running at inside venues so we just concentrate on letting her feel the surface and contacts. She didn’t right hand weave (RHW) well, so even though I probably wasn’t going to anyway, I will avoid doing this unless it is absolutely critical. At this stage its best not to ask me why, for me RHW is what it is and I can (usually) compensate by running out with Jude (famous last words).
So now everyone is waiting for the opening ceremony which takes place at 08.00 local time tomorrow (06.00 UK time). When I write this tomorrow, perhaps I will have great news about our performances. Fingers crossed. Wish the team well (if you read this post any good lucks that you put on the forum I will pass on).
Wednesday 24 September 2008
Day 3
24th September
I know airports very well, in fact when working I often text Jackie the airport abbreviations to let her know where I am going (difficult to call sometimes due to time difference). Today though was different. At work we have a saying “you only need to remember 2 things when travelling, passport and credit card”. Therefore normally I am very relaxed about packing and turning up. If I haven’t got it, then I will buy it at the other end.
Driving down to LHR, I was running through the things I couldn’t buy at the other end (Jude, pet passport, vaccination certificate) and things can be purchased but I’d rather have my own (dog food, lead, running shoes etc). Anyway I can’t turn back now.
As the dogs were travelling cargo, we had to leave them at 07.00 on the outskirts of HR airport, then go and park the cars before heading back into the terminal to check ourselves in. After I left Jude my main concern was finding the car park. As I sat on the transfer bus back to the terminal I felt a little upset and wondered how Jude was. Anyway I texted Jackie to let her know all was going to plan so far. Then received a text from Nicola. Sharon, David and herself had a good journey to Brussels and had themselves just checked the dogs in there. So quickly my mind came back to meeting back up with the others (Angela, Natasha, Matt, Steve) as well as Debbie and Richard who had now joined the ‘party’.
Last Sunday, Rachel had proposed producing a photo of the dogs for the flight crew when we boarded to help break the ice. I had mine with Jude’s passport and it came in handy at my check in. My checked baggage and soft crate took me over the baggage allowance. When the lady at check-in showed interest to where (and why) we were going, I produced Jude’s photo and she waived any additional charges. Anyone flying next time should remember that tip (I doubt it would work with a male attendant)!
Plane side, we went through the usual ritual of making sure they had loaded the dogs. We only saw Ten being loaded, but were assured that Dizzy and Jude were on board as we sat down. The dog photos and small stories did break the ice and gave the stewardesses something to smile about that morning. In fact the Fin air staff were helpful as they could be, even asking us which temperature the dogs would like in the hold.
Anyway, glad to say everyone arrived OK into Helsinki. Met up with the Brussels contingent and we are now all in the hotel. Off now to give Jude a walk and look around a bit.
I know airports very well, in fact when working I often text Jackie the airport abbreviations to let her know where I am going (difficult to call sometimes due to time difference). Today though was different. At work we have a saying “you only need to remember 2 things when travelling, passport and credit card”. Therefore normally I am very relaxed about packing and turning up. If I haven’t got it, then I will buy it at the other end.
Driving down to LHR, I was running through the things I couldn’t buy at the other end (Jude, pet passport, vaccination certificate) and things can be purchased but I’d rather have my own (dog food, lead, running shoes etc). Anyway I can’t turn back now.
As the dogs were travelling cargo, we had to leave them at 07.00 on the outskirts of HR airport, then go and park the cars before heading back into the terminal to check ourselves in. After I left Jude my main concern was finding the car park. As I sat on the transfer bus back to the terminal I felt a little upset and wondered how Jude was. Anyway I texted Jackie to let her know all was going to plan so far. Then received a text from Nicola. Sharon, David and herself had a good journey to Brussels and had themselves just checked the dogs in there. So quickly my mind came back to meeting back up with the others (Angela, Natasha, Matt, Steve) as well as Debbie and Richard who had now joined the ‘party’.
Last Sunday, Rachel had proposed producing a photo of the dogs for the flight crew when we boarded to help break the ice. I had mine with Jude’s passport and it came in handy at my check in. My checked baggage and soft crate took me over the baggage allowance. When the lady at check-in showed interest to where (and why) we were going, I produced Jude’s photo and she waived any additional charges. Anyone flying next time should remember that tip (I doubt it would work with a male attendant)!
Plane side, we went through the usual ritual of making sure they had loaded the dogs. We only saw Ten being loaded, but were assured that Dizzy and Jude were on board as we sat down. The dog photos and small stories did break the ice and gave the stewardesses something to smile about that morning. In fact the Fin air staff were helpful as they could be, even asking us which temperature the dogs would like in the hold.
Anyway, glad to say everyone arrived OK into Helsinki. Met up with the Brussels contingent and we are now all in the hotel. Off now to give Jude a walk and look around a bit.
Day 2
23rd September
Jude is OK now. She developed a stomach upset over the weekend (which is not unusual with her as she is very sensitive in that department). The potential added complication this time is the draconian anti-doping regulations when competing in Finland. So a visit to the vets in itself could be a mine field as any treatment would probably fall fail of the regulations. But changing her diet to white fish and rice has done the trick (as I write on Tuesday evening) and we are ready to go. We are all packed and will be leaving around 04.00 in the morning for the drive to LHR (London Heathrow).
As I write this, the journey for most of the team has already started. Nicola, David and Sharon left this morning as they are leaving out of Brussels airport around Wednesday lunch time. I think that they have taken the ferry to Dunkerque as their tunnel tickets were changed last week. Hope they have had a good journey; we will meet up with them in Helsinki airport.
Lesley, Rachel and Karen have a very early flight in the morning (07.30) so are staying near to LHR (along with Angela who will fly out with Natasha and myself at 10.20). Due to flying with dogs, we need to first go to cargo at least 3 hours before flying so the ‘red’ party will be at LHR at 04.00! We (blue party) report in at what in comparison appears a leisurely 07.00. The flight time is 3 hours (Finland is +2h) so we will arrive mid afternoon (if we are on time).
I haven’t told Natasha and Angela yet, but I have had so many delays in the last few months. I don’t know exactly why, but my supposition is that airlines are cutting aeroplanes out of the schedule trying to save money due to very high fuel prices and so loading 2 lots of passengers on to one later plane (not tomorrow though, fingers crossed).
Anyway I am off to bed now (though I probably won’t sleep until 30 mins before the alarm goes off in the morning, I can never sleep when I need to get up early). But before I go, I understand my comments about compression shorts have raised a few replies J. They look like cycling shorts but are tighter and heavier so keep the muscle compressed and heated. Jackie won’t allow me to wear them on their own so they will be camouflaged under my team shorts when I run!
Jude is OK now. She developed a stomach upset over the weekend (which is not unusual with her as she is very sensitive in that department). The potential added complication this time is the draconian anti-doping regulations when competing in Finland. So a visit to the vets in itself could be a mine field as any treatment would probably fall fail of the regulations. But changing her diet to white fish and rice has done the trick (as I write on Tuesday evening) and we are ready to go. We are all packed and will be leaving around 04.00 in the morning for the drive to LHR (London Heathrow).
As I write this, the journey for most of the team has already started. Nicola, David and Sharon left this morning as they are leaving out of Brussels airport around Wednesday lunch time. I think that they have taken the ferry to Dunkerque as their tunnel tickets were changed last week. Hope they have had a good journey; we will meet up with them in Helsinki airport.
Lesley, Rachel and Karen have a very early flight in the morning (07.30) so are staying near to LHR (along with Angela who will fly out with Natasha and myself at 10.20). Due to flying with dogs, we need to first go to cargo at least 3 hours before flying so the ‘red’ party will be at LHR at 04.00! We (blue party) report in at what in comparison appears a leisurely 07.00. The flight time is 3 hours (Finland is +2h) so we will arrive mid afternoon (if we are on time).
I haven’t told Natasha and Angela yet, but I have had so many delays in the last few months. I don’t know exactly why, but my supposition is that airlines are cutting aeroplanes out of the schedule trying to save money due to very high fuel prices and so loading 2 lots of passengers on to one later plane (not tomorrow though, fingers crossed).
Anyway I am off to bed now (though I probably won’t sleep until 30 mins before the alarm goes off in the morning, I can never sleep when I need to get up early). But before I go, I understand my comments about compression shorts have raised a few replies J. They look like cycling shorts but are tighter and heavier so keep the muscle compressed and heated. Jackie won’t allow me to wear them on their own so they will be camouflaged under my team shorts when I run!
Monday 22 September 2008
21st September
Well, completed our last group training at Steve Croxford’s. Now this is only my second year competing on the team, but I thought that the atmosphere on the last training day was more relaxed and fun than last year? Perhaps due to having to self fund the trip and everyone already knowing that they will compete in individuals and team? Then again might just be my perspective.
From a training perspective Jude and myself have had better days, but I am not worried. Basically all our fundamentals are sound (turning, contacts and weaves [yes even right hand is now in our bag of tools]) and it is the courses on the day which will dictate my tactics and ultimately success or failure. I also had to make sure I had no last minute regression on the left hamstring. In May I had a grade 2 muscle tear in this region which basically put me out for 6 – 8 weeks. Glad to say even though I had a little tightness last week at Prestbury, this weekend was OK. I have my compression shorts packed just in case.
As with last year, the medium team decided our running order between ourselves at training. After a little discussion Angela chose to go first, Natasha second with myself running third. I have run last for the medium Crufts team and third for Beacon team so running later is not a problem for me. Then again I reflected that if we were to do well in the Jumping (Friday) then on the Sunday I could possibly be the last medium in the last team to go. Now that does sound a little scary! Other GB team members commented that even if I was OK, they might not be able to control their nerves in that situation!
Arrived home to find Jackie had added a new rucksack to our boot bag collection. These are prizes that the generous Bromsgrove give out. Tom and Del had won a few classes each day between them and so Jackie was happy. Fiona Vaughan had also won 2 grade 6 classes with ‘D’ so she was now looking forward to Championship classes in 2009. Well done Beacon members. Jackie and myself finished off Sunday evening at the pub for a debrief of the weekend and that we wouldn’t see much off each other for a week or so.
Jackie won’t be travelling to Finland this year. With the combined costs of getting to the WC (world champs) and kennelling, we thought it too expensive. I have a very early trip on Wednesday (leave home at 03.30) to travel to Heathrow. At least the journey will be measured in hours, not days compared to last year.
Well, completed our last group training at Steve Croxford’s. Now this is only my second year competing on the team, but I thought that the atmosphere on the last training day was more relaxed and fun than last year? Perhaps due to having to self fund the trip and everyone already knowing that they will compete in individuals and team? Then again might just be my perspective.
From a training perspective Jude and myself have had better days, but I am not worried. Basically all our fundamentals are sound (turning, contacts and weaves [yes even right hand is now in our bag of tools]) and it is the courses on the day which will dictate my tactics and ultimately success or failure. I also had to make sure I had no last minute regression on the left hamstring. In May I had a grade 2 muscle tear in this region which basically put me out for 6 – 8 weeks. Glad to say even though I had a little tightness last week at Prestbury, this weekend was OK. I have my compression shorts packed just in case.
As with last year, the medium team decided our running order between ourselves at training. After a little discussion Angela chose to go first, Natasha second with myself running third. I have run last for the medium Crufts team and third for Beacon team so running later is not a problem for me. Then again I reflected that if we were to do well in the Jumping (Friday) then on the Sunday I could possibly be the last medium in the last team to go. Now that does sound a little scary! Other GB team members commented that even if I was OK, they might not be able to control their nerves in that situation!
Arrived home to find Jackie had added a new rucksack to our boot bag collection. These are prizes that the generous Bromsgrove give out. Tom and Del had won a few classes each day between them and so Jackie was happy. Fiona Vaughan had also won 2 grade 6 classes with ‘D’ so she was now looking forward to Championship classes in 2009. Well done Beacon members. Jackie and myself finished off Sunday evening at the pub for a debrief of the weekend and that we wouldn’t see much off each other for a week or so.
Jackie won’t be travelling to Finland this year. With the combined costs of getting to the WC (world champs) and kennelling, we thought it too expensive. I have a very early trip on Wednesday (leave home at 03.30) to travel to Heathrow. At least the journey will be measured in hours, not days compared to last year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)