‘I could barely walk’: Olympian’s hilarious training takedown

Go behind the scenes with an Olympian.

WHEN I rolled out of bed this morning I could barely walk.

My legs are the sorest they’ve been in years, my shoulders feel like they’re carrying a tonne of bricks and if I laugh I’m sure my abdominals will tear apart and I have no one to blame but Scomo.

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It’s not often elite athletes are left to fend for ourselves but a couple of weeks ago the reigns to our own training programs were unceremoniously thrusted upon us.

After the Olympics were postponed and our training facilities were closed, it was agreed that the next little while will be a good time to reset and recharge the batteries after the emotional rollercoaster we’ve all been through.

Gold Coast kayaker Alyssa Bull. Picture: ROWING CELEBRATIONS

The exact instructions we were given were to take control of our own programs, enjoy paddling and stay fit and healthy. Cue the home workout phenomenon.

For a bunch of athletes who don’t often partake in any foreign movement, this has been an opportunity to try new things, experiment with home setups and step outside of our comfort zone.

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Who knew a 32-minute Chris Hemsworth HIIT workout could turn my face into the doppelganger of a beetroot, or a hill sprint session could leave me opting to take the escalator at Woolies for a week?

Gold Coast kayaker Cat McArthur with her trademark splash.

After one session my neighbour even gave me a sympathy applause as I staggered up the hill.

I think the only thing currently saving me from complete embarrassment is my paddling and I’d like to bet my teammates are all in agreeance.

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I’m lucky enough to live a short walk away from a canal where myself and my husband, Jordan, have been able to paddle since our training facility in Miami was temporarily closed.

With social distancing measures in place, we’ve found paddling is a great way to exercise away from the hustle and bustle while still enjoying what our beautiful region has to offer and it’s great to see so many people out on our waterways doing the same.

Gold Coast kayakers Alyssa Bull and Alyce Wood.

If you’re already out and about or are wanting to dust that kayak or ski off, below are my teams top tips for paddling:

1.Hold your paddle the right way up, right way round.

Always ensure the concaved side of the blade is facing you and the lip is on top. Pro tip: The branding on your paddle will typically always be written so it can be read right way up and the right way round when going forward.

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2. Use your whole body.

Contrary to popular opinion a kayak does not double as a recliner chair.

By tilting forward from your hips, holding your hands at shoulder height as you pull your paddle through the water and using your legs as leverage you will go faster and get a better full body workout.

Gold Coast kayakers Curtis McGrath and Lachlan Tame in the water.

3. Keep hydrated.

Cat McArthur highly recommends keeping your fellow paddler cool and hydrated by splashing them appropriately every now and again.

Pro tip: With a big enough scoop of water it’s possible to achieve full coverage from a socially distanced 1.5m.

Happy paddling!