Finally I’m back home after more than a week tripping around spots and competitions. My past 3 weeks were a little exhausting because I became pretty sick. My doctor gave me some antibiotics to take for 7 days but I felt like I had to train so I didn't rest at all, which definitely was a mistake because my arm started to hurt as well (infected ligaments).

After using antibiotics I felt better so the plan was to go to the freestyle competition in Kadaň/ Czech Republic. On Wednesday evening we left the country. Unfortunately during the drive I started to feel sick again I felt worse than before. Even feeling sick I trained to keep fit so of course it didn't get any better at all. At the time I still thought I would make it to the competition. During my training on Friday I had no luck again and had an accident with my shoulder, which was my complete knockout for the competition.

Well, for me it was just not my week but Nina did great. She won the female category overall. As her boyfriend and coach I was really proud of her that she managed the phoenix monkey in the final ride, which was really difficult.

Due to the rain I wanted to stick to the plan using the odd levels in Plattling/ Germany. My only choice to get ready to paddle was to start the enzyme regeneration. So I did and by using 8 pills 3 times a day my health got better, which was really important. The pain in my shoulder eased as well.

I’m aware that this decision is not healthy but I just don't have time. On Monday I went for training again with only a little bit of pain. It was alright but not 100%  because my body was still fighting the sickness.

After the week in Plattling with good levels we decided to join the Graz Competition, which is a part of the ARF Cup. As always the Austrians organized an awesome event. The water level went very low and the hole became very hard and sticky. I did well in my trainings and choose my bigger boat for the competition.

After the quali Nina and I finished first but my semifinal was not that good though. The water was droping during the heats and because I started last I had even more difficulties. The hole was really hard at this level and the choice of boat was against me. I just couldn't do the moves and I was so powerless. In the end I finished 8th. Nina did awesome and won the female category again. After the ceremony we went home because Nina is about to finish her master degree this week.

These few weeks definitely thought me a big lesson. Sometimes you just need to listen to your body. Now I need to get back into shape.


Peter

Thanks to the photographers for the pictures