Worse position to be...

... in 4th place.

We lost a close match against the Russians, by 0-1.

We GB girls played with our hearts all throughout the match, the goal in fact should have not happened after a water break - if there was a water break, it should be during a throw or a goal-kick not a corner; which results a goal scramble.

I had the role to man-mark Russia best player, she is a professional in the Italian league. I am please to say she didn't score in this match, when she scored 3 when we lost 6-2 earlier in the competition.

I had to come off after 70 minutes, I was getting weaker and was feeling not too good. A sign of dehydration, so the medical staff took me off. I have to remind myself that I haven't played a full match since last November before my knee injury, so I must take this as a positive performance.

After the match, I feel physically fine - a few knocks as to be expected.

I am now looking forward going home to play for my club and do well in the league.

Gonna dash to breakfast!

Will blog later.

Disappointed

Just a short blog.

We lost semi-final against USA by a close margin, 2-1.
We fought to the end of the match, which left the Americans respecting us massively. Also they never cheered to gloat at us, so now we gonna cheer them on in the final against Germany.
So the bronze medal match is all left we can fight for, we know 4th place is the worse place to be. Guess who we will play against? Russia again!
We still believe we can beat them.

After the match, we had free time. So my dad and Andrew my brother in law went to Taipei 101 tower. It was lovely to spend time with them, we just chilled out.
Afterwards we went to athletics to watch the Women Hammer final, Women 800m Semi-final and men 200m semi-final.
We got a bronze in the hammer (we got gold in the last Deaflympics), Got through in the 800m final and one lad in the 200m final. Our 800m runner has the fastest time in the qualifying, we are pinning our hopes on her to win our first gold.
Not forgetting we have Rajeev Bagga in our badminton singles, he has been number one player in the last 5 deaflympics - yes! you are reading right! Over the last 20 years, he has ruled Badminton singles - but it was only this Deaflympics that he is playing for GB after changing his passport from India.

Well that's all the news from me, we having a rest day today. We plan to watch the GB men play for 9th place.

Tough oppostion

We lost against the Russians in our group match, the scoreline did not reflect on our hard work into this match. But it had to be said that Russia did outclass us in terms of performance.
6-2 was the score.
A lot of disappointed girls, but the management quickly said we now have a second chance by getting through to the semi-finals. Our opponent will be USA who got gold 4 years ago at the Deaflympics in Melbourne, so we have a really tough match tomorrow.
I didn't play in the Russia match, in my mind I could believe I could make a difference in speed and strength I have. But in my coaching mind, I wouldn't have gambled on using me by being out for most of the season.

Yesterday afternoon we had free time, so a group of us went to the city to eat and then went shopping. I only bought a hat. I am hoping I will get another chance to have some free time to go out with my father and Andrew (brother in law). Corinna (my sister) has asked me to get some mascot stuff for her kids and my nephews. Andrew has also asked me to help out to decide on getting clothes for his girls.

We girls had a bit of fun in my room last night as Carly bought her I-pod, so when music was played - some of the girls were dancing and laughing. This was just the tonic we needed after losing badly to Russia. When the girls finally left my room, I decided to watch DVD - High School Musical 3, I fell asleep...
So I am up early this morning, got another hour before breakfast - so I have quickly jumped on the Internet to say hi to everyone.

Plans for the day.
8am - Breakfast
9.30 - Meeting
10.30 - light swim session
12.00 - Lunch
1.30 - Rest or treatment
4.30 - Meeting
6.00 - Dinner
9.30 - Bedtime.

By the way, if you are wondering - the temperature in Taiwan have dropped massively. It is still hot, but bearable hot. Its like our British hot summer.

Keep well everyone, and keep reading my blog.

Emotional..

Just a short blog from me today.

We won against Thailand, well... in fact we slaughtered them having scored 18 goals...

I played in the last half an hour, I was over the mood when I got the nod to play. I had an easy task in the back, but I made sure that I performed.
Yeah I made a few errors, like my placement was slightly out of place on the pitch - I normally play in central defence, but I played as right back in this match.
Its a habit of mine to evaluate on myself.

At the end of the match I cried... when 9 months ago the chances of me playing in the Deaflympics was almost zero to none after my ACL Reconstruction on my knee. But now the reality has happened to me, that I played... I am still pinching myself!

Now we have free time this afternoon, I am going to my room to sort out bits and bobs. Then for Karly GB physio to help me stretch my hamstring.

We have won 2 matches, so we are now in the semi-finals. But we need to beat Russia to top our group and that won't be an easy ride.

I am getting some cool messages from my family, friends and colleagues at home.
These messages does me wonders, I had a great match but these messages are icing on the cake!

So thanks everyone!

1st match over...

This is me with their mascot - Tree Frog.

I reckon it was a cooler morning than it has been for a while, unless we are used to the weather...

Our first match is over, with us beating Japan 6-1. Two of our girls got a hat-trick each; leaving our coaching assistant to clean their boots later!


I didn't play in this match, but by sitting on the bench with our national anthem played was a proud moment, but I didn't actually hear this. It set ripples on my arms that I am now at the Deaflympics, when my dream was nearly over with a serious knee injury last November.

The head coach admitted to me that he didn't think I will make it on time, even though I do wish my knee injury did not happen - then I would have more an active role on the pitch.

We have the opening ceremony tonight, so wearing our GB kit with our flag bearer holding our flag with pride is very exciting.

Also it will be very cool to walk with my father and Andrew (my brother in law).
Andrew is here with the Tennis, as he is the only one who can understand international sign language in the tennis group.

I better be off to get some power nap before a long night at the open ceremony.

Keep well everyone.

Hot Day

It was a hot day today with temperatures reaching 38, but the wind has been a massive cooling factor for us.

We had our friendly match today against the University team, they gave us all a good game. We most certainly learnt a lot about coping in the heat and the formation of the team, mostly positive I would say.
I was over the mood when I got a run around in the last 10 minutes, my first match since last November 2008. The feeling was great, I felt very lifted and raring to prove myself more. I made some solid tackles and sprinting, my confidence is there. I am pleased....
Though I am a bit rusty at some areas, but am glad we have a few more days of training to polish that up.

Tomorrow we are having a rest day, going sight seeing in the city. Most of the girls want to shop in the mall, but I want to see Taipei and their culture. I can shop anytime in the UK.
but we'll have to see if we can.

We are having our first Team GB meeting tonight, there are about 120 of us here. With us being the 8th country with the most athletes. Russia leads with over 200 athletes, then Germany - they are in the same hotel of us. Some of the players feeling riled seeing the Germans here, we have history with them.

Just going to my room now to have a quick shower and rest for an hour before dinner.

By the way, I got a couple letters from my Dad - they were from my mum and my sister Corinna. The letters were great, with funny news and words of encouragement.
I miss them terribly, but I am lucky I have my Dad around.

Keep reading my blog over the next 2 weeks, this will be on the official GB Deaflympic website in the next few days.

4th day

Its now the 4th day in Taipei.

Yesterday I was sick at training, but nothing came out. I was physically and mentally exhausted afterwards and had to skip swimming in the afternoon to get as much rest as possible.
But today was a massive improvement, I felt much better than I did in the first 3 days.
Today training was good for all of the girls, we felt pretty good afterwards.
We are starting to understand how to play football in hot weather and the hard ground, I have yet used my studded football boots - only using my astro boots, mainly because of the threat of getting blisters.

We went to get our photo ID for the Deaflympics, of which we need to wear to competitions.
There has been a rumour that the opening ceremony tickets has been sold out, are we talking thousands and thousands of people going?! Knowing the Taiwanese (Chinese), they like to be extravagant. But people are saying that Jackie Chan will be there! Pretty awesome if he were!

Tomorrow should be a good day, as my father is coming in from the UK as he is a part of us. So it will be good to have him around.

Just signing off now, as it is 10pm here and I need my sleep ready for tomorrow's training.

Keep well everyone!

Second day

Sorry no photo today, but hopefully later.

The flight to Taiwan went very quickly, didn't feel too jet lagged afterwards.

As soon we landed, there was the press chasing us in the airport as if we were famous - we took it in our stride. I gave their mascot Tree Frog a big cuddle with Esther our captain, it was quite funny as it reminded me of Berlino at the World Championships in Athletics!

As soon we got out of the airport, we were hit with intense heat & humidity. We were expecting this, but you can never prepare for it.

Our hotel is beautiful, its full of character and lovely people. A lot of the hotel staff have learnt international sign language in order to communicate with us. Bless them!
But also we have been allocated with a security staff to make sure we are safe on their grounds.

We had our second training day today, I find the training in the heat very difficult. I struggled in the fitness work, mainly feeling sick. I am wondering if I should be sick to get it all out of my system and perform better.
But the other girls are also struggling too, the good thing is that its now the second day and most of us are feeling better than we did yesterday.
So I am glad we have the time to get used to the weather over the next few days.

Every night we have our own entertainment between the girls, which is a form of 'court' as if any player did something silly today, we have to nominate them as plonker of the day. If found guilty, they have to do a dare. For example one girl had to wear bright lip-stick and the other girl had to wear a garter. This is good for team bonding.

Tonight we are being entertained by our masseur Dina, as it is her 'Hen-night' she is getting married in a month time. We have dressed her in pink and a tutu. She is a bundle of laughs.

So much news in little space!

We are also accompany with the GB men football team and GB Deaf Athletic team. We are being constantly being looked after by our GB Deaflympics Committee, making sure we are happy with anything.

Just signing off, not sure when I log in again.

Just hoping I will survive another tough training session tomorrow. sure I will! I have that mentally!

Its time...

In under 24 hours time I will be in Heathrow Airport with Great Britain Deaflympics Team.. that warms my bones up.

Months and months of training for these girls and I spend a lot of time in rehab training - which is specific training to build up my operated knee.

I am contended with the fact that my knee is great now, the Physiotherapy and strength & conditioning gave me hope that I will play.

Last physio session was quite emotional in some ways, I wrote in Natalie's thank you card to say that I wanted to make a Voodoo doll of her and stick pins in her, with the amount of time she held me back or the pain she inflicted on me! But I didn't...as I enjoyed our session together. She knew what it was like to play at high level of sport with her being a high level tennis player before. Which made our working relationship solid, I couldn't work with someone who isn't interested in sport. Thanks Natalie! I'll bring back a medal! (photo attached is of me, Natalie and Sami)

Friends of mine were asking about the football schedule in taiwan, this website has the general schedule of the games: http://english.2009deaflympics.org/files/13-1027-880.php

I don't know where the match results will be published but I know our PR person will be updating it on the GB Football website: http://www.britishdeaffootball.com/

GB Women's group is with Japan, Thailand and Russia.

5 Sept - GB v Japan

7 Sept - GB v Thailand

9 Sept GB v Russia

We need to win 2 games to qualify for the semi-final, which Denmark, Germany or USA is in the other group. Sadly South Africa pulled out.

Our main rivals are Russia in our group, we will remain focus in our group before thinking about the other group. There are rumours about Russia government offering 100,000 euros for every gold medal won. We will do our best to stop that!

Well, I am not sure when I will be writing my blog again - hopefully before the end of the week.

Mad dog!

An old photo of me many years ago!

Sami was a bit mad yesterday at the physio session for no apparent reason, he was whining and excitable. Just as well it was at the end of the day, when its more quieter.

Just one more physio session with Natalie on Thursday, then I am handed over to the GB physios at the Deaflympics. I am pretty much there.




I had a Job interview on Monday for a part time job for the Head Coach Disability Centre of Excellence. I forgot to ask for an interpreter, silly me! But the interview went pretty well, so I had to wait a few days before I hear. But yesterday they offered me the job! Wey!


I am over the moon! Because this job involved in youth, and that is my greatest passion in developing youth footballers to be better players. They have given me reading materials for me to take to Taiwan next week, as I start the week after I return. My mind is already buzzing with ideas!





Last night a friend of mine came for dinner, simple spag bol with sweet chili. We have known each other for many years, from when we worked together at the Prison Service. I am quite proud to say that she quickly enrolled to a signing class and now she is fluent in sign language. Karen has just been asked to do a reading at a Deaf wedding, she was tallying with the idea whether she speaks and sign or just sign. It looks like she is opting for just to sign, I hold my hat of to her! Though she has asked my sister Corinna to help out, with me in the background! I am a terrible teacher in signing, I'll stick to football!


I am just about to go off to see my big sister, Justina. With a full house of kids, Lovely!

4 not 3!

That was pretty special meeting Sir Geoff Hurst, he has a quirky sense of humour that had us in awe of him. I met a winner of world cup of 1966! I have a signed t-shirt of him that I will treasure forever.

Hurst said he scored 4 goals not 3 at the world cup, one bounce of the cross bar over the line and out.

I've had a quiet weekend in terms of socialising, which is very normal for me before a big event at the Deaflympics. I tend to keep my head down and focus in my training, resting, eating well and drinking litres after litres of water! Not only because water is good for you, but to maintain a strong bladder - because I don't want to be up throughout the night going to the toilet!

I have been going out a few very tough runs and now I have developed a blister, not nice... but at least I have blister plasters which are brilliant.

I am feeling a bit more confident now with my hamstring, because the distance I can run now without feeling heavy is positive.

Recently I have been watching Athletics, no matter if they are British or not - I am still fascinated on their training regime, I do envy the amount of support they have financially. Not only that, I was reading what Denise Lewis was saying - these athletes have someone with them before, during and after training and competition; that is intense! But then again, UK sport want to invest winners.

9 days left until we fly, I don't feel nervous at the moment, more excited...

Making good progress

This is me doing a back squat of 50kg

Last Friday I had a chiropractic session, just to check if my alignment of my spine. All looks good apart from stiffness in the lower region, which is quite common. After a few cracks, my dog did not like the sound of the cracking. Bless him thinking that the chiropractor will break me!

Last weekend was GB last training weekend in Manchester, the girls are in high spirit with millions of questions! But rest assured we have Sharon Hirshman who is our operation manager of our team that will oversee 'off the pitch' situations.


Training on Saturday was relaxing, I took part in the morning session not the afternoon to protect my hamstring. However this week my hamstring is making good progress, I am happy with it.


Sunday we had a friendly against a local team, they were gunning for our players as we beat them before. We didn't play with tackles flying in or winning every header, all we wanted to do is to finish this match injury free.



After the match, I went with my cousin to her home. As she lives nearby. We discussed the possibility of doing a relay triathlon next year, with her and my brother in law going head to head in swimming, then me with her husband in biking, then my sister in running against my uncle. This should be fun!



This week at Physio, I was not a happy lady because doing hamstring curls is so hard and I couldn't do it properly. I was reading somewhere, that I should be able to lift 100% of my weight when doing back squat, which is about 60kg. I can do that. But hamstring I should do 75% of my weight which is 45kg. I don't think I am at that stage yet, maybe I go to the gym and find out.

Today I am off to Upton Park at West Ham FC stadium to be involved in the launch of a football project that will be opened by Geoff Hurst. A legend! Esther Maycock and Daniel Hogan are going as well.


Will let you know how that goes.

Afternoon Kath

Sorry I have been a bit quiet this week.

I got my university results last week, I need to brush up one of the modules - of which I have been doing this week. The delay was the assessor's handwriting! I thought doctors are one of the worse! But this assessor tops as the 'world worse handwriting', he should have known better that if I didn't do so well and write the feedback clearer or even type it out! Tut! I was not a happy lady!

I saw Mr Armitage on Tuesday, the surgeon who did my knee - he was really happy to see how strong my knee was, says that there is nothing to stop me playing full strength in football - just need to sort out my hamstring, which I am very very nearly there!

The photo is Mr Armitage and me.

I also saw Dr Webborn, he is an amazing man. I suppose I look up to him, he has a lovely charisma and I think he also enjoys helping me to be fit to play at the Deaflympics. After 3 injections of anti-inflammatory on my hamstring, I can now feel the big difference, specially after today physio session.

And why did I put down 'Afternoon Kath' ?

I was talking to Natalie my physio about sign language, as I prefer to sign when I am running on the treadmill. Another physio came to join our conversation and signed 'My afternoon is Kath'

I think she meant 'My name is Kath' !

I saw both of my sisters this morning, I haven't seen much of them in the last week and a half - which is unusual for me, as we are very close.

I don't know when I plan to see them next, but the best thing about them is they are so supportive of me in my football.

I better finish my packing for GB training weekend in Manchester, as always I look forward to see the girls.

GB kit

Yeah you guess right, I went to the west coast (near Bristol) to get the GB kit - There were a few kits are missing, like the bags - that should arrive late this week, which is pushing it a bit! As its our last training weekend...

I had a physio session last Friday, being the last patient to go home - which mean the physios can fuss over Sami (my dog) a little longer than normal.

Afterwards I went to my folks house to drop Sami off to have dinner with a couple of my friends who are staying at my flat during Gay Pride in Brighton, when I was away in the west coast.

Don't get me wrong, I think Gay Pride is great - but terrible for Dog walkers, because now the park is in a sorry state! The grass is ruined and litter is everywhere - this is a feast for my dog, but hell for his paws (in case of glass). Being a Brighton girl, I know it takes up to two weeks for the park to be completely clean and safe for my dog. But at least Sami and I can walk other parks, I just need to drive there instead.

After seeing Claire & her partner spending the weekend in my flat, they look happy and contended - which was nice to see.

This evening, I went to netball training with my sisters team - it was quirky and fun. I took it in my own stride, looking after my hamstring. I'm glad I went as I could test myself in some areas - my movement is good.

Its my last strength & conditioning session with Dan tomorrow before he goes away on holiday, I will most certainly miss him. It was nice to have a male friend to discuss my woes, I learnt so much from him - he was encouraging and kept me level headed at frustrated times, one of the best improvement was my balance and my back squat. He aimed for me to lift 60kgs and I did at the end, I don't know who was more happier; him or me!

I owe a lot of gratitude to him as I am a better athlete than I was, I just need a medal now...

Tut tut!

Last night at Fulham Training was not a good training session, from a coach point of view I was awful! But rest assured this was a learning process for me, so next time I'll do better.

I went to Eastbourne yesterday to see my surgeon who did my knee, and silly me I was one day late! I left feeling a bit sheepish! So made another appointment for next week, I am so looking forward to see Mr Armitage - cos he will be delighted how well I have been doing.

Even after today session in the gym, I was hopping over a foot high hurdles using my operated knee - hopping forward and sideways; and I am feeling rosy about it now.

Today I went to see Dina who is a part of the medical team for GB Women team - she gave me a massage and a Reiki treatment; I saw colours of purple when I was being treated to a Reiki, it means the most sensitive and wisest of colours - having some form of psychic power.

I was contacted by my sponsors today wanting a photo shoot with me with a large cheque, but somehow they managed to 'borrow' an airplane at Shoreham airport - as if I was ready to depart for Taiwan. I was amazed they were able to do this! My mother is coming with me, as she loves airplanes.

I am feeling very assured at the moment, I am surrounded with people who brings me joy and laughter at this time. As time a-creeping before I jet off to Taiwan. Its now 26 days left before we fly.

I thought I add a photo of me in bin bags, have a giggle!

Easy day

My day has been quiet, which is nice compared to last week when it has been non-stop for me.

I went for a long swim this morning, not a gentle swim! But a really hard one, I spend most of my lengths swimming just with my arms. This is only for fitness purposes, afterwards I did some running in the pool, with lot of stretching.

I am pretty confident that there is some sufficient improvement in my hamstring, so I am starting to get a bit itching to do more active exercises. But I won't, because it is a little too soon and I need to be monitored before I go to the next stage.

I watched a good DVD last night called Kite Runner, I recommend it - it about the story about 2 boys in Afghanistan.

Today I did a lot of domestic stuff to do, like washing my clothes and food shopping. My cupboard and fridge is full of good food, and I admit food is my weakness, and I eat a lot - but its good stuff!

My father is coming round my flat tomorrow to help me to put up some heavy duty shelves in the bathroom, and we are using spring toggles which is for plastic board - this is an alien thing for me! so my father is helping me. He is brilliant in DIY.

I am going to see my surgeon in the afternoon tomorrow who did my knee before Christmas for a check up - I think he will be pleased to see how well I have done.

T-shirts

Its been a weekend of T-shirts, with Errea sending me my sportswear with my sponsored logos on them.

I have to wear them whenever I am in training or meeting certain people, that's the idea of promoting my sponsors.

The photo attached is one of my tops.

It was GB weekend in Manchester, where we played in a tournament against other clubs. We got 3 t-shirts with GB Deaf Football logos and our initials on them. It looks cool, I am glad I asked for the right sized t-shirt after dreaming that I couldn't fit in the hole of the t-shirt - the next day I texted the person who organised the order of the t-shirt for one size bigger. Best decision I ever made!

GB played well in the tournament coming top in our group and winning the tournament. We still have more work to do. This was a great opportunity for me to see where I can fit in when I am fully fit.

This morning was lovely, it was rainy when my sister Corinna and I went for a walk with her two girls. It was blissfully nice..

Corinna and I always chat a lot about our sport, on how she is getting on in netball and me in my football.

I think going to the Physio is a joy for my dog, Sami. As at the end of my treatment, Sami goes mad with Natalie and other Physios - he bounce with joy and is nutty! They love him.

After a flying visit to my parents, I got home to some exercises for my knee. A lot of single squats, hopping, balancing on the inflatable cushion when squatting - that's tough!

Just going out to get a DVD that Corinna recommend me to watch.

Dark moments

Yeah I am only human, when I have my dark moments. I think what triggers this is when people don't have much faith in me. I am frustrated that I am not playing football at the moment because of my hamstring, I have very small tear in my hamstring that set me back a few weeks.

Again I said previously in my blog that I refused to be resigned to this.

My father gave a fantastic advice, whether will I listen to those people who spend more time with me or those who did not.

Yesterday I had a strength and conditioning session with Dan in Eastbourne, he had a huge role in my knee rehab since the operation. I did back squats, lunges, balance, wall squats and upper body work yesterday. He has a calming influence on me, which helps me to focus on my posture when lifting weights.

He told me I may feel the after effects from his session, not so far!

I have just returned from seeing Natalie my physio, she has worked so hard with me since Feb this year with my knee rehab - but sometimes I fear it may all have been in vain.

In a few hours, I am flying to Manchester for GB weekend. Again I have to stand on the sidelines and cheer the girls. And soon I will be playing with them.

The next blog will be on Monday with news about the weekend.

The photo is my sister Corinna and me, she won't be playing at the Deaflympics- but I know she will be checking up on everything!

Butter

My feet haven't touch the ground for days, so I am having trouble finding where to start...

Yeah, the last two days I looked after my two nieces, we did some painting of a huge butterfly, Then I asked my niece what she would like to call it.... "Butter" It certainly bought their parents a smile there!

Today I had my nephews for a few hours, when the younger one was playing in the park, I played volleyball with the eldest one - he is actually quite good!

Its quite exciting to see my nieces and nephews develop their sporting gene, as my family are very sporting.

I saw a good friend of mine the other day, she was just about to prepare for her trip to Mexico. She is going on her own and that shows what kind of women she is, she travels the globe with ease and meeting all kind of Deaf people. The wealth she holds about culture, education and community is phenomenal.

Have a safe trip Philippa! See you in Taiwan as one of our GB supporters!

On a more serious note, I am currently being sponsored by a company called Southern Housing Group. They have been fully involved in my preparation for the Deaflympics, they have been a positive release for me, because having to raise the funds for the Deaflympics is very stressful and overwhelming at times - but when they came to support me, all of the sudden I feel no pressure and the joys of training became a sole focus of mine.

I do count myself lucky, because I see other players struggle having to raise the money themselves.

Claire at Southern Housing (see photo) was fully aware of my knee injury and supported me. The main reasons was that I was totally honest with the whole thing and had nothing to hide, they are constantly kept up to date with my progress.

I am off to Eastbourne for an update on my hamstring rehab and then straight to Fulham Training tonight.

Cracking the whip

Photo is Fulham Deaf Ladies FC - I am wearing black top.

Last night was Fulham Training, since I opt out to take part cos of my sore hamstring; I decided to 'crack the whip' in terms of fitness for the girls.

It's common for pre-season, that coaches do a lot of fitness work.

The girls did shuttle runs up to 40 meters and back 9 times, running up to 60-70% intensity.

They suffered a bit!

I had to punished Susanna for taking it easy, as I know Susanna is the fitness player in the squad and wanted more from her. She took the punishment to the chin and got on with it - that is a real athlete and that made me respect her more.

At the end of the night, the girls played a practice game - while I stood on the sidelines doing uppies and heading the ball upwards.

I hold my hands up to say that doing uppies is my weakness, I suppose I could blame the poor football education I had as a child - which was non-existed for a deaf female child then. Now that has changed due to more Deaf coaches around.

This morning I went for a swim, which was great as usual. Afterwards I met up with a friend for breakfast at his hotel - Poach Egg, beans and fat free bacon (c'mon! I can eat that!).

An easy night for me ahead, may watch Torchwood on i-player.

Fail a bake!

I was baking a cake with my niece yesterday, after it cooled down - I had a sneaking bite of the cake; it's official now! I cannot bake a cake! It was revolting! Well I don't need the extra calories! tut!

The last two days in terms of exercising were simple, cos my hamstring was playing up; Dr Webborn who is an expert in sport injuries reassured me and send me for an MRI scan.

When I was having my MRI scan today, my mind just float away with imagining matches that I am playing in; they say its good for you when you imagine a game of football.

Interesting fact today; 'use a steel water bottle, not plastic' I was told by Natalie (my physio). The reasons was simple cos the plastic chemicals are released in the water if the bottle is warm, and that is not good.

I just bought a steel flask!

Attached is photo of George our GB Head Coach.

Do I have room?!

Its been almost 4 days since I written in my blog; my first question is 'Do I have room to type down everything?' More likely not, so I just dot down what is relevant.

Bless my neighbour! Cos he just had the same knee operation as me 3 weeks ago, he was concerned with the pain he was having - told him it was normal, plus he is off the crutches now - when I was on mine for 6 weeks!

GB training weekend in Newcastle was great! I flew to Newcastle, as I am not keen on flying - mainly cos I don't like close spaces much. Its only cos it takes 3 hours off my travelling time, which is why I flew.

I was picked up by one of the parents, he is a bundle of laughs like his daughter Sarah who plays for GB.

I was told by my home physio to take it easy in the training weekend, cos I had a weak hamstring. Though I felt my hamstring when I went for a jump at a corner, so I need more work on my hamstring this week.

The GB coaches warned me that it was common for someone who had a long term injury to come back and have then having another injury cropping up. So at the moment I refused to be resigned on this, because we have 7 and half weeks before our first game against Japan.

GB beat the opposition in practice match. One of the local girl in GB scored a hat trick; Susan is one of my closest friends in the squad, you can see the picture of us from when we were in Russia playing for England.

An easy day for me today, in terms of exercise - does carrying my nieces count!?

Lively as a wire!

It was Fulham Deaf Ladies FC training last night , it was good to see some of the girls back after a 6 weeks break.

One girl in particular is Premi, she is always lively! As I am their coach as well as a player, I have to suffer by coaching her! But she has a way of making me and others laugh.

Yesterday was the first football training session when I took full part in a game at the end, I was nervous for my knee. I had to keep a level head on receiving the ball and my passing was solid. Though I need to work on my confidence in tackling, being a defender - this is important for me to work on, which is what my physio is doing with me the moment. (the photo is the day after the operation)

Today I did a light session on simple explosive work, using a 5kg medicine ball and throwing it in the air; this is good for my abs, my back and my quads. Jumping upwards and single leg raises on a platform.

A long ride on the static bike had me thinking about my first match coming up on the 19 July.

Am I ready? Its been nearly 7 months since the operation, normal sport people will be back playing sport in 9 months.

I'm glad I don't have to make this decision alone, as my Physio Natalie has been keeping a tight rein on me -I am open with her and though I do push her to limits on my demands!

I have GB training this weekend in Newcastle, I hope I bump into Alan Shearer! (my hero!)

Next blog will be on Monday.

Keeping it interesting

It was bizarre doing circuit training yesterday in a class, as normally I do my own training or with Fulham Deaf Ladies FC. I felt like doing it as it makes my training more interesting - some of the drills I could do easily, but others like boxing or skipping was... different! May consider going again...

This morning I went out with my dad to buy laminated flooring for my hallway, as the carpets I got were always dirty. I blame Sami.. my dog!

Sami is my great companion, he is actually my Hearing Dog for the Deaf. You may think that Sami accompany me everywhere, yeah he does apart from when I am training - when my parents has him.

This afternoon I went to see my Physio who is called Natalie, she is full of energy and ideas. Today she was constantly thinking up new ideas, and some were weird exercises! But brilliant as they relate to football situations.

She just did a charity run in the weekend of 10kms under an hour, so I am £20 poorer for saying she get £20 by running under an hour!

Just off to Fulham training tonight.

What is good?

Where to start on 'What is good?' ...

As there are many people has made an impact in my sport, but number one is my family.

They are a tower of strength to me, as last year I went through a tough patch in my football, with injuries and a loss of confidence.

And best thing about the family is that we listen to each other without judgement, my family has an infectious ability of bringing positive out from the negatives.

Since my ACL reconstruction on my left knee, I thought maybe I would sink into my own self-pity - but people around me haven't given me a chance to do so. So that's good.

I am just looking at the humidity in Taiwan, its currently between 53-71%. They say the comfort zone is from 30-50%. I reckon we girls will feel the effects from the humidity like any Europeans.

I remember one match at 2005 Deaflympics in Melbourne, when it was so hot with the humidity made playing conditions tough. We used to tell each other that if they get tackled or fall over; 'stay on the ground!' So the rest of us can get a water break. One of our players got heat stroke, it was tough.

Did a tough gym session yesterday, am feeling a bit in my muscles today - so a lot of stretching this morning. I am planning to do some circuit training later to get the heart working at it's maximum.

50 Days to go.

Welcome to the 1st entry of my blog to the count down to when I fly to Taiwan for the Deaflympics games on 25th August 2009.

A little about myself, I am profoundly Deaf and been selected to play for Great Britain Deaf Women Football.

This is my 2nd Deaflympics, I am hoping I will return from Taiwan with a medal that is not bronze of which I got last time in 2005 Deaflympics in Melbourne.

The blog is aimed for my family, friends, sponsors, colleagues and medical profession to see how I am getting on in my preparation up to the Deaflympics and also to tell people how I am getting on during the games.

I will be mentioning several people in this blog over a period of time, on how they had an impact in my life and so on.

In November 2008, I sustain a serious knee injury - I thought my Deaflympics dream was over, but a quick operation and a fantastic knee rehab up to now. I now can take full part in the Deaflympics in Taiwan.

Thoughts of the day:-

When you succeed on trying your best, you will prevail.