Anne Keothavong's Blog by Anne_Keothavong

This week, I’m in Vancouver for the Odlum Brown Van Open. The last time I was here was back in 2007 and I won the tournament, so I’m hoping to repeat that feat and do the same again this year. I’m staying with a host family here this week instead of at a hotel and as much as I like my own space, it’s a welcome change. Carlotta and her husband Derek are not complete strangers either, as they’ve hosted quite a few of the British guys over the years when they have competed in this tournament. I’ve got to know them both and their daughters through the boys, as they’re also big tennis fans and have come to watch all of us play at the bigger events.

Carlotta is my new idol. She’s in her 50’s but could put most women half her age to shame as she’s in great shape. For someone who has never been a professional athlete, she’s incredibly clued up on what’s good, and what’s not and she sticks to a healthy eating and exercise plan. She enjoys running marathons but she doesn’t train to get her best time, she just likes completing them and feeling good. Her goal is to still be running at 80 so she’s got to pace herself and not go too mad, which I guess makes sense if you can withdraw yourself from the competitive side. She’s also very health conscious. Her fridge is stocked with Coconut Water which I love and she’s introduced me to Almond Butter which I’m also loving right now too. Almond Butter has more protein in it than Peanut Butter and it’s delicious on toast.

The only downside to all of this is that I can’t find any cookies or chocolate anywhere in her kitchen cupboards and I’m the one who needs a bit of junk from time to time! Now I’m not sure how many of you have tried acupuncture or dry needling. Last week, I was in Washington DC for a WTA tournament and I’ve had this ongoing thumb/hand pain since the French Open. It was a bit of a weird one as it would hurt for the first ten minutes of practice each day, to the point where I could only hit backhands because it was too sore to hit forehands. But once I got going, it would feel fine. Anyway, different physios had tried different forms of tissue work around the area and all the way up my arm to my neck but nothing solved the problem.

Dry needling the spot was recommended but I kept putting it off. I have a fear of needles and after a bad experience I’ve always been reluctant for anyone to stick anything in my body. I figured I could just deal with the pain instead. Last week though, I finally gave in (only because I was too tired to say no) and allowed the physio to stick a needle in my hand in two different spots and surprise, surprise, I haven’t had any pain since! I’m not sure the result has cured me of my needle phobia but it definitely solved the problem and I would highly recommend it!