Good Intentions

I intended to blog after every practice. I intended to document my progress (or lack of). Not only in planning and executing a major national event, but to chronicle my own training. Good intentions have made way for God’s intentions. The amount of detail required to manage a diverse and demanding group of people have made it necessary for divine intervention every day. Imagine practicing twice a day three times a week and once the other two days, managing the group’s training and planning a historic, groundbreaking event. Brings me to my knees.

There is always something to improve. Stop shooting my slide. Quick hands. Tap down at the finish. Keep my hands moving. Not so much layback. Yikes! The callouses on my hands and calf bites on my left leg are leaving torturous reminders of the tough competitive practices. But I love the sun on my face, the breeze on my skin, the glide through the water, the experience of synchronicity. And the very rare moment, when it all seems perfect.

It’s hard to describe these feelings in words. So I let them be. I am content to blog when the words come.

You Can't Row In A Puffy Coat

You can tell it's the end of the season when you wear layers to practice. I hate to be too cold or too warm. So, what can I can wear to keep warm when not rowing, that fends off the elements (especially rain or snow flurries ---yes, I said snow!)?

I love sleeveless outerwear generally. It keeps my arms free for activity and flexibility. However, unless fitted to the torso, I found out the hard way, that the extra fabric is an impediment to getting in a full length stroke. No room for a puffy coat in the boat. 

Yikes!

Is It Really Over?

Haven't blogged in awhile. It's been a busy few weeks training for upcoming Regattas and managing the new novice class. Oh yes, and I do work and have a personal life. Imagine that. I also became ill for the first time in many years just before the Liftbridge Regatta which is a 6K race along the Erie Canal in Fairport, NY.

The practices were tough on my respiratory system, but I showed up. Unfortunately for the first time, I experienced negativity among teammates which reflected on my own rowing. Some of those on the competitive team actually resent being in any boat but the A boat. I'm as competitive as they come, but this kind of thinking and the behavior that comes with it, is new to me, especially with adults. My vision is so much more focused. I want any Cross Currents or Friend of Cross Currents rower to excel at their training, so that we can run an all CC boat and train for the Charles. To be distracted by bad mouthing, especially by others who aren't at the top of their own game, is distressing when I think of the folks coming behind us to train with the competitive coach. High school at 50. Who knew?

Yes, I made it through the 6K, and I didn't stagger out of the boat. It was not my best row, but I hung in there at 6-seat. But what made it funky was the undercurrent of negativity. I will need to ponder that. Not the way I wish CC rowers to behave, so need to take this lesson learned and incorporate it into our own training next season to ensure that we do not replicate this attitude. I wasn't able to row in the Head of the Genesee (HOG) due to other plans, but all reports were awesome. CC rowers were in numerous competitive and rec row boats and I couldn't be prouder. Nice way to close out our fifth anniversary.

Now on to 2012.

I Can Row!

Who would have thought? At five-seat the other night, I actually felt everything go right. My timing was there, my length was there, my strength and push off were there. It was so nice to be rewarded for a season of very hard work and self flagellation. I know how to beat up on myself better than anyone, even the coach. I am very hard on myself, and get to points of exhaustion and frustration when I am unable to perform to my standards. I never have been competitive with others, only myself. So even if it's just one time, I KNOW I CAN ROW!!!!

Reach for Your Toes

I am trying to avoid pausing  at the catch periodically, resulting from thinking instead of acting. Mentally, when I am trying to make a change in my stroke, I start to break down the sequence, and it doesn't take long for the coach to notice I have developed a little hitch. This very little thing can have a big impact on my team members and the set of the boat..something that  affects me more than anything. I hate feeling like I am negatively affecting the experience of others. Luckily, everyone has some thing or things they need to work on: timing, chopping, squaring up earlier, finishing strong, faster hands and reaching for the toes among many other little technicalities. The stroke has been described as a tabletop motion, coming to the finish high, and quick hands to the catch without dropping the hands. Complicated, for sure, but once achieved and everyone does it together, the row is exhilarating.

The Charles Is Off

Learned that our GWC entry wasn't accepted this year. We also did not have enough Competitive Cross Currents rowers to enter, but next season, we have a strong foundation to build upon, especially with so many new rowers that are training and eager to improve and race. I am disappointed, but I know now with experience, that it takes years to build a core group that will train together and work towards a common goal consistently. Oscar and I did an interview today for CityWise (Channel 12-Shiera Coleman-host), and it is always exciting to talk about the future. I would have never imagined that we would be nationally recognized as America Rows Rochester, and poised to significantly grow our program.

Sopping, but Not Stopping

Soaked again today. Switched to port today, so my form was off, but racing was so much fun, I forgot how wet I was. I enjoyed the row much better than Thursday, when I was ready to walk away. That day, I just couldn't get a good catch and finish, and was drinking river water (might as well have been drinking Genesee Beer) every other stroke. It's tough when the timing is off, because the bow reaps the sins of the stern, that's for sure. I'm not a quitter, but I get to the point of stopping, just to regroup and breathe.