Almost Within Reach

Every practice, it seems like I am working to correct something else. I haven't gotten to the point where I have totally mastered one aspect of the stroke so I can concentrate on another thing. I always come away feeling that mastery is just out of reach. I get to the point of "almost there", but almost isn't good enough. If I could just know what success feels like, it would help me push through so I can focus on my conditioning. Almost within reach...it's just a tease to be so close.

To Row is To Grow

I just read through a collection of Steve Job's quotes, and given his terminal condition, was particularly struck by this particular one, delivered shortly after his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

And One More Thing

“No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” [Stanford commencement speech, June 2005]

Those of us who are committed to the mission of Cross Currents are such change agents. The Diversity Invitational held recently here in Rochester, NY has altered the face of rowing and 136-year history of under representation in this prestigious and elite sport. Our rowing experience has influenced our own growth as individual rowers while touching other organizations locally, regionally and now nationally. We are poised to grow with our partners in USRowing's inclusion initiative, America Rows,  and look forward to working with so many others who make waves and change lives every day. We must create a legacy that will always make way for the new, while respecting those who have prepared the way.

It was Four-gettable

Today's row in the WinTech 4+ was miserable. It was Ethan's last practice, and I was looking forward to rowing with the guys in 2-seat, especially my friends Mark (1) and Oscar (4). Cliff who recently joined our practices, was in 3. Felt good in pairs and I was working on my handle heights, but the entire row was down to starboard and difficult once we rowed all four. I had a tough time trying to get the length and my timing wasn't where I wanted to be. The only redemption is that it was not a good experience for anyone. 
The best part of the practice was actually getting the exercise, even though I was wiped out for the rest of the day. I also wore a long sleeved skin, since it started out cooler in the morning. Not a good choice since I overheat easily. Good thing there was a lot of splashing, so I was drenched at the end of practice and cooled down quickly.

It's a Mixed Bag

Rowed in a mixed eight today (8/18) in the Joule with Sarah (8), Deb (7), me at (6), Cliff (5), his wife, Deb (4), Monique (3), Nicole (2) and Twylla in bow. It was mostly a technical practice with a lot of drills which is always a good way to work on improvements.
I am back on port, so it takes a bit to reorient my body position and make other adjustments. I am really trying not to reach so far forward and to let my hamstrings do the work, but it isn't easy to erase the muscle memory. Overall the row wasn't too bad, and the weather was perfection.

It's Only Just Begun

This morning was my first practice after a much needed rest following the planning and successful launch of USRowing's Diversity Invitational on July 30th. I can't believe that I was in five races -- two 2k's and three 500M sprints. Medaled three times--all bronze which was very cool. I was afraid all of my muscles had seized up, but there's nothing like being back in a boat. I love being on the river at the crack of dawn watching the sunrise and feeling the run of the boat as it glides through the current. I was in a mixed 8+ with Mark (8), Oscar(7), Vance (6), Cliff (5), Joan (4), me at 3--hey that rhymes--, Sarah (2) and Patricia (bow). This was Vance's second competitive practice but one would never know. The practice gave everyone a solid workout and technical training. Good to be back.