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.