No matter how humble anyone might be, at some point we all enjoy a little spotlight action. In this case, it happens to be Bernadas VINGILIS and I's turn. Bernard has been the fastest on the ergo since we started in September. With a few ups and downs, he manages to stay ahead without too much competition. We were both mentioned today on the JU Athletics website in a JU Rowing article giving an update on the team's current status. Like the article says, we, as rowers, don't like to single people out so here are others that are right behind us: Jeremy SOBIECH, Chase ROWE, Shane KENNEDY, and Sean CARNEY.
And a special recognition for Andy DAVIS who has been working really hard to come back from a back injury.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Our First Week Back
People sometimes start a conversation with "I have good news and bad news"and this week I have the same thing to say, but in a different order. Unlike the rest of the schools around us, JU started back on Wednesday instead of Monday, which help all of us take our time to settle in and get ready for the new semester to start, and of course practice at the Neegard Rowing Center.
To begin the winter training at the boathouse, we started with a 30 min ergo test. We have done this a few time over the period of this year to see where each rower is in his fitness and power so that they know what to work on. It definitely works and doesn't hide who hasn't done the work over break. But nothing always goes as planned. I usually try not to use excuses because they are demeaning and worthless but this time I believe it is valid. My choice of playing ultimate the day before made my body the sorest it has ever felt, to the point where erging the next few days was torture. Yes, my result was extremely disappointing as I wanted to show how much time and effort I have included into my winter break. No one was happy, especially the coaches, but I had something to prove this week.
As the week went on, I tried my best to make every practice as good as possible as my redemption was soaring quickly towards us. Saturday finally came; it is funny because I never usually look forward to a test, but with nothing else to lose, I couldn't wait any longer. Knowing a few days before that a second 6k was added to the practice for volume did not bother me one bit because I think of one piece at a time, which was my plan for my 6k ergo test: 2k-2k-2k. With a plan engraved in mind and a race preview on my run to practice, I was totally ready. Starting with an easy 1:49 to see where I stood. Entering the middle 2k, I dropped to 1:48. Finishing the last 2k, I started with 1:47 but couldn't keep a steady hand on it. My sprint was so late that I almost wasn't able to beat my last time. With a 1:47.9, I PRed this season after a break. I am pretty content but now it's time to get into the hard hard work.
To begin the winter training at the boathouse, we started with a 30 min ergo test. We have done this a few time over the period of this year to see where each rower is in his fitness and power so that they know what to work on. It definitely works and doesn't hide who hasn't done the work over break. But nothing always goes as planned. I usually try not to use excuses because they are demeaning and worthless but this time I believe it is valid. My choice of playing ultimate the day before made my body the sorest it has ever felt, to the point where erging the next few days was torture. Yes, my result was extremely disappointing as I wanted to show how much time and effort I have included into my winter break. No one was happy, especially the coaches, but I had something to prove this week.
As the week went on, I tried my best to make every practice as good as possible as my redemption was soaring quickly towards us. Saturday finally came; it is funny because I never usually look forward to a test, but with nothing else to lose, I couldn't wait any longer. Knowing a few days before that a second 6k was added to the practice for volume did not bother me one bit because I think of one piece at a time, which was my plan for my 6k ergo test: 2k-2k-2k. With a plan engraved in mind and a race preview on my run to practice, I was totally ready. Starting with an easy 1:49 to see where I stood. Entering the middle 2k, I dropped to 1:48. Finishing the last 2k, I started with 1:47 but couldn't keep a steady hand on it. My sprint was so late that I almost wasn't able to beat my last time. With a 1:47.9, I PRed this season after a break. I am pretty content but now it's time to get into the hard hard work.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
05/01 A New Year
This is the first post of this 2012 year so happy new year!
While training had been going on pretty well over the last few weeks, I came upon a road block in my winter training path. While attending a party on new year's eve, a fight broke out and I was hit in the face for being there at the wrong place and at the wrong time, but no worries, besides a little soreness I am alright. Because of an investigation, I had to take a day off to speak with a detective and then my lady treated me a day at Islands of Adventure as my Christmas present. With a two day break from any type cardio, I felt worthless. In other words, not productive. Before this small break, I had been doing a lot of running and cycling, but also added swimming as I joined my lifeguard friends at the pool for some laps on a cold evening. With the time off, I got to thinking that I was doing enough cardio but that the power on the erg hadn't felt right, meaning I haven't been putting enough kilometers on it. So this morning I got up and went for an easy 20mins on the ergo to stretch out and get the muscles moving. Later on, I set myself up for 40mins and got some sweat out. Finally a good pain. Tomorrow should be even better as I will be able to get my body adjusted by a good chiropractor, he knows his shit.
In other news, I had stopped publicizing the growth of my moustache and its surrounding areas because it seemed to had just gone on strike, but now it's looking even better. Knowing that I have a little over a week left of having this magnificent beast on my face, it is nice but sad also since work will start right back up. Who knows I might give up the money...
In all reality, break is now coming to an end and school is commencing once again. With a loaded scholastic and rowing schedule, the blood will be pumping on and off the water this semester. I believe that this break has been a very productive and successful training wise (it could have been better) and will set me up right for what is about to come. Hopefully everyone did their homework too.
Heading back to Jax on Sunday.
Cheers!
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