Spring Break 2012 Training Camp

Let's just say I'm exhausted.

This week has probably been the most demanding training week I've ever experienced, not because it was especially hard but because of the amount of meters we laid down as a group to get faster and fix our problems. It started with a long row (40km approx. to Bolles) on a surprisingly flat St. Johns river that almost cost us lunch time. From then on, we worked everyday, long and short, to become faster than the previous weekends had shown. Even though some of us have lived in Florida for a while, the sun was brutal every day and there was no escaping the feeling of energy getting sucked out of you. But we made it.

This week was a lot harder than last year. All of our energy and focus was all poured into rowing and no other distractions, which showed when people were fighting for seats. I hate those stupid regatta shirts that say "Eat, Sleep, Row" but that's all I did with the occasional trip to Wally World. We still had fun though since we had the Pair Championship Race on Friday afternoon. The way we choose the pairs is by the last ergo times. The best pick first and so on. I picked Brian COSMILLO because we had rowed the boat earlier in the year. Our main goal was to beat Bernadas VINGILIS and we did it, then we only fell a length short in the semi final to not move on. The winners were The Sarasota Sissies - Chase ROWE and Jacob STRAUSS. Good job ladies.

And this morning, with the little bit of energy left in us, we raced 2x2k gold medal standard time trial with different conditions. They were good pieces and shows that work has been done. It was a good finish to the week and now we rest until Monday.

Total meters: 180,000

         Look at Bernard's tiny infant head ➘

Exciting

Things are getting exciting everywhere. First of all, spring racing has really starting all over the place, the XCHANGING Boat Race is only 3 weeks away, and the Olympic Games are close to the 100 days countdown.

For us, things have just started. Last weekend we faced Temple on Stetson University's lake with not-so-great conditions. Yes, we lost and not by a seat, but it was perfect timing for a wake-up call. I try not to let excuses succumb when I explain wins or loses and I won't here. Temple came off their spring break and we are still a week away. Any collegiate rower will tell you that there is A LOT of speed acquired of the 7 tough days of spring break training. So with a reminded loss, hard work is being put down from the entire team while preparing to face Columbia this upcoming weekend in Melbourne. Let's see if we can put down our real speed before entering Spring Break Training Camp 2012.

Keeping it in the university racing theme, the Boat Race is coming up with great speed. Having always been an Oxford dark blue fan, I cannot wait to see the speed coming out of each boat since this is also an Olympic year. Back at home, I would probably have some friends over and watch the almost 20 minute long row, but I don't believe it will possible this year. I'll try to find it somehow.

Speaking of an Olympic year, the London 2012 Games are only 135 days away from opening. It's probably the most exciting time for me because I get super stoked about all the different sports. The level of competition this year is unbelievably high with the GB team and the NZ team sending a huge fleet of podium worthy boats. It's now time to see if the U.S. men can get redemption in the next coming months for a chance at the medals.

No matter what, this year is going to be amazing. Underdog or not, we are coming strong!

It's about time!

Like I said in the last post, I would write again when a 2k, a good practice or race came up; well all three have.

 It has been a tough last month for me since winter training is over and spring is knocking on the door. Reason is, we have lots of potential but, me especially, have not lived up to our expectations. After failing at my first 2k on the ergo of the year, I was pissed needless to say, not because I was way off, but more in the way that I let my team down as a whole while they all advanced to the next level. With a few bumps in the road like getting sick, and my back hurting, I worked hard and got back on it. This led to a new PR of 6:35; better but I'm not settling for that this year.

On the water, it's been a different story. I feel like I have been progressing technically trying to be long for the giants in the back. Trying to change the way I row has been definitely a small struggle. but I am open to the idea because all I want to do is win really. The water hasn't been cooperating that much but when it is flat, every boat has taken advantage of it.

This weekend, in our first race of the year, we will be facing Temple in Deland, FL as they finish up their spring break training. Yes it is only a dual meet but there is way more to it. Lets time travel back to Dad Vails last year; we knocked them out of the Grand Final when it mattered the most, and like any excited person, I sort of screamed it at their faces and let me tell you, they were not happy... Now that it is a new year, they have set themselves up to be as badass as possible by performing very well over the their entire fall and announced that their pod of seniors will lead the entire team to some good performances. So to start things right, they want to race us. And the things is, everyone is waiting to see the results. Personally, I hate not having an underdog mindset, so for me it's like last year all over again: get ahead, stay ahead. The work has been persistent in the boat and I don't see why we can't work them harder.

In any case, spring is announcing itself to be VERY entertaining!

Can't wait!