As I've said multiple times, getting comfortable, I believe, just gets boring and can lead to a negative outcome. Last year, I got too comfortable and my season sort of plummeted, but that's just an example. More specifically this year, I've had to change a lot rowing wise to reach a new height and make the boat go faster. While it is quite scary at times, or even frustrating, I see it as an new challenge that makes training and racing a lot more enjoyable.
To build the best 8+ possible for the end of the year, most of the guys on the team have paired up so that we can better prepare it and not constantly switch from sweeping to sculling. Only one of the guys is rowing the single because he's trying to be selected on the National team. The first big switch was moving from port to starboard. If you've rowed with me, you'll know that I have rarely touched that side even though I pride myself in the ability to do so. Although I rowed 25% of last year at starboard, I never had to fully move over. This time, I had to put in a lot effort in making sure that I was doing things as well as I could because in a pair it will get obnoxious. I'm pretty lucky for having a pair partner who has been patient with my alteration.
That's where the next switch comes in. We came back from break to our given boat, but it was rigged to starboard. Not only did I have to make sure I was rowing efficiently, but I also had to stroke. At times, I wanted to jump out of the boat because of how much there was to think about, but we pulled through. We had a few sessions in that lineup and as we progressed, we both realized what the other could and couldn't do in their respective seats. As we moved back to our original settings, we started off with a much cleaner approach to our rowing and could empathize for one another. This link of understanding is not a given and makes me enjoy every stroke, even when the water isn't at its best.
Mentally and physically, training has been difficult, but shows its progress. I really think that if we continue on this path, we will find more and more speed as we grow closer to important races. I'm excited to see how we can do. Until then, enjoy what my hand looked like the week I switched to starboard with a cheeky comment from Olympic champion Pete Reed.
Much love.
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