Alex and I rowed twice this morning, first row 16 kilometers of steady state rowing at a low rate, stopping to do a very controlled "slow motion" 2k piece every time we entered the course in Long Beach, which also passes in front of the boathouse at about 1k down. We do this as a kind of race visualization, going over the course at a lower speed and pressure but still calling the race as if we were doing our normal 2000m race plan. On the ways back to the start from the finish, easy steady. We took a short break then out again for a 70' technical row, doing some drills and practicing each of us rowing one at a time. We found a nice stretch of water off the 2k course, had it all to ourselves because few rowers have the luxury of practicing mid day. Back to Alex's mom's place, lunch (yum) and then some nice cross training... (See photo) We are both feeling pretty good about our rowing, our speed, and our attitude for the coming week. It's nice to have the hard work behind us (for the time being) and the fun stuff ahead.
I'm grateful to be here. Ian, the elite coach here at Long Beach, gave a heartfelt and inspiring speech last night at a dinner party organized to honor the generous hosts of the Olympic hopefuls training out of the boathouse currently. There must be 20 of us! It seemed that way last night. Ian spoke of how having so many "world class" athletes around is inspiring for younger or less experienced rowers in the boathouse, reminding him of growing up rowing in London where worlds crews trained daily on the same water as him. His words made me want to carry myself more as the inspiration, on my best behavior in and out of the boat. As always, the process is the result. To me that means several specific attitudes dictating the process of this regatta. It means being professional. Relaxed. Stress-free. Collaborative. Open. Flexible. Adaptable. Tough. And when it's time and our opportunity presents itself: take it.
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