I have officially made it through my first fall season, as well as my first winter season on a college crew team. During this time, I have made a few casual observations here and there. For one, college crew is much different than high school crew. The biggest difference that I have noted is the compilation of line-ups. My high school team always had the few boats that remained the same from week to week, however, we also compiled a handful of other boats in order to give athletes a chance to compete in more than one race. In college, you have your one boat, and you practice everyday with said boat. College rowing is set-up like this for the main reason that in most regattas, for example SIRA, each rower may only compete in one race. It also adds to the competitive factor of each boat.. but, not my point. That's not what this blog post is about. To make a long story short, college rowing, at least in my experience, focuses more on eights, rather than fours and sculling. This is one of the biggest differences that I have noticed.
Anyway, time to get to the point of this blog post. It took a while to get used to eights after mainly rowing fours throughout high school. I've definitely become accustomed to eights. They have grown on me to say the least. Eights give you a little more room for creativity when it comes to warming up. In a four, for the most part, you are limited to rowing by each pair, eventually progressing to all four. In an eight, however, you can row by pairs, fours or even sixes. But coxswains must take caution when dictating a drill or warm-up by sixes. There are more people to switch in and out, and it's very easy to forget about a pair. Either they luck out and get a longer break, or they get the short end of the stick and row for longer. Hence the title of this post, "Commonly Forgotten."
Now, you may not agree with this statement, but take it as you will. Three and four are most commonly forgotten. When rowing by sixes, it's as if they don't exist. At first I just thought it was all in my head. Rowing at four seat, it would seem that I never got a break, and when I did, it was very short. I kept my mouth shut, because I probably just had skewed perspective. I thought, "Well hey, I'm sure everyone else is thinking the same thing about their pair." I kept to myself for the next few practices, until I began to notice it again. This time I wasn't even rowing four seat, but rather two seat. Another thing I noticed while at two seat- bow pair gets all of the breaks, especially when the team starts a new drill. Whenever the coach takes a break to talk to the boat and give advice, or when it's time to switch drills, the coxswain will almost always restart with "stern six;" it's simply habit. But back to three and four. As I continued to row at two seat, I noticed that the body in front of me was always rowing.
My thoughts were confirmed one day when the current three seat turned around as bow pair was to switch in for seats five and six. She asked me, "What about three and four?! We've been rowing the whole time! When do we get our break??" I was relieved to discover that I was not the only one who felt that way. I don't know what it is, but three and four are commonly forgotten. It's a matter of fact.
I've come to the conclusion that three and four are commonly forgotten because of bow pair. As a former coxswain, I understand that it is a handful switching pairs in and out, giving each pair equal rest time while, at the same time, counting out the strokes and pauses for the drill that is being executed. So, the mind must simplify things to the best of it's abilities. For this reason, you have your bow pair sit out after five and six, because it's much easier to say the words bow pair join in two, rather than three and four in, and five and six out. Coxswains will commonly start with "stern six," or "bow six," both of which include three and four. If the coxswain decides to start with "stern six," then before things get too complicated they'll make sure to switch out stern pair for bow pair. Without stern pair rowing, the coxswain's focus turns to the next pair directly in front of them, five and six. This is my guess as to why five and six still get breaks, even though it's still a mouthful to say. If the coxswain decides to start with bow pair, then it's easy to switch stern pair in for the first switch, and have bow pair go out. Then, what do you know! The boat is back to rowing stern pair, and so begins the cycle all over again.
Again, this is simply my guess as to why three and four are commonly forgotten, and again, take it how you will. It may not happen in all boats, but for those of you who row three or four in a boat where it does occur more often than not, you have my condolences.
Today, I leave you hopes that you all have a happy Easter. Keep an eye out on the sidebar about OUWC. Regatta season is officially here. Good luck everyone.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
April's Top 10
Usually most of my monthly top 10's have something to do with a general aspect of crew that everyone can relate to. However, since I am still in spring break mode, and can't get camp off of my mind, I'm going to dedicate one last post to it. I think if you experienced Camp Bob yourself, you would understand! :) So, without further ado, I present to you April's top 10!
THE TOP 10 HIGHLIGHTS OF MY CAMP BOB EXPERIENCE:
10. 3-a-day practices. (At first it may not sound worthy of the top ten when, in fact, it is. Simply because, if you have a bad practice, you have two others to look forward to.)
9. Everyone tripping over the same root in the ground every single day, (in my case, more than once a day.)
8. FREE MEALS! (even if they weren't the best)
7. In general, bonding with everyone on the team.
6. Making friendship bracelets for each other.
5. Getting the day off to travel to Charleston, SC.
4. Tye-dying with the team.
3. Lying out on the dock and falling asleep to the sound of the waves.
2. The gorgeous sunset/sunrise every night/morning
1. Beating Northwestern twice, and Lawrence four times on race day.
So, that should about wrap up my ranting on Camp Bob, until next year! Just a couple notes to all of my followers: there will be more Bob pictures going up on my Flickr account soon, and by soon I mean a few days. Expect a new post on Sunday. As for the topic, you'll have to wait and see! Well, that's all for now.
Today, I leave you with this link. Anyone looking for a good laugh should check this out. It's just a little rowing humor- the personality traits of rowers in an 8. Does the stereotype for your seat fit you? Feel free to comment below! Personality Traits in an 8
(Link taken from Cambridge Rowing Club's website)
THE TOP 10 HIGHLIGHTS OF MY CAMP BOB EXPERIENCE:
10. 3-a-day practices. (At first it may not sound worthy of the top ten when, in fact, it is. Simply because, if you have a bad practice, you have two others to look forward to.)
9. Everyone tripping over the same root in the ground every single day, (in my case, more than once a day.)
8. FREE MEALS! (even if they weren't the best)
7. In general, bonding with everyone on the team.
6. Making friendship bracelets for each other.
5. Getting the day off to travel to Charleston, SC.
4. Tye-dying with the team.
3. Lying out on the dock and falling asleep to the sound of the waves.
2. The gorgeous sunset/sunrise every night/morning
1. Beating Northwestern twice, and Lawrence four times on race day.
So, that should about wrap up my ranting on Camp Bob, until next year! Just a couple notes to all of my followers: there will be more Bob pictures going up on my Flickr account soon, and by soon I mean a few days. Expect a new post on Sunday. As for the topic, you'll have to wait and see! Well, that's all for now.
Today, I leave you with this link. Anyone looking for a good laugh should check this out. It's just a little rowing humor- the personality traits of rowers in an 8. Does the stereotype for your seat fit you? Feel free to comment below! Personality Traits in an 8
(Link taken from Cambridge Rowing Club's website)
Monday, March 29, 2010
Spring Break Training 2010- Summerton, SC
I'd like to start this blog post with this: Camp Bob was AWESOME! It was definitely a new experience, and definitely worth it. The three-a-days got tiring, but all things considering, it was a time I will never forget. 13 girls in one room. 3 practices and 4 meals a day. A countless number of blisters, sunburns and tans. An experience of a lifetime. This is Camp Bob.
It all started with a 5:00pm arrival to Summerton, South Carolina. We arrived, picked our bed, and unpacked. It was the day that Ohio University made history by making it to the second round of the NCAA basketball tournament, so rigging the boats would have to wait. The team compromised with Coach and watched part of the first race, then rigged. It's amazing how efficiently a team of 25 girls can get things done when they want to be somewhere else.
Practice started the very next morning. Everyone met by the boats at 7:30am. According to Coach, "if you are early you are on time. If you are on time you are late. And if you're late, you're really late." We all met up in a timely fashion for the first practice, water bottle in hand, listening for our line ups. I was in the 4 for my first practice. It was so relieving to be back on the water.
As the days passed, boat lineups continued to change, while Coach was trying to put together the fastest boats possible; for possible spring season boats, but specifically for Thursday practice. Thursday morning the 4s were to race Bowdoin, Northwestern and Lawrence. Both fours did awesome. I'm not 100% about the 1st 4s results, but the 4 that I was in placed 1st out of 3 boats in the second and fourth sprints, and 2nd out of 3 to Northwestern in the first and third races.
Thursday was definitely an eventful day. Most team members raced in either the morning sprints or afternoon sprints, while a handful of members raced in both. To prepare, Sunday and Monday's practices were mainly for technique, Tuesday was technique and power, and Wednesday we were given the day off to visit Charleston, SC- to enjoy the sites, and to take a much needed rest. Friday, the last day of practice was a little different. We were told the night before to expect a very technique based morning practice. However, for the middle practice, we were told to expect the hardest practice yet. It ended up consisting of 1k sprints. It was a hard practice, but personally I think Thursday trumped it. The third practice, we were told was going to be a fun practice. I had in mind leap frog, or some other fun rowing drill. Instead, we were given the practice off, and de-rigged instead! It was the best news after a tiring week of rowing.
All in all, Camp Bob was a fun and eventful week of rowing. In between practices, rowers napped, read books, made bracelets, tanned on the dock, and anything else they could think of to keep them preoccupied for the few hours of break available. We also had a few team bonding events like tye-dying and karaoke night at Tater Creek Bar and Grill. The locals there loved us!
Well, I'd have to say that just about sums up Camp Bob. I know I left out about 10,000 things, but if I mentioned everything that happened, you would be reading for a few hours. After our performance at camp, I feel that this is going to be our season. Wish OUWC luck at their 5 races this season! Today, I leave you with some pictures of Camp Bob! Enjoy!
Camp Bob Pictures on Flickr!
*Click on the above link, which will take you to my Flickr photostream. On the right hand side will be an album entitled "Camp Bob 2010." Click on that. You can either browse through the photos there, or click the link "slideshow" which you can find in the top right corner of the page.
It all started with a 5:00pm arrival to Summerton, South Carolina. We arrived, picked our bed, and unpacked. It was the day that Ohio University made history by making it to the second round of the NCAA basketball tournament, so rigging the boats would have to wait. The team compromised with Coach and watched part of the first race, then rigged. It's amazing how efficiently a team of 25 girls can get things done when they want to be somewhere else.
Practice started the very next morning. Everyone met by the boats at 7:30am. According to Coach, "if you are early you are on time. If you are on time you are late. And if you're late, you're really late." We all met up in a timely fashion for the first practice, water bottle in hand, listening for our line ups. I was in the 4 for my first practice. It was so relieving to be back on the water.
As the days passed, boat lineups continued to change, while Coach was trying to put together the fastest boats possible; for possible spring season boats, but specifically for Thursday practice. Thursday morning the 4s were to race Bowdoin, Northwestern and Lawrence. Both fours did awesome. I'm not 100% about the 1st 4s results, but the 4 that I was in placed 1st out of 3 boats in the second and fourth sprints, and 2nd out of 3 to Northwestern in the first and third races.
Thursday was definitely an eventful day. Most team members raced in either the morning sprints or afternoon sprints, while a handful of members raced in both. To prepare, Sunday and Monday's practices were mainly for technique, Tuesday was technique and power, and Wednesday we were given the day off to visit Charleston, SC- to enjoy the sites, and to take a much needed rest. Friday, the last day of practice was a little different. We were told the night before to expect a very technique based morning practice. However, for the middle practice, we were told to expect the hardest practice yet. It ended up consisting of 1k sprints. It was a hard practice, but personally I think Thursday trumped it. The third practice, we were told was going to be a fun practice. I had in mind leap frog, or some other fun rowing drill. Instead, we were given the practice off, and de-rigged instead! It was the best news after a tiring week of rowing.
All in all, Camp Bob was a fun and eventful week of rowing. In between practices, rowers napped, read books, made bracelets, tanned on the dock, and anything else they could think of to keep them preoccupied for the few hours of break available. We also had a few team bonding events like tye-dying and karaoke night at Tater Creek Bar and Grill. The locals there loved us!
Well, I'd have to say that just about sums up Camp Bob. I know I left out about 10,000 things, but if I mentioned everything that happened, you would be reading for a few hours. After our performance at camp, I feel that this is going to be our season. Wish OUWC luck at their 5 races this season! Today, I leave you with some pictures of Camp Bob! Enjoy!
Camp Bob Pictures on Flickr!
*Click on the above link, which will take you to my Flickr photostream. On the right hand side will be an album entitled "Camp Bob 2010." Click on that. You can either browse through the photos there, or click the link "slideshow" which you can find in the top right corner of the page.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
CAMP BOB IS SO CLOSE!
Hey everyone! Finals week is finally coming to a close here at Ohio University. I have one more final, and some packing to do, then it's off to Camp Bob in South Carolina! While I take a momentary break from my studying, I would like to share with you my excitement for my upcoming spring break trip. Although it's going to be a grueling nine hour drive, I already know that it's going to be worth it. I cannot wait to get back on the water. It is what every rower lives for. Any rower would be crazy to choose an erg workout over a water workout when given the choice.
Now, it's not going to be all fun and games, that's for sure. Three-a-day practices are going to be tough, but I'll definitely take them over another week of erging. We will arrive in South Carolina on Saturday in the afternoon, unpack and familiarize ourselves with the place. I'm sure those that have been to Bob before will be more than happy to show us newcomers around. I believe we start practice the very next day at the crack of dawn. We will row Sunday-Tuesday, but take a break on Wednesday and travel up to Charleston for some site seeing and shopping! Practice will resume on Thursday, and then our last day of practice will be on Friday. Even though we will be at camp for a full seven days, I'm anticipating it to feel like three.
The feeling you achieve being on the water for the first time after a winter of erging is indescribable. I simply cannot wait. And with that I leave you with hopes for a happy start to a wonderful spring season!
Now, it's not going to be all fun and games, that's for sure. Three-a-day practices are going to be tough, but I'll definitely take them over another week of erging. We will arrive in South Carolina on Saturday in the afternoon, unpack and familiarize ourselves with the place. I'm sure those that have been to Bob before will be more than happy to show us newcomers around. I believe we start practice the very next day at the crack of dawn. We will row Sunday-Tuesday, but take a break on Wednesday and travel up to Charleston for some site seeing and shopping! Practice will resume on Thursday, and then our last day of practice will be on Friday. Even though we will be at camp for a full seven days, I'm anticipating it to feel like three.
The feeling you achieve being on the water for the first time after a winter of erging is indescribable. I simply cannot wait. And with that I leave you with hopes for a happy start to a wonderful spring season!
Friday, March 5, 2010
March's Top 10
Regatta season is only a month away. I'm seriously really excited. My spring break is in a couple weeks, and I'll be heading down to Camp Bob in South Carolina with my crew team. Only two weeks and I'll be back on the water rowing. My favorite part of spring season is just the atmosphere in general. There is nothing better than the intense head to head battle of teams. Being a rower and coxswain I can tell you that spring season is so much more fun to cox. The adrenaline rushing through your body as you motivate your rowers to be the fastest crew is one of a kind. So, anyway. March's top 10. I've decided to dedicate this month's 10 to the top 10 things rowers would never want to hear from their coxswain. Enjoy.
THE TOP 10 THINGS ROWERS NEVER WANT TO HEAR FROM THEIR COXSWAIN
10. Uh oh. The cox-box just died. I'll try and yell so everyone can hear me. (Mainly dedicated to stroke seat)
9. C'mon we're already halfway there!
8. Hey bow! Get back on your seat!
7. Final 40 in 2, 1....2...(10 strokes later) *Horn signals finish*
6. I need a little more pressure on port side, we're getting kind of close to the shore.
5. Guys, i think that’s our race...we better hurry up.
4. Weigh ‘nuff in two...1....2. Oh wait, this is only the halfway mark, pick it back up.
3. Don’t get down about that boat passing you, we can re-pass them!
2. WEIGH ‘NUFF!! Sorry guys, I didn’t see that buoy.
1. Final 40 in 2! 39....40....Ok, i misjudged only 10 more! (25 strokes later).. and, weigh ‘nuff. awesome race everyone.
I'm sure as a rower, you have heard a couple of these at least once before. Unfortunately. Well that's all for now. I'm hoping to have another post up next week, so check back.
Today, I leave you with this. Get psyched about spring season. It's right around the corner!!
THE TOP 10 THINGS ROWERS NEVER WANT TO HEAR FROM THEIR COXSWAIN
10. Uh oh. The cox-box just died. I'll try and yell so everyone can hear me. (Mainly dedicated to stroke seat)
9. C'mon we're already halfway there!
8. Hey bow! Get back on your seat!
7. Final 40 in 2, 1....2...(10 strokes later) *Horn signals finish*
6. I need a little more pressure on port side, we're getting kind of close to the shore.
5. Guys, i think that’s our race...we better hurry up.
4. Weigh ‘nuff in two...1....2. Oh wait, this is only the halfway mark, pick it back up.
3. Don’t get down about that boat passing you, we can re-pass them!
2. WEIGH ‘NUFF!! Sorry guys, I didn’t see that buoy.
1. Final 40 in 2! 39....40....Ok, i misjudged only 10 more! (25 strokes later).. and, weigh ‘nuff. awesome race everyone.
I'm sure as a rower, you have heard a couple of these at least once before. Unfortunately. Well that's all for now. I'm hoping to have another post up next week, so check back.
Today, I leave you with this. Get psyched about spring season. It's right around the corner!!
Friday, February 5, 2010
February's Top 10
I don't know about the rest of you but I cannot believe it's already February! Before we know it, winter training will be over with and spring season will be upon us. I feel like I'm really getting into spring season mode. The erg pieces are getting shorter and more intense, and even though I'm in the middle of an expected 6-10 inches of snow, I've got spring on my mind. As a coxswain/rower, I'm really looking forward to getting both the headband and spandex tan. They go well together. With that said, without further ado, I present to you February's top 10.
THE TOP 10 REASONS WHY SPRING IS THE BEST SEASON
10. Races are as short as 1500 meters and never longer than 2000.
9. It's warmer than fall.
8. You feed off of the satisfaction of pulling away from your competition.
7. Head to head racing is more competitive than racing for time.
6. Nationals, anyone?
5. The adrenaline rush you get from the starts off of the stake boats is one of a kind!
4. The straight courses eliminate the need to have one side add more pressure to get around a turn in the most efficient way.
3. Although Fall is a regatta season in itself, it is used to build form and physical strngth for the spring season.
2. Even if you're only in one race, if you make it to finals, you can race up to three times!
1. You don't have to wait around all day for your results!
Just writing this blog post makes me want spring season to start tomorrow! The starts, the high tens, and being the first to cross the finish line. The cheers from the crowd on shore, the trickle of the water beneath a perfectly set boat, the screaming battle between intense coxswains, and the sound of pain as rowers give it their all. The whole rowing atmosphere. There's nothing better.
Today, I leave you with hopes for a great closing winter season. Train hard, and get ready to kick butt this spring!
THE TOP 10 REASONS WHY SPRING IS THE BEST SEASON
10. Races are as short as 1500 meters and never longer than 2000.
9. It's warmer than fall.
8. You feed off of the satisfaction of pulling away from your competition.
7. Head to head racing is more competitive than racing for time.
6. Nationals, anyone?
5. The adrenaline rush you get from the starts off of the stake boats is one of a kind!
4. The straight courses eliminate the need to have one side add more pressure to get around a turn in the most efficient way.
3. Although Fall is a regatta season in itself, it is used to build form and physical strngth for the spring season.
2. Even if you're only in one race, if you make it to finals, you can race up to three times!
1. You don't have to wait around all day for your results!
Just writing this blog post makes me want spring season to start tomorrow! The starts, the high tens, and being the first to cross the finish line. The cheers from the crowd on shore, the trickle of the water beneath a perfectly set boat, the screaming battle between intense coxswains, and the sound of pain as rowers give it their all. The whole rowing atmosphere. There's nothing better.
Today, I leave you with hopes for a great closing winter season. Train hard, and get ready to kick butt this spring!
Monday, January 18, 2010
A Little Blurb About Sculling and Winter Training
Today I woke up, and put on my old HS crew hoodie. I took one glance at the ripped front pocket and automatically had a strong desire to go scull a single, but then I realized two things.
(1) It's winter, and the water around me is either frozen, or too cold for rowing.
(2) I don't own a single.
With that, I've decided I should really get cracking on my goal to save up 4,000-some dollars to buy a single, so next time I get such a desire, so long as it's the proper season, I can fulfill it.
I really do miss sculling. I plan on getting myself a membership to my old boathouse over the summer so I can scull once again, AND keep in shape. Once you scull a few times and get the hang of it, it becomes addicting. My preference quickly went from sweep rowing to sculling. When you scull in races, you feel just that much more victorious when you get a medal. Why, you may ask? It's because when you cross that finish line knowing you won that medal, (when rowing a single) you know it was all you. You were the one that kept the shell set, and all the power that propelled your shell across the finish line came from you. The same thing goes for rowing a double, except for you know it's just you and one other person controlling the same amount of oars as a 4+ boat, and that takes chemistry. Also, the fact that you don't have a coxswain goes to show just how focused you have to be on your stroke, as well as where you are navigating. I give it up to the bow in a double- having to turn around to steer the boat in the correct direction while following their stroke at the same time? That takes mad talent, something I hope to be able to conquer over the next few years.
With that said, I'd like to briefly mention a little about winter training. For all of you current rowers out there, I hope your winter training is going well. Keep toning that core and building that muscle! Come spring season, it will surely pay off.
I'm finally starting to get back into the flow of winter training. The first couple weeks were rough, but I'm already starting to see myself improve, and I feel just a little more in shape every week. I miss being the "in-shape" that I was during spring season of my senior year. Thanks to winter training, I was erging and rowing some personal bests, especially for being mainly a coxswain. My sculling partner Taylor and I got fourth at a Michigan regatta after being in a double together only three times before that. We only missed third by ten seconds! We also got second at a regatta in Indiana. That was the second time we'd ever been in a double together. Hopefully this summer, we'll improve.
Winter training has to be taken day by day. It's obviously the least favored part of rowing, but it is definitely one of the most important. Come spring season, I hope to be back in shape and ready to win some hardware. I have also learned from my lessons. I'm going to keep with rowing and erging over the summer, so I stay in shape, because it sure is easy to get out of shape, but getting back in shape is a different story.
Today, I leave you with this:
Now's the time to get in shape, so prove to yourself you own ability and work hard. When spring season arrives, you'll have the chance to show everyone else. :)
(1) It's winter, and the water around me is either frozen, or too cold for rowing.
(2) I don't own a single.
With that, I've decided I should really get cracking on my goal to save up 4,000-some dollars to buy a single, so next time I get such a desire, so long as it's the proper season, I can fulfill it.
I really do miss sculling. I plan on getting myself a membership to my old boathouse over the summer so I can scull once again, AND keep in shape. Once you scull a few times and get the hang of it, it becomes addicting. My preference quickly went from sweep rowing to sculling. When you scull in races, you feel just that much more victorious when you get a medal. Why, you may ask? It's because when you cross that finish line knowing you won that medal, (when rowing a single) you know it was all you. You were the one that kept the shell set, and all the power that propelled your shell across the finish line came from you. The same thing goes for rowing a double, except for you know it's just you and one other person controlling the same amount of oars as a 4+ boat, and that takes chemistry. Also, the fact that you don't have a coxswain goes to show just how focused you have to be on your stroke, as well as where you are navigating. I give it up to the bow in a double- having to turn around to steer the boat in the correct direction while following their stroke at the same time? That takes mad talent, something I hope to be able to conquer over the next few years.
With that said, I'd like to briefly mention a little about winter training. For all of you current rowers out there, I hope your winter training is going well. Keep toning that core and building that muscle! Come spring season, it will surely pay off.
I'm finally starting to get back into the flow of winter training. The first couple weeks were rough, but I'm already starting to see myself improve, and I feel just a little more in shape every week. I miss being the "in-shape" that I was during spring season of my senior year. Thanks to winter training, I was erging and rowing some personal bests, especially for being mainly a coxswain. My sculling partner Taylor and I got fourth at a Michigan regatta after being in a double together only three times before that. We only missed third by ten seconds! We also got second at a regatta in Indiana. That was the second time we'd ever been in a double together. Hopefully this summer, we'll improve.
Winter training has to be taken day by day. It's obviously the least favored part of rowing, but it is definitely one of the most important. Come spring season, I hope to be back in shape and ready to win some hardware. I have also learned from my lessons. I'm going to keep with rowing and erging over the summer, so I stay in shape, because it sure is easy to get out of shape, but getting back in shape is a different story.
Today, I leave you with this:
Now's the time to get in shape, so prove to yourself you own ability and work hard. When spring season arrives, you'll have the chance to show everyone else. :)
Friday, January 8, 2010
January's Top 10
First I'd like to start of by wishing everybody a Happy New Year! It's 2010, so maybe we should really try to stick to our new year's resolutions not only to start another year off right, but a brand new decade! You can read through a countless number of news stories and websites, and get the same top ten results for what people want to do this year, give or take a few. Number one is always something along the lines of losing weight, or quitting bad habits. This can prove to be a difficult task for those who don't know how to go about doing so. The first thing that comes to mind is dieting, but for the average person, they're really hard to stick with, and it's the same with working out. People may not know what machines to use at the gym in order to be successful. Without crew, I sure wouldn't have a clue. So here's to a new decade; a brand new top 10!
THE TOP 10 REASONS WHY ROWING IS A GREAT NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION:
10. You'll no longer be one of those people on the ergs at a community gym that rowers laugh at. (You know...because of your incorrect form!)
9. It can help you with about seven of the top ten most common resolutions in some way or another.
8. If you're one of those people who sleep the day away, rowing will definitely help. (Morning practices, anyone?)
7. It helps relieve stress in the long run.
6. It'll give you something to put your mind to!
5. It will force you to get outside more, instead of staying cooped up all day. (I mean, you can't exactly row races in a swimming pool..)
4. It is a great way to make new friends.
3. With it, you gain a sense of teamwork (read my older posts). You learn how to work with others; a skill that will help you in all your future endeavors.
2. A lot of people want to learn something new. What better than rowing?
1. Of course, it will help you get in shape. However, not only will it help you get in shape, it will help you stay in shape! :)
Rowing is a great sport to pick up, not only because it will help you meet new people and help you stay in shape, but unlike most sports, you don't have to have any rowing experience! You may not even know what crew is, but you could still join, and in no time you'll be telling people the same thing.
Today, I leave you with a quote:
"Cheers to a new year, and another chance for us to get it right."- Author Unknown
THE TOP 10 REASONS WHY ROWING IS A GREAT NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION:
10. You'll no longer be one of those people on the ergs at a community gym that rowers laugh at. (You know...because of your incorrect form!)
9. It can help you with about seven of the top ten most common resolutions in some way or another.
8. If you're one of those people who sleep the day away, rowing will definitely help. (Morning practices, anyone?)
7. It helps relieve stress in the long run.
6. It'll give you something to put your mind to!
5. It will force you to get outside more, instead of staying cooped up all day. (I mean, you can't exactly row races in a swimming pool..)
4. It is a great way to make new friends.
3. With it, you gain a sense of teamwork (read my older posts). You learn how to work with others; a skill that will help you in all your future endeavors.
2. A lot of people want to learn something new. What better than rowing?
1. Of course, it will help you get in shape. However, not only will it help you get in shape, it will help you stay in shape! :)
Rowing is a great sport to pick up, not only because it will help you meet new people and help you stay in shape, but unlike most sports, you don't have to have any rowing experience! You may not even know what crew is, but you could still join, and in no time you'll be telling people the same thing.
Today, I leave you with a quote:
"Cheers to a new year, and another chance for us to get it right."- Author Unknown
Friday, December 25, 2009
The Importance of Teammates
Rowing truly is the ultimate sport. It's the ultimate team sport and it's the ultimate workout. I could go on and on about rowing, but if I had a mere five minutes to convince someone to join, I'd focus on the importance of the team as a whole. Rowing isn't like basketball, or soccer where a few people from the team play for a certain amount of time. There are no substitutes in rowing. The team works together 100% of the time. No questions asked.
Not only does rowing provide you with the chance to work together with every one of your teammates, it also brings everyone together. Your team becomes your second family, and your boathouse becomes your home away from home. You practice with your teammates, you travel with your teammates and you race with your teammates. Everyone becomes very close. You can't necessarily get that with any sport you join.
I decided to write a post about the importance of teammates in spirit of the season. Christmas is a time for all to enjoy family time and to respect what is given to us. It is the same with your rowing team. Enjoy the presence of each and every one of your teammates, because the most unique thing about crew is that everyone works together. There are no all-stars or MVPs. If one person doesn't work, it hinders the whole boat. With rowing, athletes obtain a true sense of the meaning of teamwork, and with it, many life lessons are taught.
Today, I leave you with a blessing for a very happy holiday season.
Have a very merry Christmas/holiday season, and a wonderful and prosperous New Year.
Be sure to check back on the first Friday of the New Year for a special addition of the monthly top 10!
(Photo courtesy of clker.com)
Not only does rowing provide you with the chance to work together with every one of your teammates, it also brings everyone together. Your team becomes your second family, and your boathouse becomes your home away from home. You practice with your teammates, you travel with your teammates and you race with your teammates. Everyone becomes very close. You can't necessarily get that with any sport you join.
I decided to write a post about the importance of teammates in spirit of the season. Christmas is a time for all to enjoy family time and to respect what is given to us. It is the same with your rowing team. Enjoy the presence of each and every one of your teammates, because the most unique thing about crew is that everyone works together. There are no all-stars or MVPs. If one person doesn't work, it hinders the whole boat. With rowing, athletes obtain a true sense of the meaning of teamwork, and with it, many life lessons are taught.
Today, I leave you with a blessing for a very happy holiday season.Have a very merry Christmas/holiday season, and a wonderful and prosperous New Year.
Be sure to check back on the first Friday of the New Year for a special addition of the monthly top 10!
(Photo courtesy of clker.com)
Friday, December 4, 2009
December's Top 10
THE TOP 10 FASHIONS ONLY ROWERS WOULD APPRECIATE:
10. Dirty knee high socks. You know, the ones that are soaked from the river/lake by the end of the day.
9. The ball-of-socks-inside-your-spandex look. Commonly referred to as “the leg tumor.”
8. 1000s of t-shirts that feature the “I’m On A Boat” saying.
7. A (most likely short) individual sporting a gold medal around his or her neck, soaked from head to toe.
6. The all-mighty spandex tan. Period.
5. Socks and flip-flops. Tennis shoes are just too inconvenient when launching on race day. Yes, we all know toe socks would make it that much easier, but that would look weird!
4. Coxswains: Half pale, half tan forehead. Need I say more?
3. Torn up, blistered and calloused hands. Smooth is overrated.
2. High-quality velcro shoes that don’t velcro. It’s all the rage.
1. ONE WORD: UNI!!
I think it's safe to say the aforementioned ten are quite fashionable, but the common public will never really understand unless they join the sport of rowing. I guess you can say it's an inside joke of sorts.
Well, that's all for today. Stop by on the first Friday of January for a brand new top 10. Be sure to start your new year off right!
Today, I leave you with a secret:
If it weren't for the uni, you couldn't do the following. Here it is. If you ever have an extreme need to go to the bathroom, but there is a really long line, take your shirt off, thus revealing your uni, and claim that it is an emergency that you cut in front of everybody to go to the bathroom, because you must launch for your race in less than two minutes. I'm serious, it works.
(Picture courtesy of vespoli.com)
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