It's really hard not to be out on the water when it looks like this. Just two days ago. Mid 60s, level low and water flat. I know that I'll be wishing for these kind of conditions sometime in March, when the river looks more like a whitewater rapids course. Instead, I sent the boys out for a run.
Am I cruel? No, not yet. The Central Biathalon is coming up in a week, and the guys need to be ready for a long run, so off they went, with much groaning. We're not the Central cross-country team, but the running does them some good. Runs like this build mental toughness in ways my shouting can't.
Now, fellows, we need to talk about timing and concentration, just a little......
I'm not putting these shots up here to embarrass anyone or put down my own crew. I just want to make a point. Concentration is very important in rowing. I've said before that a crew is like the offensive line in a football game. They have to practice together in order to be successful. However, unlike football, a crew must do everything in unison, all the time. The concentration level required is very high.
This is a very dusty, old cliche, but it's true: "Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect." --V. Lombardi.
Concentration isn't something that can just be turned on when the time comes in a race. It has to be practiced. Every day, every stroke, every lift, every stretch. So, let's lock this timing and concentration down.
2 comments:
That truly is the difference between good crews and national champions... not just coming to practice and going through the motions, but fighting for every seat in the spring.
That's pretty cool you guys have tanks to work with...I would've loved to have had something like that to drill on during the winter.
As far as the situation in Cincinnati goes, I can understand why the AD made the decision that they did; it's just a damn shame for those girls who put up with the treatment they got there just to get dumped to the side of the road.
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