Premature Migration
Birds of a feather flock together, and so the rowers flew south for a spell. Unfortunately, it sounds like we didn’t really run from the harshest of winters, but it has still been a worthwhile training camp so far. While we wish all of our northern, Nordic skiing friends loads of snow, we needed some time on the race course in Sarasota, FL. I’ll dish a bunch of words, and hopefully, a teammate will follow up with a bunch of pictures.
You see the 2016 Olympic trials happen in April for many rowing events. We usually have a race in April, but it is of less immediate consequence than this one. As such, having it take place at the usual venue in West Windsor, NJ, is alright despite the possibility of rougher weather. This year (like the last Olympic cycle) we need a venue that will be rowable beyond a doubt. Additionally, the course in Sarasota will be the future site of the 2017 World Championships. For all these reasons, we needed some exposure.
On top of this, while many of us relish our time cross-training on skis, this year is a critical year. For some of us, it is our first go around and for others it may be our last. I personally don’t want to leave anything to question and want to make sure that there are no wishful adjustments in hindsight. I think the camp is benefiting everyone. It is simply a two week camp, but already feels very thorough and fruitful. For those in team boats, they’re getting an extended and/or earlier start on building rhythm and chemistry. For me, I’m making up for lost time this fall between a torn hamstring and pneumonia (more on that at my personal blog if you can handle my absolute candidness). It may be too hot in Vermont for this time of year, but it is still quite refreshing being down here in 70-80 degree weather. Although hotter temps require some additional cardiovascular and cooling work from your body, it makes limbering up substantially easier.
We have two houses in a subdivision that is between two rowing venues. One called Fort Hamer offers longer distances on tidal, brackish water, while the other, Nathan Benderson Park, is the future site of both our Olympic trials and the 2017 FISA World Championships. The Benderson course has 10 buoyed lanes right now, which is naturally good for practice. People at both sites have been incredibly hospitable. As we near our first weekend and the halfway point, we hope to make the second half as productive as the first.