Day 2 in Newport!

After traveling on Monday and getting into the swing of things yesterday, today was our first full day of training in sunny SoCal. We had an earlier start this morning, rolling out a little after 6 a.m. and getting to the boathouse around 6:30. (It was a surprisingly chilly bike ride. Thankfully socks are effective replacements for gloves.) Following a quick warm-up, we were off. Mickey, Alex, and I rowed a quad with Maggie, enjoying a long steady state and technique- focused row. No dolphin sightings, but a beautiful, quintessential Cali morning. We all agreed it was a nice row, and we’re starting to brush off the spider webs after a few months away from the water.

We headed back to our apartment after the row to enjoy breakfast #2 and chill for a few hours, which included chat, naps, and a smoothie bowl run, @steve-whelpley. We then headed out for our second practice at 1 p.m. Spirits were high, as the sun was out and the bike ride warmer. The wind had picked up quite a bit, but we took it in stride since Mickey, Jen, Alex and I were about to have a row in the quad. Conditions weren’t great, but we were on the water, and we got in a short row. Practice ended with Steve leading a core circuit on the boathouse balcony.

Post practice, everyone headed back to Balboa, where Mickey and I stopped at a nail salon and treated ourselves to a mani-pedi—great decision! Back at the apartment, Chef Alex was busy preparing a nutritious family dinner, which we all appreciated and enjoyed.

Day 2 in Newport was a good step forward, and we can’t wait to see what tomorrow holds.

Go GRP!