The race is 23 days away. We leave for Colorado Springs in 12 days. Whew I almost stopped breathing as I read those statements.
As I watch the games on TV I get more excited about seeing it all in person and equally nervous about competing in front of large crowds and different countries. It just give me goosebumps. It is a good thing we are going into the games with a very positive outlook because we have had very successful races against the Canadian team. I find it ironic that when I meet a new person and tell them about my adventures to China their initial comment is "Oh are you excited?" Well duh...of course I am excited. Traveling in itself is exciting but the truth is that the fact that I will be half way around the world is the most insignificant part about this whole thing. I am more nervous about my competition. I know the physical challenge will be incredibly tough. We were 5th place in the World Championships last year. This summer we beat the bronze medalists twice already, which means we are definitely in contention for a medal. It will not be an easy feat. The first 13 days we are there I will be doing nothing but rowing, eating, resting and sleeping. Don't worry everyone, I am excited but it is purely business on my end of things.
Way enough, the bridge, ops
I am bowing the pair and having a very tough time with steering the silly boat. We go zig-zag down the Schuylkill River. With the incredible amount of boat traffic it can be dangerous to get off course not to mention the 4 bridges you have to wind your way through. I am slowly getting the hang of it. My coach actually had to take the rudder off the boat so that steering was easier. We have only hit the bridge once though. Poor Tracy, she has to trust that I won't run us into the bridges. Whoops.
I am also learning how to manage my strength. The word steady state just simply doesn't exist in my mind. I am just naturally an intense person. If you know me well then you already know this about me. When you are doing a high volume of training then you have to learn how to control your heart rate and strength so that your energy lasts through all of your workouts. I bet my Uncle Mike who is training for the Wisconsin Iron Man has this aspect of training fine-tuned. I mean let's be honest anyone who swims 2 miles, bikes 112 miles, and runs 26 miles all in one day must know the science behind pacing.
WAY TO GO UNCLE MIKE! GOOD LUCK TRAINING
I am also learning how to manage my strength. The word steady state just simply doesn't exist in my mind. I am just naturally an intense person. If you know me well then you already know this about me. When you are doing a high volume of training then you have to learn how to control your heart rate and strength so that your energy lasts through all of your workouts. I bet my Uncle Mike who is training for the Wisconsin Iron Man has this aspect of training fine-tuned. I mean let's be honest anyone who swims 2 miles, bikes 112 miles, and runs 26 miles all in one day must know the science behind pacing.
WAY TO GO UNCLE MIKE! GOOD LUCK TRAINING
Sheer power is just not enough
What is mental strength? Is it the ability to visualize your competition? Is it the ability to have complete concentration? Is it faith and hope? Does God play a role in your mental strength? If I had the answers to some of these questions then I might have an advantage against my competitors. You are probably wondering why this is an important enough topic to bring up on my blog. Well let me indulge your curiosity...
I have found in the past few weeks that mental strength is a quintessential part of elite athletic competitions. Mental strength separates the elite athletes from amateurs. Every athlete who competes is strong; they lift weights, run, bike, row and train at a very intense levels but when it comes to race day the athlete who can handle the overwhelming pressure and expectations of themselves and others meets and exceeds their goals. Sheer power just isn't enough. If you are an athlete ask yourself this question: What happens when you hit the wall? Do you crumble or do you override the pain? I like to think that I can override the pain!
I have found in the past few weeks that mental strength is a quintessential part of elite athletic competitions. Mental strength separates the elite athletes from amateurs. Every athlete who competes is strong; they lift weights, run, bike, row and train at a very intense levels but when it comes to race day the athlete who can handle the overwhelming pressure and expectations of themselves and others meets and exceeds their goals. Sheer power just isn't enough. If you are an athlete ask yourself this question: What happens when you hit the wall? Do you crumble or do you override the pain? I like to think that I can override the pain!
Who goes to bed at 7:30pm on a Saturday?
Who goes to bed at 7:30pm on a Saturday night? Yup that's right it's me. I went to bed at 7:30 pm last night and did not wake up to the conscious state until 7:30am. I escaped to a small quiet room in Jen's house to do some yoga and after I finished and found myself in a relaxed state I crawled into my temporary futon bed for a nap and the next thing I knew it was 11 pm. I rustled from the yelling out my window but I never got up out of bed to investigate. I guess I was tired. Sleep can go a long way in your training. It give the body a chance to repair muscle tissue and rejuvenate the body's nutrients. While I was snoring away Jen, the most lovely lady in all of Philadelphia, was slaving in the kitchen making lentils with whole wheat pasta and enjoying her Saturday night with neighbors. If you didn't catch on I have been staying with a lovely woman named Jen. She is a former US Adaptive National team member. To sum her up in a few words is unjust. Her kind soul, compassion and devotion to rowing and self is remarkable. I am truly blessed to be untied with such a great person. If I can grow to be half the woman she is then I would be a lucky person. Thanks for everything Jen!
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