The Torch

Since being back, we all have been messing around in doubles in preparation for NSR 2 in a couple weeks. After NSR 1, I was thinking of not racing and still may not. However, long term, I see my best options being in the double especially at World Champs and Olympics in 2016. So because of that, I do want to test out combinations and keep getting better in the double. In the weeks leading up to NSR 1, Ben and I were switching off between the single and the double. I really think that is one of the most effective ways to train. Keep changing it up and keep improving the basic motion but not getting stale. So, even if I am going to race the single at all the world cups over the next month or two, I think it's important  to not  exclusively row the single.

 

This week Dan has been trying out rowing Steve and I together. From an outsiders perspective, that would be our fastest combination and probably the fastest combination in the US. But, the two fastest singles do not always make the fastest double. My sense is that this is one of those instances, but I don't really know yet. Not that Steve and I are slow, but I do feel like Ben and I have something special and I want to pursue it in the future. So I am inclined to just row with Ben this year at NSR 2 and see how it goes. Its very possible that will happen. Dan wants to get some information, though. We will likely do some switching tomorrow morning and try to find the fastest combo. Who knows, maybe I am not even in the fastest double, maybe Steve and Ben are the best combo. That too would be great information. 

I think no matter what, continuing to race it up and perform in pressure situations is extremely valuable. I don't want to get comfortable at all. The only way I am going to keep getting better is by pushing the envelope and addressing weaknesses every day. There are big technical gains to make out there, but honestly, on the international level, everyone rows well. I need to be pushing my limits and seeing how deep I can go, increasing my coefficient of belief and pain. So that's what I will be looking to do through this 2x selection process. Worst case, I get some racing in, don't do that well, and continue on to race the single overseas in June/July. Best case, the double really clicks and we have another good option for international competition. All year I have wanted to put together a great double, so I at least want to give it a try and get an idea where we might stand in August for World Championship trials. I really hope Ben and I can show that we are a good combo tomorrow. Not to short change Steve, I will be pulling my balls off trying to make each 2x as fast as possible, but I do feel a spark rowing with Ben

. Maybe a boat doesn't have to feel good to go fast, so I will reserve judgment. Hopefully tomorrow will provide some good info. 

Every time I try to make plans they don't work out, so here is me not making a plan, but these are some important dates for the summer racing:

NSR 2- May 15-18, 2x.

World Cup 2 Eton Dorney: June 21-23. M1x

Henley Royal Regatta: July 3-8. Diamond Challenge Sculls, M1x

World Cup 3 Lucerne SUI: July 12-14. M1x. 

World Championship Trials: Aug 4-7, Princeton.

World Championships South Korea: August 25-Sept 1

Amongst all the 2x talk, Dan, Dick, Judy, and I are putting together the World Cup Trip. While its about 6 weeks away, its tough not to get incredibly excited about it. It's something I have dreamt about my whole life to race internationally as the single sculler( HEAVYWEIGHT!). I have very clear memories of watching the worlds' best single scullers race at Henley and thinking that I wanted to do that. Xeno, Jamie Koven, Aquil Abdullah, Marcel Hacker, those guys were gods to my brothers and I. Still are. I can only hope to provide the same for some little shitter over there watching the racing!