Pride. Glory. Honor.

Day one of rowing tryouts have officially completed.

We started with 2k erg tests.

I have never done 2k’s before in my life. Usually I just do 500m intervals, so I was a bit worried I would burn out and lose steam.

It went better than expected, I would up with a time of 8:38 with all of my splits dancing around 2:08, 2:09, and 2:10.

I have so much more appreciation for those who cox. There is something about having someone yelling in your ear to push harder, faster, maintain rhythm and form that makes you give your all.

I was definitely an absorbent sponge today, ready to learn everything….well, wince I know nothing.

I kept likening it to when my parents taught me how to play golf (my Mom is a bit of a champion at the sport and plays competitively) I took everything they said like it was the most important rule.

We had some practice in “the tank” aka an immobilized boat and worked on technique for ergs.

My wavering on the “to row or not to row” issue is starting to turn into a solidified “yes”

Rowing training is different than other sport trainings.

It reminds me more of hockey season back in the States. When we would have grueling 2-a-day practices and work our butts off day in and day out.

“Preseason” as it was called.

We were so much more bonded and that much better because we went through hell and back together.

Pride. Glory. Honor.

Plus it is so rewarding pushing your body to its limits.

Oh, and then there’s the fact that I’d be getting fit, but able to eat a lot more of what I want 😉

Another long day ahead of me tomorrow. All day on the water. No sleep till Brooklyn….or Rowing Day 😉

Casey

Do you like pushing your body to its limits? Seeing what your capable of?

Doing what you never thought you were capable of?

To row, or not to row?

As I have said in my last post I have A LOT of news.

I don’t think I’ll be able to fit it all into one post so it’ll have to be a two parter. (The second part having more photos ;))

I made my triumphant return to the gym this past weekend since I only had training for one sport and had a fair few days off.

I feel like all I have been doing is running around and chasing balls for all of my exercise

*please refrain from making the above a pun ;)*

Speaking of chasing balls, we won quarterfinals today in soccer and play a tough match for semis tomorrow!

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming.

I was neglecting my arms and missing strength training.

I had two nice long sessions filled with weights, medicine balls, BOSU’s and some good old fashion planks and push-ups for my arms.

I also started and finished each session with 20-30 minutes of cycling.

The bikes are situated so you get a clear view of the middle of Uni.

People watching is one of my all time favorite activities so it was rather easy to be on the bike for 30 minutes.

 

I have also become a napper.

I have had four -count them- four naps since I returned to Australia. (not including my 16 hour jet-lag induced “nap”)

If you know me you know that I have always struggled to nap.

Always set it as a New Years Resolution, and always average about two naps a year.

But things are a-changing.

I attest my success to lots of early morning sport (both supporting and playing), lots of mid-day trainings, and lots of general activities to exhaust me on a daily basis.

I will admit my diet has not been the best of late.

Blame on my constant sport. Blame it on the fact that I’m in college. Blame it on the fact that I do not have a fridge, microwave, or oven, and am subject whatever the cafeteria provides.

I’m not eating horribly but it’s a bit different from my usual clean-and-pristine diet or all natural foods with little additives.

What I’ve noticed from this is not a change in my body, but more in the way I feel.

I generally have a healthy breakfast and lunch.

English muffin with vegemite for brekky and some sort of massive salad with dips for lunch. But dinner never satisfies me (I also can’t resist sticky date ;)) and I get peckish at night. That’s when the ‘junk’ starts to happen.

Gotta get to a friend’s house to cook ASAP!

I might have a sneaky camera sesh in our cafeteria one brunch. I feel weird doing it, but better that than a formal dinner!

 

 

Back to sporting news: Rowing tryouts are this weekend and I’m still tussling with the big debate…

To row or not to row? That is the question….

Rowing is by far the most intense and important sport in all of college. It is very competitive and I don’t know if I will even make it.

But the training is very intense. About 4 hours a day most days of the week. (Whaddup 5am trainings?)

 

What do you think? To row or not to row?

How far do you push yourself in sport, exercise, or racing?

 

Casey