Monday 22 July 2013

Back to Training

Luzern ended in a 3rd place finish in the "B" final (9th overall). It was by no means what we had hoped for coming into the competition, but it goes to show just how much hard work and time goes into winning medals at the World Cup and World Championship level. I think we were all a little disappointed with the results, but it is so critical to walk away from the experience acknowledging those things that went well and then figuring out how to improve those that didn't. One thing I was excited to see was that our efficiency (speed/stroke) improved significantly going into the final. We still struggled a little to hold our rhythm, but it was a positive change from the rep and heat.

We are currently mixing things up back here at the London Training Centre, and all the scullers are in singles. We are doing a race-off in our 1x's this Wednesday/Thursday (weather permitting). It will be a time trial/semi/final format over a 1500m course. The reason for the 1500m course is that it provides a race length approximately equal to that of a 2000m race in a 4x. From this we will establish a ranking in the quad, and most likely the lowest ranked person will be swapped out. As with anything selection related...... nothing is set in stone, and you can't be certain you are in the boat until you rowing up to the start line before the race.

I am really enjoying the immediate feedback in the single and taking this time to work on accelerating the second half with a strong pry. It is exciting to see the splits on my stroke coach drop when I get it right (currently approximately one in every 20 strokes). The W2x is racing off for a spot as a spare (potentially a racing spare).
For those of you who have been keeping up with the London, Ontario weather report..... THANK GOODNESS THE HEATWAVE IS OVER!!!!!!

Saturday 13 July 2013

Finals

Unfortunately we did not make the A-final tomorrow, but will do our best to do some damage in the B final tomorrow at 9:15 am Switzerland time (12:15am BC time). I am not sure if there will be live video for any of the B-finals, but there will be live video for all the A-finals if you want to check out some intense racing!

Friday 12 July 2013

on to the reps

Tomorrow we are racing at 5:33am BC time! Once again, info can be found at the world rowing website (see link in previous post).

Thursday 11 July 2013

World Cup 3

Check out the world rowing website for information on the event. We race tomorrow at 1:12pm (13:12) or 4:12am BC time. I promise I will not hold it against anyone if you get up at your normal time and check the results after 4:12am. In fact, I would be thrilled that you are following the racing. It will be a tough heat no doubt, but we are excited to race and see just how fast we can go. The first boat from each of the two heats goes straight to the A final and all other boats go to reps which will be raced on Saturday. From the reps, 1-2 will advance to the A final and 3-5 will go through to the B final. There are 12 entries in the women's heavyweight quadruple sculls.
Let the racing begin!

Tuesday 9 July 2013

Corgeno

Corgeno training camp was a huge success! We had beautiful flat water nearly every day, amazing food, and more important- great rows. The first couple days after Amsterdam were a little shaky. John switched up Rosie and Alyssa so that our seating order (from bow to stern) is Kate, Alyssa, Rosie, and myself. I thought everyone did a fantastic job of stepping up to the challenge and we managed to post some best times on a number of practice pieces ranging from 500m-1500m. Lucerne (or Luzern) is a beautiful city with a picturesque rowing course! I will post some pictures soon, but first I will post some pictures from Corgeno, Italy.

Training site

A couple teammates with staff at the Restaurant where we had our meals

Lifting in Corgeno

Team photo shoot minus the heavyweight men