Spring Break Training Camp Recap

Notre Dame's "spring" break training camp is in the books. While the weather threw us a curve ball, it also forced us to slow down, spend time together, and get creative with our training. Some highlights are below.

Small boat work

I had hoped to get more opportunities for small boat work, but was pleased with the sessions we did have and am confident that we've planted to seed for more when the weather cooperates. Learning to row well in a 1x develops boat feel and balance, in addition to exposing technical flaws or weaknesses. Everyone who rowed in the 1xs on Monday did great, but the special prize goes to Mackenzie Bonner who managed to balance in the full catch position,  atop her racing 1x with one oar just out of reach...she likely could have stayed like this for hours if I hadn't plowed into her full speed in the launch and sent her for a dip in the Schuylkill.  Impressive.

Clean Releases

The torrential down pour on Tuesday morning gave us a great opportunity to experience the thrills of rowing in a hurricane. The rolling waves demand an emphasis on a clean release in order to clear the water and prepare for a stable catch.  The video we watched demonstrates the finish and release movements in more ideal conditions.

By practicing clean rowing in rough water we will ensure our ability to preform in any race day scenario...including monsoons.

Quiet Sitting

A quieter boathouse allowed us to spend more time meditating and stretching then we usually get during our regular practices. The balance poses that we did on Wednesday were designed to make you more aware of your body in space and how you naturally compensate when you feel unsteady. Translating this to the boat, we must learn to make only small adjustments to achieve proper position and set.  Learning to quiet our thoughts and sit still takes time, and thus I encourage you each to use this week as the platform for which to start your own meditation practice. Just as we did in practice this week, spend three minutes sitting quietly focusing your attention on the rise and fall of your breath.

Short (and painful) erg sessions

Tuesday's PM erg session was the toughest workout we've attempted this season. The pieces are designed to simulate a 2k test, but to "trick" the rower with short periods of rest each 500m. As we've talked about, success in rowing requires mental control and Tuesday's workout is proof. You each pulled splits that were close to, if not faster then your splits on our recent 2k test, and you did it for 4k. This should give you the confidence to chase your goals, both on the erg and on the water. Dare greatly!

Long (and boring) erg sessions

Wednesday brought and end to the rain, but also freezing temperatures and a raging river. While we waited for the flow to decrease we did some valuable, albeit a bit boring, low intensity erg work. These 60+ minute workouts build our fitness base in addition to allowing time for technical improvements that cannot be easily made on the water. For the first time all season, the entire team was able to erg together in one big happy group...novice and varsity all working together to make Notre Dame the fastest we can be this season.

Rocky Relays

There is not much I can say that will sum things up better then the photos Casey took:

Seat Racing

When the weather finally cleared on Thursday we didn't waste any time getting to work. On the varsity side we engaged in our first official seat race of the season. There are many components that go into making a boat go fast, and seat racing allows coaches to see which combinations of rowers work well together and which don't. All involved did a great job to ensuring the consistency and focus required to produce the most accurate results. Just as impressive, was Jenny's ability to adjust her feet quickly and how casual Mary Rose makes straddling two boats look.

Bonding Time

One benefit of the the poor weather is that it kept us all together longer then usual. During practice we split into our boats and on race day the line-ups are often filtering through the boathouse at different times. This week we got to spend more time training, meditating, or just hanging out as a team in one space.

I hope you all enjoyed your holiday weekend and are ready to jump into the championship season this week!