Rowing tidbits

[rebeccmeister]

So, the (men's) Boat Race happened over the weekend. Row2k posted a summary video of major moments during the race:

http://www.row2k.com/video/2014-Oxford-vs-Cambridge-Boat-Race---Universal-Sports/17930/

And I also encountered a brief summary write-up to explain the events to non-rowers:

http://www.girlontheriver.com/2014/04/06/the-boat-race-2014-what-happened-to-cambridge/

The excerpt that sticks out is this:

I also know a thing or two about losing a race. I know how it feels when you become aware early on in the race that you’ve precious little chance of winning, but you have to keep powering on, stroke after miserable, painful stroke. And I know how it feels to have a race taken away from you by an umpire’s decision (even when it’s the right one).

An important reminder that one can - and should - be a strong athlete no matter where one winds up in the race. This is an important lesson for those of us who call the sport our own and work hard and do our best, but still find ourselves coming up short.

Another good point for the day comes from Mike Davenport, writing about the importance of trust in good coaching. I don't have much to add, other than to note that I agree.

Comments

[randomdreams.livejournal.com]

My last three crit races quickly went from "I can stay in the front" to "how long can I keep this up before they pull me out for being too slow?" That's really difficult to keep up.

[rebeccmeister.livejournal.com]

I find it more difficult to keep up when I'm the only person losing out - my brain more quickly goes to the "Oh, what's the use?" mode. With team boats, there's at least the momentum of and respect for your teammates to keep you going.