Just like at the catch, simply letting the blades drop into the water, you can’t force it (as I seem to be doing right now). When you force this inevitable part of the rowing motion, things go awry. Balance can be compromised, you dig the blades too deep into the water, and your stroke becomes inefficient and ineffective. Rowing is power, but rowing is very much finesse. I’ve got the power down, but allowing for finesse and trusting that certain things will happen is coming a bit slower. This concept serves as an interesting metaphor for other facets of my life. Patience,  timing, and learning to be comfortable with just letting things happen- who knew rowing would drive home such big life lessons.

I completed my first NSR (National Selection Regatta) time trial this morning in what I hope will be the absolute worse rowing conditions I ever have to row in for a very long time. Brutal. Mind you, I’ve yet to actually compete in a full-on 2,000 meter race. Not to worry, this will come tomorrow morning. I didn’t make it into the Heats but managed to not finish last. There is a small victory in that. Success takes time and while I’ll never be of the mindset to sit back and let success happen, I do need to remember an important lesson I learned in all my years of ball sports… Let the game come to you.