Trials, Respite, and Support

Last Wednesday we complete our racing at Senior I trials.  We are now the official lightweight 8+ for the United States National Rowing Team.  The lead up to our race was pretty straight forward.  We were able to make weight and cam down the course without error.  We completed the 2K in 5:52.  This was not as fast as we had planned.  Earlier in the week, we had done a casual 1K from a dead stop in sub-world record time, with all hands agreeing that there was plenty more to give and that the pace felt sustainable.  But winds and temperatures can be fickle, and a little rain and slower wind speed can greatly affect on-the-water speed.  We definitely had the slowest conditions of the day.  Our goal of a medal stand finish, we believe, is in reach.  Our boat motto: 5:35 or bust!

Knowing that we will be in a long and challenging training cycle until the World Championship regatta, Bruce has given us until July 5th to train on our own without organized practices.  We have strict orders to only cross train - no erging, rowing, or lifting.  I have flown home to Seattle to see Keara and reconnect with my community.  This last weekend I was at the Northwest Regional Master's Championship Regatta, seeing friends and volunteering as a launch driver.  It was a pretty nice way to spend the hot days.  Through in some shorter runs just to stay loose.

This week I am ramping up my cross training and meeting with potential supporters.  Because we are a non-priority event, our boat will receive no support from USRowing.  We have to fully fund our travel and expenses to participate in the World Championships.  Since most of our athletes have relocated for the summer and we have to train 6 hours per day, 6 days per week, working full time is not a realistic option.  I am doing some private tutoring to fill in a few financial gaps and reaching out to friends, family, and enthusiasts to help make our trip to France possible.

You can give a tax-deductible amount to us via the National Rowing Foundation here.

My goal is to raise $7500 for my share of our team.  This should cover all non-emergency expenses that may arise (USRowing fees, air travel, equipment costs, living expenses while training, etc.).  The support of my community will help take us across the finish line!