Olympic Trials Push

I want to distinguish a push of Olympic Trials from a push for the Olympics.  I try to stay grounded in my training and goal setting.  There are many talented lightweight scullers in the United States, all vying for an Olympic berth.  I think at any given moment, I am just trying to crack into the top 10.  Since only the top 2 will earn places on team USA, I focus on having good races and good results for me alone.

I am gunning for an A-final finish in Sarasota at Trials this year with my doubles partner, Tobin McGee.  Tobin will be living in Seattle as we try to find some solid boat speed over the several weeks preceding the regatta.

A few weeks ago, we hosted a 2-week training camp in Seattle, bringing in some of my peers from California and Boston to try out different double combinations and get a measure of our speed.  Peter Schmidt came out at the top of the competitive water results, with the rest of us fighting for scraps.  He has been on fire the last season and has clearly been on top of his training since Aiguebelette.    We capped off the camp with an indoor rowing competition (Northwest Ergomania), at which Tobin and Peter snagged new PRs and I was within less than two seconds of my all time best (not bad for a 30-year old!).  It was a great experience and has left me searching for a little more fitness for this Olympic year.

Outside of my own training: I am preparing for my next actuarial exam and will be taking an online class during the spring quarter on corporate finance as I await the start of my summer internship.  I am also continuing my coaching at Holy Name Academy, focusing on bringing the athletes up to speed with the sculling skills.  Life with Keara is going well - she too is staying very busy with her studies, work, and training.

Au revoir.

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