Thoughts on Lucerne 2012

We’re finally home! The trip back wasn’t bad at all, we luckily escaped any real delays or malfunctions, but I always hate traveling home because I am so beyond ready to just be back. Now that we’re all home, we are trying to adjust as quickly as possible and get back to it.

The women’s team arrived in Lucerne on Sunday, May 20 just as the Olympic Qualification Regatta got underway. There was definitely an energy around the course and at the hotel from the get go. Because racing occurred so late in the day, apparently due to the fact that the volunteers (young kids) weren’t out of school until later, we trained when we could, usually all before 4:00 pm. The little volunteers were so cute, there were several who checked our bags and put up with us coming and going up to three times a session just to grab something last minute. A lot of them wore USA rowing pins too, so that was always fun to talk about. Everyone competing for the US was staying at the same hotel too (with the exception of the LW2X and the M1X), so it was nice to get a chance to see everyone again and hear how training and racing were going firsthand. 

Tuesday proved to be an exciting day, those of us not racing were glued to our computers watching the small flags inch across the screen on the World Rowing’s live feed. The W2X, LM4- and M8+ all qualified and won their respective races, so needless to say the atmosphere was electrifying and made me all the more excited to solidify our end of things. Wednesday’s finals were a bit tougher for our team, with only Gevvie Stone qualifying the W1X. It just goes to show that there really are no guarantees in this sport and that sometimes really incredible athletes don’t  even get the chance to compete at the Olympics. Once everyone who was competing at the Qualifier left, things got quieter and were back to our normal group, with the exception of Gevvie filling in one of our quads. 

Once racing started, things went by quickly. Most of pre-race time is spent holed up in the hotel, waiting around for what seems like an eternity. I always feel so much better physically and mentally once we get to race a full 2k down the course. Plus, once race day comes, the entire event becomes much more real.

The weekend posted some good results and some that we can still look to improve on. Most, if not all, other teams have already selected their Olympic teams, whereas there are still some important decisions to be made on our end. I know at least for me, I am eager to get back to work and see what is in store for the team. We’re so close! 

Until next time!

 

Greetings from Breisach am Rhein

With less than 75 days until the Opening Ceremonies in London, our group is training here in Breisach, Germany before we head to Lucerne for World Cup II. We are still more than a month away from the final selection date so a lot is yet to be decided. For now we are enjoying the little town of Breisach and logging in some good miles.

We get to row on the Rhine with Germany on one side and France on the other. The German side seems to be constantly bustling with people, whereas the French side is quite empty. Plus, everyone has a dog without a leash. All different breeds roam the path alongside their owners. I am constantly so impressed with how well the dogs behave. Let me tell you, my dogs would be all over the place, jumping on people and trying to swim even though I’m pretty sure they can’t. Aside from the lush forests on either side and the mountains in the backdrop, I can’t help but notice the lack of geese. Geese are just the worst for rowing. They litter the docks (seemingly on purpose) and they somehow manage to place themselves right in front of our blades. There are quite a few swans here, but so far they stay out of our way and do look pretty. We are rowing out of Breisach Rowing Club’s boathouse and they could not be more friendly. They have a small restaurant upstairs where we lounge in between sessions and are always greeting us even though we have literally taken over the entire place.

The hotel is really great, it is situated at the top of the hill and overlooks all of Breisach. The road leading into and out of town is cobblestone, quite steep and surrounded by brick walls. I feel like we’re entering a castle every time we drive up. The rooms are spacious, we even have a patio! And the food is just awesome, especially breakfast. I, for one, absolutely love Bircher muesli and the coffee is really good, so I’m a happy camper every morning. During our down time, everyone seems to be reading a lot. While a lot of us have various forms of the latest reading technology, whether it be the Nook or iPad, I think it is beneficial to bring paper copies because then we can all switch. I’m reading Born To Run finally, which is just awesome and is motivating me to become a better if not prettier runner. Other titles include Cutting For Stone, Fifty Shades of Grey and Into Africa among others.

So, one week down and one to go before we get ready to race again. The Olympic Qualification Regatta starts just as we get to Lucerne, so we might have the opportunity to cheer on our teammates vying for Olympic spots. Best of luck to all those racing!

And, as always a huge thank you to the supporters of the NRF. This trip would definitely not be possible without you!

World Cup I Recap

 

Well, the first part of our journey is over. Once racing started, time just flew by. By the time we raced, cooled down, recovered properly and refueled, it felt like it was already time to get ready to race again. Our hotel was only about a ten-minute bus ride away, so our post race routines ran smoothly for the most part.

 

As far as the racing went, while I cannot speak for the other boats competing, I’d say it was a fairly successful weekend. I know I definitely learned a lot and am grateful to have had the opportunity to line up against some of the best in the world. Any chance to test yourself in fairly high pressure situations is always a plus. 

 

The conditions were quite speedy, the water was shallow and warm, and the wind definitely helped push things along. In the heats and semifinals, at least in our race, there was a bit of a wake issue. I do have to say my pair partner, Caroline, handled it really well in her calls, saying (as calmly as one can during an all out effort) “here’s a wake” and “another wake, on this one.” I felt better knowing I wasn’t going crazy, the water was actually moving us side to side. But, overall it was fine and the organizers of the event did do a really great job. Everyone was super friendly and everything seemed to run smoothly. And it was a really great venue to race at.

 

We got to sleep in, even though I never can, before boarding a bus to the airport. While I wasn’t anxious to endure another day of traveling, I am excited to see what this next step in the process holds. Believe it or not, there is still a lot of time before US boats are officially selected and then ultimately sent to London. Nothing is set in stone, so back to the grindstone!

 

More from Breisach!

World Cup I: Belgrade, Serbia

Racing season is finally here! Although the women’s squad got the opportunity to race at the first NSR and the Qualification Regatta, this World Cup officially marks our first opportunity to test our speed internationally and get a feel for where we stand. The US has a squad of 14 racing here (including 3 adaptive athletes looking to qualify for the Paralympic Games), so quite a smaller number of athletes than I’m used to.

After arriving in Zurich early Sunday morning, we caught a second flight to Belgrade. We dropped our bags off at the hotel (let me tell you we have a lot of stuff; food, recovery gels and drinks, training and racing gear, books, cameras, the list goes on and on) and then immediately left for the course. Not only is it pretty dry and warm here (temperatures have been in the 80s), but there is a lot going on everywhere you turn. Unlike other race courses set in serene and isolated locations, this place is bustling with people…all the time. There is even a bungee jump at the 1100 meter mark, amongst various cafes, bars and sunbathers. Needless to say I have had to be extra focused while rowing, or at least I really try to be. The other fun thing about the course is all the stray dogs roaming around. While they do look a little scraggly, they are super friendly and even follow us on our warm up runs. Our favorite one so far is the little chubby one with black fur around his eye who we named Chester.

Racing started today thankfully. It’s always nice to have at least a few days to adjust to a new time zone, but there’s a lot of waiting involved. And after racing the heat today, we get to wait some more. The hotel has pretty good Internet though and Caroline and I are currently ensconced in the second season of Downton Abbey, so all this extra time hasn’t been too bad… The food is good, lots of vegetables and interesting meats. No one has gotten food poisoning so far thank goodness! There’s not much to report on regarding racing as of yet. The heats are always inconclusive because every country seems to approach them differently, with some crews going all out for the entire piece and others holding back quite a bit. Things are bound to get more interesting tomorrow in the semis.

So for now, we are relaxing and waiting, watching an embarrassing amount of Downton Abbey and eager to race some more! After this weekend, our group of 8 will join the rest of the women’s squad in Breisach, Germany for a two week training camp. So, lots of fun things to look forward to this month.

Until next time!

Our hotel room at the Hotel Belgrade Continental

The view from our hotel room

Two stray dogs, the closest one is Chester, obviously.

View of the course from near the finish. Note the bungee jump on the right hand side.

Men’s 2- 2000 Sydney Olympic Games

Watch 2012 Hall of Fame inductees Sebastian Bea & Ted Murphy win the Silver medal!

The NRF Announces Jamie Koven and Marcia Hooper As New Board Co-Chairs

MYSTIC, Conn., February 3, 2012 — The National Rowing Foundation (NRF) is pleased to announce that at its 2012 Annual Meeting Marcia Hooper and Jamie Koven were elected Co-Chairs of the Board of the NRF. Anne Martin and Dick Cashin who stepped down as Co-Chairs have both joined the Executive Committee of the Board. The Directors and Trustees were highly grateful for all the contributions made by Dick and Anne during their ten year tenure and welcomed Marcia and Jamie. Jamie Koven has deep understanding of competitive rowing spanning over three decades. He is currently training for the 2012 Olympics and competed in both the 1996 and 2000 Olympics. Jamie rowed at St. Paul’s School and at Brown University, where he rowed to three national championships. He began his international racing career in 1990 as member of the Junior National Team and was a member of the US National Team from 1993 through 2000. Jamie won the world championships twice, in the Eight in 1994 and in the Single in 1997. Jamie is a Partner at One Equity Partners and in 2009 was appointed a Steward of the Henley Royal Regatta. Marcia Hooper is dedicated supporter of rowing and has been involved with the sport since the mid-1970’s when she helped launch Brown Women’s Crew program. She has remained involved with Brown University serving as Co-President of the Friends of Brown Women’s Crew; she is member of the President’s Advisory Council on Athletics and an officer of the Brown University Sports Foundation. She is a Director of the Head of the Charles Regatta, and formerly served as Treasurer of the NRF. “Dick and I could not be more excited to have two such talented people step up to chair the NRF. Jamie’s commitment to the sport of rowing and his deep personal knowledge of the needs of US Rowing is a great asset. Marcia’s strengths in business, organization and fundraising will be highly valued as the NRF seeks to meet the needs of our Senior and Junior National Team athletes in rowing.” said Anne Martin. About the National Rowing Foundation: The National Rowing Foundation was founded in 1966 to raise funds to support international competition for rowers representing the United States of America. In its 45-year history it has grown to support rowers at all levels, Olympic, Senior, Under-23, and Junior National teams. The NRF raises funds to cover the cost of travel, equipment, training, facilities and other support where needed through US Rowing. Through the efforts of the NRF over $20MM has been donated to support our USA athletes in their pursuit of excellence and winning. The NRF also oversees and manages the National Rowing Hall of Fame and the Museum of Rowing History in Mystic, Conn. Please visit http://www.natrowing.org for more information. ### For additional information: Mara Keggi Ford (203) 525-6566 National Rowing Foundation; E-mail: mwkford@aol.com

Sunny San Diego

It’s finally here! 2012 means for us, first and foremost, the year of the London Olympic Games. The Opening Ceremonies are less than 200 days away, nearing closer and closer. The women’s team is currently training at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA and we are loving it! The weather is perfect, the lake is beautiful and we are all looking less and less pale each day (I hope!). The facilities here are quite incredible, all the physical therapy we could wish for is right next door, limitless meals are provided for, and we are all able to stay on site for the full length of the training camp. So,  definitely nothing to complain about! Except perhaps a lack of transportation, but many of the women have chosen to rent cars while we’re here.

Last week all the rowers here were required to participate in the USOC’s Olympic Ambassador Program. The highlight was definitely having the opportunity to meet some incredible Olympians. Bob Kaehler (the rowing world definitely recognizes his name), Dan O’Brien (Olympic Gold Medalist in the Decathlon) and Connie Paraskevin (five-time Olympian in cycling and speed skating) were the appointed ambassadors who led the program and did a great job. Hearing about their athletic careers and accounts of what the Olympic Games are like was really cool, especially for those of us who haven’t been.

Training is going well, we’re working hard and looking forward to racing at NSRs in mid-March.

Until next time, thanks for all your support of the NRF!

Meet Team USA: Adrienne Martelli

In an effort to introduce the women currently training in Princeton to you, each post will highlight someone different. To start off we have Adrienne Martelli, a silver medalist at this year’s World Championships in Bled.

Hailing from University Place, Washington, Adrienne was a standout runner and basketball player in high school. She began rowing at the University of Washington in 2006 as a walk-on. At UW she won the Varsity 4+ as a sophomore in 2008, raced in the Varsity 8+ her junior and senior years and served as Captain her senior year.

2008 NCAA Championships - UW Varsity 4+

She entered the national team scene in 2009 when she made the Under-23 Women’s 8+ that won silver in Racice, Czech Republic. After graduating in 2010, Adrienne moved to Princeton to train full-time with the Senior National Team.

2009 World Rowing Championships - Women's 8+ Silver Medalists

In 2010 she earned a spot in the Women’s 4- that won bronze at the World Championships in Karapiro, New Zealand.

2010 World Championships - Women's 4- Bronze Medalists

After recovering from a back injury this past winter, she went on to place second in the Women’s 4x at Worlds. Not only is Adrienne a versatile rower, transitioning from sweep to sculling at such an elite level in just one year, she is also one tough competitor. She can school even the fastest runners on our frequent runs around the lake and is one of the hardest workers on our team.

2011 World Championships - Women's 4x Silver Medalists

Meet Adrienne! (click the link to see her interview on our YouTube channel!)

Early Testing: Fall Speed Orders 2011

We’re eight weeks into the Olympic year and it’s already time for the first round of selection. First, it’s unbelievable to me that eight weeks have gone by. It feels like I was flying home from Bled just yesterday, antsy for the training cycle to begin. This fall, while challenging at times for everyone in regards to injury, new technique and cold temperatures, we’ve logged some solid miles. But now it’s time to prove it. I’ve never raced in a fall speed order before, so I’m eager to see what it’s all about. I’m definitely looking forward to having more rowers around, just watching the Princeton Chase was a blast. Hopefully the weather will hold up and it won’t be too windy! Although I do like headwinds…

The West Coast Fall Speed Order starts tomorrow morning with a good ol’ 6k erg followed by a 6k on the water on Friday. Here is the link to USRowing for more info and here is the RegattaCentral link to view entries.

The East Coast Fall Speed Order starts Saturday afternoon with a 6k erg test and then a 4.5k row (or however short you can make the course with the big turn) on Sunday morning. Here is the USRowing link and the RegattaCentral link for entries.

In any case, should be an interesting next couple of days and help determine what’s in store these next couple of months for Team USA.

Check back for some video and interviews with national team members.

Until next time!

Head of the Charles 2011

It’s that time of year again, finally! It’s the only rowing event in the US, where thousands of people come to watch. Plus, this year is especially exciting because we missed last year due to Worlds being so late. Unfortunately, none of the women are racing like we had originally hoped but at least we get to go. Although I would much rather race, this will be my first year as a spectator and I can’t wait to see all the collisions… I mean, fasboats. And, the weather is supposed to be beautiful, much different than our last Charles experience complete with snow and sleet back in 2009.

There are a few exciting things coming up for the NRF. The annual National Team Alumni Reception and Reunion is this Saturday in Boston, so come stop by between 4 and 6:30 pm. Then, on November 30 the NRF is co-hosting the Golden Oar Awards (for the first time!) with USRowing. You can find more information about the event here: http://www.usrowing.org/Events/GoldenOarsDinner.aspx.

Hope to see you there and thanks for all your support, you make our journey possible day in and day out!