Yes - It's back. Just as Papillons were happy to note the single bailer this Saturday, the original instrument of torture - whose name strikes terror into the heart of anyone who has ever experienced it - has returned.
Soon as we hopped into the boat, Coach Patrick steered us away from the usual direction of row. We crossed under Nicoll Highway and rowed along Kallang Riverside Park. As it became apparent that Coach was going to beach the boat, there were flashbacks not unlike those that happen to people who have near-death experiences - only, it was merely the mind zipping through the possibilities of:
- Beach push-ups *NOoo...*
- Stationary pair rowing *shudder*
- 10km beach run *quick, faint first*
... and that was when we saw It. Which-Must-Not-Be-Named.
The boat (and our hearts too) sank as Coach unearthed the Tyre from among the parked boats and hooked it up. Patrick has managed to outwit us once again! - We solemnly surrender.
With the draggy tyre, our muscles were made to work harder. We still needed Coach's reminders on the piston action, where our outer shoulder should be rotating in a circular motion. (When you look at your rowing shoulder, should be rotating anti-clockwise for right rowers, and clockwise for left rowers.)
After a masterful display of negotiation (10 Papillons vs 1 Coach), we did 5 sets of rowing with the tyre, and then 5 sets without. It was so poopifying that I can't remember the details, only bits and bobs:
- Our 3-2-1 transition from the fast 20 to "stretttchout..." was there.
- Before starting on one of our sets, Coach: "If you can row until we crash into the wall, better!"
- The boat was unusually quiet for periods at a time, as we paused to catch our breath in-between sets.
- For best results, Coach recommended a dosage of "one time maximum chin ups and 100 push ups", twice daily - in the morning after waking up, and at night before going to bed.
The next thing I remember, was us rowing back to the same place to return the tyre, and then back to the pontoon. We then finished the session with 40 push ups, and of course, our customary Papillon whoosh!
Needless to say - it was a tough training, and we were given a heads up by Coach to expect more of the same as we build up to the races. Now, though we may moan and groan, I know that inside each Papillon - we know what we're capable of achieving, and along with that, is a strong desire to win back what is ours.
So let's channel that unshakable determination into training - make every training count. Ki-yah!
= Chief Editor signing off =
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