19 April 2008 - a tail of two bailers.

This Saturday morning, we showed a little more initiative in warming up before Coach Patrick arrived. Nevertheless, our attempt to hoodwink him was exposed when Coach took one glance at our arms, saw the total lack of perspiration and muscle definition, and concluded that we hadn't done any push ups. Such sharpness!

Today, we welcome a fresh face - Ben Chua - to a first session with Papillon!

The boats were so flooded by the flash showers early this morning, an electronic pump was used for a massive de-ballast exercise. For that same reason, Papillon was armed with 2 bailers. On hindsight, we should have thrown them far far away after scooping out the water - only because Coach, in all his ingeniousness, had grand plans for them as replacement for The Tyre (which he now cannot fit into his compact coupe). Dang.

Rowing in the strangely 'teh si'-like ('milk tea'-like) waters with 'tea leaves' floating about, we were treated to pair-rowing of 100 strokes to fine-tune the new piston-stroke!

We then rowed toward an imaginary 50m mark (that was really more like 1km) in the direction of the under-construction dam. Coach might seriously want to consider Lasik or something to correct his abysmal judgment of distance.

It was a long, long row... made more challenging by the 2 bailers dragging behind. "You are not tired, you are fresh!" - Coach's words echoed in our ears. Though not exactly sashimi-fresh, we didn't let up either, and kept going. Good job, Paps!

Then, heading to the 300m race mark, we were greeted by the cheery 'Vet-Rookie' boat and decided to pace with them. Though we finished ahead by a distance, Coach observed that we were all over the place - in particular, during the pace transition in our start set. Quick to rectify that, we paced again, and was much improved this time around. Remember: 10 hard, 20 fast, 3-2-1-stretch out...

Finally it was time to head back, and Coach slyly slotted in one more start set along the way. But hehhey - it was not bad! (Always - most motivation when it's the last stretch back.)

During de-brief - good news! - seems like we're getting the hang of the new stroke. Coach commented that it was much better than the previous training. Maybe the draggy bailers helped - to prevent us from going too fast and losing focus on technique. Well done, Paps!

Now we just have to make sure we stick to the piston-style, work on coordination and practise our race sets, build up strength at the gym... and we will be on course for a smashing season!

Special mention to William, who has stepped up to the plate to become our new right pacer. It's not easy, so let's give him our greatest support as he grows into the role. Go William - we're behind you! (Literally, too.)

And kudos to Ben Chua - it seems we've got a natural rower! Hope you had fun today and we certainly look forward to you joining us for future trainings.

Finally - just want to commend our guys on their dedication to gym sessions! Good organization by Jon and Ben to make it happen. Keep it up, guys. But take care not to burn yourselves out - suggest the 1st session be the punishing one (ramp up the weights and cardio), and 2nd session more for recovery (run off the lactic acid, and lighter weights if you want). Keep some strength for the 30 push ups on Sats!

Another good session today - rest those muscles and see y'all next Sat!

= Chief Editor signing off =