05 July 2008 - Bang4 zai3 zai3 *.

* Bang4 zai3 zai3 = 'BE STEADY' in hokkien.

Right - quick summary.

Basically we did a good long warm up row, then went in search of the Vets to do pacing. It was a difficult rendevous, because whenever we rowed towards them, they rowed in the opposite direction. BUT but, finally finally, all our EM boats gathered and it was a nice heartwarming scene which would have been even better if we had sung "I lub choo, you lub meee, we are happy familyyyy..." But no, we replaced that with an "Are you ready. Attention... GO!"

So off we went. It was a breathtaking race (literally, too) which saw Papillon in a photo finish with Vets, Blades and Ace. Our adrenaline was bursting through the roof so we went for another round. This time, Paps were BRILLIANT.

Key takeaways:

• We're sticking to the 30-start.
• Although it is a sprint distance, let's not work ourselves into a frenzy by rushing the strokes - instead, focus on catching the water well then pull hard to the hip.
• During maintenance, catch our breath and recover quickly as it won't be long before we go on our final blaze to the finishing line..!
• Finally - above all - Let's work the perfect Paps coordination.

Coach Patrick's words to remember:

Other teams do not matter.

You are your greatest enemy - can you focus enough to row your best?

Looking back, we saw how we have progressed since training started in March. We used to struggle against Lilies... now we give our mens teams a run for their money.

Let's maintain that strong, unwavering determination that has brought us thus far - in the next two races it will lift us to greater heights.

Finally, Paps: Gym this week to be no later than Wednesday. Leave Thurs-Fri for recovery and we'll be in good shape to swipe some serious water this Saturday at CCG.

= Chief Editor signing off =