“The last great unknown, in terms of physiological training, is the optimum length of a piece. Is three minutes enough? Is ten minutes too much? No one knows. Perhaps someday the question will be answered-we'll find out that thirteen minutes is the perfect length for a training piece when preparing for a 2000 meter race. Until then, coaches will continue exploring the whole scale, up and down, from thirty seconds to sixty minutes and more, in hopes of capturing the optimum time.” KnowsEnoughWholeLastsThreeTermPerfectRaceToo MuchPiecesMinutesTenTrainingCoachesScalesThirtySomedayLengthSecondsSixtyExploringPreparingUp And DownThirteenMeterRowingPhysiologicalOptimumGreat UnknownSixty Minutes Author:Brad Alan Lewis
“Every student of physics knows the axiom 'nature abhors a vacuum.' A little known corollary is that 'rowing coaches detest sending their crews in early.' Coaches will always find something to fill the end-of-practice vacuum.” KnowsLittlesEndsKnownPracticeStudentsCoachesPhysicsCrewVacuumsAxiomsRowingDetest Author:Brad Alan Lewis
“Unless you've also had some experience dragging around a boat trailer, [topping off the gas tank] may not sound important. But trailer driver's know: a gas stop can be a traumatic experience. You need enough clearance on every possible side. You can't cut the turn too sharp or you'll clip the gas pump. Getting back on the freeway can be as challenging as sending a man to the moon.” KnowsMenNeedsMayImportantEnoughTurnsSoundSidesChallengesCuttingMoonBoatGasDriversTanksPumpsTrailersRowingClipTraumatic ExperiencesFreewaysToppingsClearance Author:Brad Alan Lewis
“The slow boat-I know it's the slow boat because I've been watching them for thirty-three weeks-won the first piece by a full length. Then the fast boat won the second piece. And so it went for the next four pieces, back and forth. Conclusion: I hate seat racing.” KnowsFirstsHateThreeNextPiecesFourWeekI HateConclusionBoatThirtySeatsLengthRacingBack And ForthRowing Author:Brad Alan Lewis
“Unlike boxers-or any professional athlete for that matter-rowers have little motivation to do it longer than necessary. With a modest amount of self-realization, you'll know when you have acquired the nebulous gifts that rowing has to offer, whether it's courage or a strengthened soul or a powerful body. Once you have it, drop back ten yards and punt. Someone new will pick up the ball and run with it.” KnowsLittlesSoulSelfMatterBodyRunningMotivationPowerfulAmountOffersTenPicksBallsAthleteSelf RealizationRealizationModestYardsBoxersRowingProfessional Athlete Author:Brad Alan Lewis