Category Archives: training updates

Having a much needed day off after a solid week. Did well on my HIITs, and sub-max erg sesssions. Water conditions have taken a turn for the better in the mornings now. Erg time trial this coming thursday. Let’s get psyched up for it!

Finally managed to put a post up using my mobile phone. Found the mobile link for phones which do not have a supporting application yet. it’s good that the beta test version for the OS which i’m running on will be launched soon. In the meantime, just make the most out with what out there. is there anyone out there that has control over everything he/she does?

A lot has gone on the past few days. I had unknowingly slipped into the comfort zone, waiting and hoping for something to happen. It was only when reality hit that I realised I have to get moving again. A proposal and personal statement on the desire and need to compete at the Asian games is almost complete. I have set myself some targets, particularly focused more on erg performance, to get me there.

It’s time to pull up those socks, because if this is going to happen, I have to be the one to make it happen. If you’re keen to be part of what is going to be a fulfilling journey, drop me a line!

Going through a particularly rough patch. Things aren’t going smoothly at all, and decisions have to be made now. Which path do I have to take? There are people who can and want to be a part of it, but can’t. There are people who can, but don’t seem to want to do anything, but I somehow need them on board. There are too many questions that have been left unanswered for too long, and I need those answers to choose which path I am going to take. The clock is just ticking away…

Is the Olympic dream still alive?

Lunar New Year morning was spent doing rounds at the reservoir. 16km row, accompanied by some crosswinds along the way. I feel the Magik gates are getting me somewhere. Feeling much more loaded at the catch, which helps me to get a good send away at the finish. Something I’ve been missing out quite a lot. The only irritating part is the tip of the elastic band making the occasional squeaky noises  while in contact with the wing riggers. Only happens when they both come in contact with water. Don’t think I should raise them any further, for now.

Gave An a small little surprise by riding down afterwards to have brekkie and spend some time with her. It was Valentine’s Day after all. Then it was the usual lunar new year routine and family gathering. Was actually thinking of squeezing in a ride before dinner, but there wasn’t enough time.  Lots of food, reminiscing old times and a bunch of laughs. It was quite a lot of fun.

Just finished another 16km row in much much better conditions. Stayed in U3 for the entire duration, including turns, which I’m quite pleased about. Going to be working more on minimizing unnecessary movement of the oars in the gates. Afternoon will be some high intensity intervals. Smashing.

Got my brand new rowing shoes couple of weeks ago. Finally a pair that fits my feet snugly, and they are pretty comfy. It doesn’t fit perfectly onto the foot plate though. There’s a very slight misalignment for the holes at the back, which tilts the shoes slightly. But it’s nothing major. I’m just being picky. Shouldn’t complain cos they were definitely at a bargain price.

It’s been base training the past 8 weeks. Steady state aerobic work both on the water and on the erg. Definitely noticing some consistent improvement in the weights room. Keep this going and I’ll have a strong base when I start on the heavy poundage. While waiting for the coach to be hired (which is kinda taking forever), Dan will be giving me my new training zones based on the tests. We’ll be working that out next week.

Picked up my SiS order today. Two, 1.6kg REGO tubs. Being able to recover in time and hydration is absolutely vital for optimal training. SiS helps me do just that.  If I stuff up my recovery, I’ll be going into a session not being able to hold my splits and stay in my training zone. And every session counts. Even though I have ramped up my training volume, quality cannot be compromised. Many don’t realize the need of sports nutrition. But to compete at the highest level, I feel it’s very important.

I have just started trying out the portable Bodyflow machine. No problems so far, and I like the fact that I can just stuff it in my backpack. It’s suppose to speed up recovery and reduce muscle soreness. Will be trying to compare its perceived effectiveness with other forms of recovery methods I am using at the moment. If it’s good, hopefully it can become part of my daily routine.

Testing went pretty well. 6k hurt a lot. Had some issues with keeping up the posture and putting in too much body rock as I found myself quite cramped up and not being able to make use of the entire slide at the high rates. That’s technically something I am already working on. Looking forward to the overall resutls analysis so we’ll know what we should focus on.

It’s lactate profiling and VO2 max test on tuesday this week. Don’t exactly like breadthing into the tube, but you can’t run away from what you have or don’t have in the body. Numbers don’t lie.

Doing a series of maximal erg tests next week.

Starting with 100m, 500m and 30min sub-max at R20 on Monday. 6k on Wednesday. 2k on Friday. Training for the week is dictated by the protocol as well.

It’s the start of a very long week

This is probably going to be one of the most amazing comebacks.  Greg Searle has indicated his intention for a 2012 comeback. Read more here.

Greg Searle to make London 2012 Olympic bid

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/rowing/8415758.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/rowing/default.stm

People have always asked me how long do I intend to compete, what’s the optimum age blah blah blah.

Rowing is a life-long sport. If you don’t wish to take my word for it, take his.