4x2k Results and SIRA Week

[Adam William Swetlik]

Team,

I thought yesterday was a good step for both boats.  Your racing looks improved from Texas and OKC, and I saw some goods things out of both boats. 

The novice 8 puts down its speed throughout the base rate of most of each piece. The varsity 8 has better technique end to end, and a faster start. As far as weaknesses the novice 8's start still needs work as does the ability to put away an opponent for good during a piece using proper technique to compliment the base rate. The varsity 8 needs substantially more lift up out of the water during the base rate, and the desire to sacrifice more energy at the beginning to mentally take an opponent out of a race. 

While the varsity 8 did not win a piece I thought you performed better racing then I have seen yet (except for piece three which I thought you caved early).  The novice 8 played to their base rate strength well all day, which wins races, but will need to get much cleaner and technical at the end of the strokes and the ends of the races.

I'll be putting video up tonight of some of the pieces so you can review your personal performance. Some of you still concern yourselves with hitting a stroke rate or performing frantically when losing seats.  Relaxation and focus on technical rowing should be your only concerns, and the net result will always be better.

As far as what's going on next week I have a basic idea but as always plans may change.  First off several people still need to 2k and several others probably should again.  I would like those done tonight. 

Depending upon the cold and snow tomorrow we'll do some steady state work either indoors or out.  I probably can't judge until morning so keep you phones on.

Tuesday we'll do some more race work including starts, sprints and base rate.  The plan for base at SIRA is 33 with a lift to 34 at halfway.  Weather pending we may be derigging after practice and loading trailer so the coaches can get on the road early.

Wednesday if the trailer has already left you'll need to get an hour of steady state in before you leave.That way you'll be able to rest more effectively on the bus ride.  Some of you may be taking exams on the bus. I'll keep you up to date on that.

Thursday upon arriving you'll rig and row over the course.  The row over will take you exactly as long as you need to put your best rowing down the course.  If after one lap the coaches think you've done that you'll come in, if not you may be out there for a while.  Start mentally preparing yourselves early to focus as soon as you're off the bus.

Friday and Saturday you'll race and pack up to go home once we're done. The weather looks to be very good all weekend. I'll have a seeding and race synopsis for you once all boats are seeded early this week. 

If you have any questions please contact me.

Adam Swetlik

Men's Head Coach
Colorado Crew