by RNY Manhattan varsity rower Deborah Pantaleon
Picture this:
Your boat was just called up to the starting line. Your coxswain has the bow pair row it up lightly, as other crews settle into their lanes. The water is beautiful. There’s a mild head wind and you can barely feel the current. Now you’re in your lane. There’s a peaceful nervousness in the air, for there’s no crowd cheering for you. The only voices are those of the officials, and the occasional comments from your coxswain. It’s just you, your crew, and your opponents. You’re sitting up at the catch, somewhat shaking, somewhat barely breathing. Your heart beats louder than ever. The whistle blows, and you’re off. Ten strokes in, and your only concern is the finish line. It’s just you and your crew “doing your rowing thing.”
Every rower knows that feeling. That feeling of anxiety when you’re sitting up at three-quarters slide, focused out of your mind because there are no distraction. However, every rower also knows that feeling of transition between those first ten strokes and the rest of the race. When all the nerves become power, when your only concern is that gold medal.
But let’s take it back a couple of hours. Maybe a few days, for that matter.
We all know the days that come before a race. Those days when every stroke during practice is key. Those days when you must learn to think like one, because we have to be one. One body, one unit that moves together towards the finish line.
Those are also the days when school gets a bit hectic, because the end of the school year is fast approaching and SATs, AP exams, and Regents are just around the corner. These last few weeks, we’re all going to be extremely busy – therefore the days leading up to a race are crucial.
We’re all guilty of staying at home that Monday after the weekend-long races because we’re too exhausted to get out of bed. And so, the days before a race should be taken to actually do homework (knowing that you won’t do much during the race days) and maybe even trying to get the work for Monday and doing it beforehand. That way, when you come back, you won’t feel like you’ve missed a month and a half.
Health is a big part of those few days as well. This is not the time to go to Chipotle every day after practice. It’s also not the time to go try out the new Italian restaurant in the community either. Stick to what your body is used to on a daily basis. Be careful with your nutrition because what you do to your body could potentially end up affecting your performance on the race course and maybe even the entire team. Also, don’t forget to stretch! Injuries are infamous for creeping up on us on these days (take it from someone with experience).
We all love that feeling after a race is over and we’re taking home the medals. Well, you can make the happiness last longer by not procrastinating so much. This is a crucial time for some student-athletes. And the impact of having races interlap with everyday activities such as homework should be as small as possible. Make the most out of the nerves that take over you before the race, and while you’re at it, make the most of them out on the race course too.
