Preparing for Your Peak Event

The work is done. Now you sit on your suitcases patiently as the hours tick away until your peak event. Coaches are masters of logistics at competitions, but members of the crew also need to concentrate on personal readiness so as not to cause havoc. Make a plan for the final 24 hours so things run smoothly. First, dial in your meal plan: what you will have for dinner the night before, what and when to eat before driving to the regatta. Stick to familiar foods that provide stable energy and won’t cause last-minute gastrointestinal upset. Have a stock of extra provisions for recovery between heats and finals or in case of a weather delay. Jitters creep in before a championship, so best not to rely on memory; it’s easy to overlook an important detail. Organize your duffel bag in the evening. Make a list of what you need to have at the course, including jackets and a change of clothes. Check it twice. A backpack can hold little stuff like your water bottle, credentials, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, keys, and hats. Upon arrival, know where the boat trailer is, where the bathrooms are, and the meeting time for your crew. Establish where to put your gear, when to put the boat up in slings to inspect foot stretchers, tracks, and oarlocks for any issues, who carries the oars to the dock, and where to put them near the launch site before putting your boat on the water.

Marlene Royle is the author of Tip of the Blade: Notes on Rowing. She specializes in training for masters rowers. Her coaching service, Roylerow Performance Training Programs, provides the program and support you need to improve your competitive edge. For information, email Marlene at roylerow@aol.com or visit www.roylerow.com.