They are very simple steps, which, honestly, I sometimes forget to do because I get so busy and focused on a task (yeah, lame, I know . . .). However, when I do these steps my results are always better.

Again, those 3 items are:

1. Define the results you want
2. Quantify the results (determine goal times, weight to lose, # of parties you get invited to)
3. Evaluate

I know these steps are not rocket science, but if you were going to launch a rocket they just might help.

Go Fast . . .

And keep your eyes peeled for the release of my book Finding Happiness Sitting On Your Butt Going Backwards in ebook form. Will be coming out soon.

Get The Results You Want From Your Rowing is a post from: Max Rigging

Your typical rower needs and uses a bunch of stuff. Rowing is, after all, probably one of the top three equipment-intensive sports. And to think that late December is the only time to get a rower a gift is rather harsh.

After all, the holidays come and go, and a New Year starts, and a new season begins and your favorite rower (or yourself if that is you) can always use something.

I did a little survey and  asked a bunch of rowers what they would like to receive as a gift. Following is a list of those items. Some can be given—others cannot. But I figured if you are looking for a gift this list might spark a few ideas. (In the nature of full disclosure none of these are affiliate linked. Just thought you would want to know.)

1. 3 seconds of speed (and if I cannot get that, how about 2 seconds, or even 1?)
2. 6:10 for a 2K
3. 7/16 inch nuts (lots of them)
4. big clean towel
5. bottle of Windex
6. bow ball
7. bow light that works
8. bow numbers
9. can of No-Crab
10. coxswain who I like
11. DVD on how to scull better
12. erg that floats so I can show people a thing or two
13. good rowing book
14. hat that makes me faster
15. indestructible megaphone, or one that floats
16. JL gift certificate
17. joke book for tired rowers
18. lunch with Tom Terhaar and Mary Whipple
19. motivation to get up in the morning for practice, especially when it is raining
20. new grips for my oars
21. new seat for my boat
22. new set of slings
23. pack of green kitchen pot scrubbies
24. pat on the back I can use whenever I need it
25. Resolute!
26. sense of accomplishment
27. someone to rig my silly boat
28. Speed-In-A-Can
29. subscription to Rowing News
30. tough, really tough, water bottle
31. USRowing membership
32. washers
33. wax for my hull
34. Xeno workout video session
35. years supply of AA batteries

These are just a few ideas. If you’ve got any to add why don’t you post them below. You never know who is reading!

35 Gifts For That Special Rower (Or maybe even you!) is a post from: Max Rigging

1. Most people (rowers, coxswains, coaches) will work intensely hard to go fast
2. Speed (the art and science of going fast) is always a work in progress
3. There will be a price to pay for going, and trying to stay, F-A-S-T
4. Going F-A-S-T can be fun, really fun, but you have to work at the fun part. If you don’t do this one well, #3 becomes a huge factor

These may sound somewhat discouraging (not meant to be). However, as I sit here waiting to race my first heat at the NCAA Championships, those four themes keep coming to mind.

Number 4, working at the fun part, is probably the most difficult.

One trick I’ve learned to help find the fun is to row slow.

What I mean by that is to ever-so-often go out in a boat and row for pleasure. Take a spin, look for wildlife, throw a fishing line over the side (makes no difference at all if the only thing you catch is an old raincoat-which I’ve done), really check out that sunrise/set, play a trick on a sculler.

I’ve written about it, but friend Chris Partridge has written extensively and dedicated a whole site to this. Heck, viewing his site just might help you with the fun part.

There is an entire slow movement developing these days (Slow eating. Slow driving. Yes, even slow sex). Why are people interested? It seems the slow is helping some be fast.

Hmmm . . .

One Trick To Keep Rowing Fast is a post from: Max Rigging

photo by oddsock

It’s almost impossible to connect to the world right now and not hear, read, or see something about the H1N1 virus (aka Swine Flu). It is everywhere, right? And it is coming to get you, right? So, this must be the time to panic . . . right?

No. No. And Heck No. It is not time to P-A-N-I-C.

• People usually panic when it seems like a good way to show they care, “Oh, you lost your CoxBox? Oh course I love you . . . I will panic with you until it shows up.”
• Or they usually panic when no other option appears, “The boathouse is surrounded by horrible Zombie-Coaches and Talking-Ergometers. There IS no escape. Panic.”
• Or, panic happens when folks just let fear get the best of them, stealing their brains and their common sense.

We are a pretty smart bunch, us rowers. This is the time to be reasonable and prudent—not crazy. Frothing at the mouth and cowering in the corner until those talking-ergs get you does nothing good. It is time to do something positive. Yes, there are schools closing, and people getting sick, and economies being disrupted—but did you know that since January 1, 2009 almost 13,000 people have died, in the US, from flu? Not THIS Flu, but from other flus.

That grim statistic leads me to the answer of the question I started with, “Can you Swine Flu-Proof your rowing?”

Simply put, “Nope, you can’t.” Now you can reduce the chance you are going to get the flu, and you can reduce the chance of you sharing the flu if you’ve got it, but you cannot keep the flu, or any other disease transmitted by contact 100% out of your rowing.

Bummer? Kinda. Can you live/row with it . . .certainly. Especially if you do the positive thing I was talking about . . . start your own TIRP (transmittable illness reduction program). [A lame name, no less, but I could not think of anything better.]

A while back I wrote about the power of bleach, to help make you go fast. That post was all about reducing the transmission of infections. Two interesting things came out of that post.

First, several notes arrived saying it seemed really hard and time consuming to do. So thanks for the post, but the writers would not be doing it.

Second, another writer did not want to get other rowers upset by disinfecting the handles on the ergs.

Hmmm . . . too busy and too worried about what others might say/think. Neither seem to be a good reason not to take a few seconds (less than 15) and a few squirts to kill off a million or so nasty germs. With all H1N1 stuff now going on those squirts and seconds hopefully will seem like a wise investment to those writers (and to you). And I hope they like the idea of  washing hands also. That one step has been shown to dramatically reduce the chance of spreading infections.

So, you cannot Flu-proof, but you can take steps to make a difference. Bleach, hand soap, and not going to the boathouse when you are sick. Simple steps that won’t stop, but can reduce, a growing-illness from becoming a rowing-illness.

Is there something that you are doing to help keep infections to a minimum? If so, let us know, post a comment below.

Can You Swine Flu-Proof Your Rowing? is a post from: Max Rigging

Why You Shouldn’t Scull is a post from: Max Rigging

Solo Italian rower rescued off Australia after 10-month journey

It just might help put things into perspective.

Photo by AFP

The Next Time Someone Complains About A Long Row . . . is a post from: Max Rigging

This is one of them.

Everyone was okay. Shaken, chilled, and stirred.

But okay.

(The sound you can hear in the background is coxbox feedback, still working under water.)

Lesson learned, “Don’t drop those hands at the catch, boys.”

Coach . . . We’ve Got A Problem! is a post from: Max Rigging

Between the cost of transportation, housing, meals, hordes of people, and the entry fees it is very easy to look at an event like the Charles and say, “Too expensive, I’m not going.” Or, “Too far away.” Or, “Too many people.” Count me out.

I know, I did just that.

For the past two years I haven’t come to the Charles after many years of racing there. All of the above reasons came into play.

But I came this year (prompted by my wonderful assistants) and the moment I arrived at the regatta I realized that for the past two years I missed out.

I missed out on some of the most important things that the Charles has to offer. I’m not talking about the racing, but some special things. Let me give you four examples of why I’m glad I’ve come.

The Crowds

We are a sport that teaches to excel in small, cramp quarters. I mean look at an eight. In what other sport do the athletes work so hard so close together. They are almost on top of each other, in each other’s way, sometimes fighting each other (“Why is it always on starboard”), and yet we excel at it.

The Charles on a good weather day (and the weather is good now) is the epitome of this. Talk about close. Stacked up a mile deep. But we do great at it. People use their manners, smile, help each other out. Yes, it happens at almost every regatta, but at the Charles everyone is so close and there are so many that it is the ultimate test. And rowers pass it very well.

Amazing Organization

Not only does the LOC (local organizing committee) nail this, but so does the city and park. Everywhere you turn the organization is super impressive. I like it because it sets an example for me to strive for. This image of a sign at one of the return docks emphasizes what I mean. This sign is for the coxswains ON the water looking for their dock home. Now that is organized.

Flash Dance

We need more flash in rowing. So often I hear, “Why don’t more people watch rowing?” Or, “It is never on TV.”

No kidding.

Besides some excitement now and then there is not much to attract people outside of rowing to rowing. What about some flash? It is almost in every other sport now. Here is an example of what I’m talking about. Resolute has done some neat things with their boats.

Flash. Why not.

New Ideas

Put a bunch of rowers together in one place and you are bound to come up with some really geeky ideas. But some of that stuff might just be really cool, or the next thing. Sculling on an erg. Why not.

And what might be just around the corner?

What do you think?

4 Reasons Why The Head of The Charles Is Worth The Trip is a post from: Max Rigging

The following article was taken from the NY Times, written in 1917. Worth a read back then, and also worth a read now.

WAR MAY PREVENT COLLEGE REGATTA

Rowing Stewards Meet Tomorrow to Discuss Effect on Poughkeepsie Classic
The New York Times
March 27, 1917

The war’s effect on intercollegiate rowing in the East, and more particularly on the Poughkeepsie regatta, scheduled for June 21, will be the principal topic of discussion at a meeting of the Stewards of the Intercollegiate Rowing Association tomorrow morning in the office of the Chairman, Charles Halsted Mapes, the Columbia Steward.

Although it was indicated unofficially last night that the Stewards in no manner wanted the impression to go broadcast that the regatta would be canceled this year positively, the possibility of no race will be discussed and other rowing plans, which are virtually held in abeyance under the war cloud, will be considered.  No official statements have issued from the three member universities represented on the Board of Stewards, Columbia, Pennsylvania, and Cornell, whether athletics would be halted immediately on a declaration of a state of war by the country, but it is known that sports, and particularly the crews at Harvard and Yale would probably have to be dropped because of the number of athletes who would answer call to arms.

The Stewards tomorrow morning will also discuss the crews to be invited to compete this spring in case the regatta is held as scheduled.  None of the board would state last night whether Syracuse would get an invitation as usual, but it has been the opinion of many rowing experts for several weeks that no objection would be raised against Jim Ten Eyck’s eights when the time for considering invitation came due.
It is likely that invitations will be extended to California, Washington, and Stanford University, the three Coast crews.  In letters to The New York Times about three months ago the managements of each of these Far Western crews stated that if victorious in the Pacific Coast regatta, representation would be made at the Poughkeepsie classic.  The date of the Pacific Coast regatta has not been set definitely, but it will be help either on April 7 or April 14.

Hopefully we won’t be needing conversations like this due to the economy. However, planning now may save major headaches later.

Are You Thinking About What Tomorrow Will Bring For Your Rowing? (Part 2) is a post from: Max Rigging

At their best shell trailers—and shell trucks—are difficult to drive. A trailer loaded with un-sectioned eights is as long, if not longer than a tractor-trailer. At their worst they can be a hazard on the highway to yourself and others.

It’s crucial when driving a shell trailer you plan your route ahead before beginning your journey. There are many things to be concerned about. A few notable ones are:

• Rush-hour and construction traffic
• Dangerous turns
• Low overhead
• Bag weather
• Driving at night

The three most common causes of accidents involving shell trailers are poor driving skills, lack of good visibility, and improper tying of shells.

All of these items are important when transporting equipment, however, in this short post I wanted to touch quickly on a four items.

Overheads

To help avoid problems with low overheads measure the total height of the trailer, or vehicle, after the shells are loaded. Make your measurements from the ground to the tip of the rudder or skeg—most trailers with shells on the top rack will be around ten feet high. I usually add four inches to the number as a safety margin.

Then write this information down and tape it to the dash-board. This could save you a lot of embarrassment at such places as low bridges, gas stations, and drive-thrus.

Who Drives

When choosing who drives don’t put inexperienced people behind the wheel. In fact, most insurance companies demand that the driver of the vehicle be experienced and at least twenty-one years of age, which prohibits many students from driving. Drivers should carry their licenses, registration(s) and insurance information with them.

And I strongly suggest a minimum of two drivers in the vehicle. An extra “set of eyes” will make driving the shells safer, especially on long trips when one driver gets tired.

Being Vigilant

When you finally hit the road constantly be looking, listening and feeling for anything unusual with the vehicle or load. If you notice anything pull over as soon as it is safe and check for the cause. And speaking of checking, get in the habit of checking the trailer and load every time you stop—on long trips I suggest you stop every 100 miles. Check the tie downs, flags, equipment, lights, hitch and tires for any problems.

Many trailering accidents happen because people try to drive a shell trailer like a car. The acceleration of a trailer is much slower than a car and the stopping distance is much greater. You must allow more time for simple automobile tasks like pulling out into traffic, changing lanes and passing. Extra caution will especially be needed for backing up, cornering and pulling into service areas. Make absolutely sure that a lane is clear before changing, and use your turn signals.

Overhang

The two most difficult parts of driving a shell trailer are cornering and handling the overhang of the shells. Trailers turn inside the track of the tow vehicle meaning you need to take corners wider than normal. But the overhang is what gives most trailer drivers problems. Remember— you may be driving one of the longest vehicles on the highway, with thousands of dollars of shells just hanging out. If you’re not comfortable with this thought—or with your driving skills—load up the trailer one Sunday and go to a parking lot and practice. It’s a good investment of your time, especially considering the alternative may be waiting three months for a boat that’s in the repair shop.

When you finally arrive where you are going plan…Plan…PLAN…ahead where you will park. There’s nothing more annoying then getting blocked in at a regatta and having to wait hours to leave because you’re stuck.

If, after all your best preparations, you are unfortunate enough to have an accident there are several things you should do.

• Activate the emergency flashers and place emergency signals to warn approaching traffic.
• Give appropriate first aid if needed and make sure that everyone is in a safe place.
• Notify law enforcement and your supervisor promptly.
• When things get under control record as much information as possible: names, address, phone numbers, and driver’s license numbers.
• Get information from witnesses. Try to document the scene as well as possible and if you have your camera with you take pictures.

photo by rjseg1

57 Ways To Rig #9: At The Wheel is a post from: Max Rigging