row2k Features
It's Master's Race Time
July 3, 2008
Merrill Hilf

Here in Philadelphia, we have just survived our first heat wave (except for the unfortunate 17 people that did not), and summer has just begun. I don't know who decided that the summer should be the master's sprint race season. Surely someone knew that as we age, our ability to adjust to fluctuations in temperature decrease, and things such as hormonal changes make some of us feel hot all the time. I realize that the summer is the only time that race courses and race officials are available, especially in areas that have a large number of schools and universities that row. Maybe the overall schedule will change with global warming, as even the Independence Day Regatta has become an insane endurance event. Masters singles races are in the early afternoon, a time when there is no shade, high humidity, and the even the waters of the Schuylkill are steaming.

While the air quality and temperatures rise, masters rowers are all practicing feverishly to go fast and win regattas. I know, it kind of sounds like what Olympians will face in Beijing minus the coal fumes. It seems like every year I plug away all winter doing steady state, erg pieces, and cross training, all so I can attempt to be faster than I was last year.

Of course there are a lot of variables that go into the equation. My technique is far from good, and is acceptable but not automatic. I have to constantly think about the changes my coach wants me to make, and ignore the river of sweat that is pouring down my nose, and the fantasies of ice cold drinks swishing around in my mouth. Every summer I try to acclimate myself to the weather, and just accept that I will sweat all the time, my hair will never be dry, and that I do not work in an air conditioned office. I love it when people complain that they have to wear a sweater at their desks because it's so cold. If they spent one day going into people's homes in low income neighborhoods, they might appreciate those BTU's. Anyway, I digress, the real question is how to go faster as I get older and more grumpy.

I suppose I could be more fit. I'm not sure I could fit in any more time to exercise and still work fulltime, own a home, have a family, and other responsibilities. I'm always amazed how some people manage to fit in the number of training hours they do each day. Does anyone sleep eight hours a night anymore?

I heard about a recent study that said most Americans are sleep deprived, I doubt rowers are any different. I read a recent article about Dara Torres who is swimming in the Olympic trials at age 41! At first glance, one might think that there is hope for us ?old folks?! But, if you keep reading, you learn that a team of five people, including two personal ?stretchers? and a strength coach make it possible for Torres to keep her body in perfect shape. There wasn't any mention about working, doing laundry, or walking the dog. I'm still rooting for her regardless how many people and hours it takes for her to look and swim like a 25 year old. Besides, if she ever decides to become a masters swimmer or rower, she's not in my age group.

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