Spring Break Day 5
Today the weather in Gainesville was not ideal. With white-capping waves and 39 mph gusts, Coach Carter made the decision to train indoors instead. Our first practice of the day was a 20 by 250m sprint set with elite scullers from the Craftsbury Training Center in Vermont who were also on their training trip. The practice was difficult but inspiring as we witnessed the intensity of elite athletes. Our second practice, also indoors, consisted of a 3 by 20 minute steady state, one of those 20 minutes was running outside and the other two were erg pieces. All in all, Illini Rowing made use of the time spent in Gainesville, despite the weather. Now a word from our female captain and future Women's Team President:
Alyse Bondarowicz
Major: Interdisciplinary Health Science
Year in school: Sophomore
Year on the team: 2
Positions: Current women’s team captain, women’s team president in training.
As a sophomore, this is the second spring break I’ve spent here in Gainesville, Georgia. I looked forward to spring break last year because I didn’t know what to expect and this year I looked forward to it because I knew how beneficial it is for my personal rowing, the boat I’m in, and the team itself. On Tuesday, we had an intense row through some very high winds. It’s practices like this that challenge our bodies mentally and physically. Rowing through unexpected and undesirable weather creates an experience in which rowers and coxswains can really focus in on each other and bond but also gives us the opportunity to grow individually.
I look forward to the rest of the practices this week and improving during each and every one!
Kate Cogan
Major: Psychology
Year in school: Freshman
Year on the team: Novice
Position: New Women’s Team Secretary
I, unfortunately, was unable to travel with the team to Georgia for spring break due to an injury. Instead, I traveled home to receive an MRI. I am currently awaiting results, and I am eager to start the recovery process and begin rowing again. Sad to be missing out on spring break but I enjoy the snapchats I'm getting. Not jealous of those erg pieces though.