I'm writing this early today because I'm sitting here on the phone in a very, very
long teleconference. I could go join some people in a conference room, but if I
stay here at my desk, I can get other work (and this) done, and be ready to take
action when the fire I'm expecting later today blazes up. Yes, I know that's not
a great way to work ("reactive, not proactive", in management-speak) but I've
already done the preparation that will let me auto-generate the reports I'll
need.
This morning, Rudder and I rigged the boats -- we take off the
riggers, which are the crosspieces that hold the oarlocks to transport the boats
to regattas -- and then rowed the double together for one lap and a bit. This is
only about the second time we've ever rowed a double together, because he's so
much taller and stronger than I am. It was an interesting row -- not as bad as I
expected, I'm not seeking a divorce now or even annoyed at him. There were some
comments about how "heavy" the boat felt, meaning he had to pull more of the
weight, followed by claims that he was not either being critical, but I had
expected that.
Rudder is much better than most of the people I've
rowed with too -- he and T2 rowed together so long and so intensively that they
are some of the best rowers on our lake -- T2 is by far the best rower ever to
have learned out here, since the other really good ones all come out of collegiate
or even national programs elsewhere. I knew Rudder was a lot stronger than me and
was used to a higher rate and more intensity. What I didn't expect was his
precision in every motion -- I told him it felt like using the "snap-to-grid'
option on a computer drawing program. In return, he allowed as how the set and
timing were better than with anyone he'd rowed with since T2 left. That's my
husband, always complimentary. Under duress, anyway.
I was able to
keep up with everything he did, though when we rowed at full power the rate was
way too fast for me -- I had to pull myself up the slide as I would do during a
racing start rather than let the boat move naturally under me. He claimed the rate
worked for him, but it just didn't feel right to me -- I suspect he may have just
used the rate he's used to with T2.
I know that's more technical info
than anyone else wants to read, but I figure it's useful for me to be able to look
back over this stuff. That's also why I've added a "Today's Workout" field up top,
so I can have a quick record.
Rudder's taking some customers out
tonight (or maybe the other way 'round) but I hope to go out with
href="http://ziggym.diaryland.com">Egret -- the last time before she leaves
for Ireland *snif*