I have a few thoughts I wanted to share with you. In June 2013 I set myself the goal of competing at the World Championships this year. Unsinkable Episode one shows me speaking about this. I am currently at this event in Amsterdam, just not in the capacity I had hoped for. Today I have a race, it is the 'spares' race, it is a race for all the reserves at the event. I have high expectations for this race. Not in regards to where I finish, but in that I want to execute the best race my year so far, and produce a performance I am happy with. This is important to show that the training I have been doing over the last few months is working and that for each month i move further away from surgery, I move one month closer to returning to full health and my full capabilities as an athlete. A strong performance today for me in the single is also important for myself moving forward to next season and my goal of being on the right side of the fence post selection trials next year. I have made some good progress with my training over the last 5 weeks since returning from our short trip to Holland Beker, Henley and Lucerne 2 months ago where I produced some solid performances. However over the last 4 weeks the most promising aspect has been the reintroduction of long ergo sessions 2-3 times per week of 3x30 minutes which is something i haven't completed since 2011, and also the reintroduction of strength weights in the gym. I have not been in the squat rack since 2011 either, but over the last month under the watchful eye of John and Harry in the VIS gym I have made some good progress with my strength which has really helped my boat movement and specifically given me some more leg speed in the drive which is helping me with the rhythm of the boat. I am excited for my race today and I will be fired up on the start line. I am also excited to be a part of the team and support them in any way I can, it really is great to be a part of the international experience again.
Cheers, John
