Great Race 1.0

It was a different time, a different race. At its peak, it made the pages of Sports Illustrated: A Great Race for Morons, reprinted now at SI.com. Pre-dating the Blackburn, finishing the 20+ mile race meant you were, by tradition, disqualified. All sorts of watercraft - a veritable floating horribles parade. And the bikes. What I remember most were the bikes…built for 2, or 3, or 4. The double decker built for 10. And the year several of the participants arrived not by land or by sea, but by air – parachuting out of a plane.

Not long after that, the race burned itself out. Too much Rock and not enough Row. The partiers outnumbering the participants. A determination that the words ‘truckloads’ and ‘beer’ and ‘free’ did not always end in the best combination.

I was too young to participate or partake, but to be honest; as we’re hauling the boats across the causeway I’ll be glad I’m not dodging cars portaging through the old Leverett Circle. And I’ll cheer those that finish first as winners, whether Steph’s prediction is true or not. You can’t go back, so it is the new traditions we embrace. That said: maybe – just maybe, after the wholesome picnic is finished, and after the boats are rowed home and packed away…I’ll silently slip into Maddie’s and lift a pint to the Great Racers of old.

OH BOY ANOTHER WEEKEND!

Haven't rowed this week, very focused on a work project, but NOW......
ROCK baby ROW

Like I posted recently.....
You can't die from too much fun

See you tonight at Murphys

OK, SO THE BLACKBURN PICTURES ARE OUT OF ORDER

It's a pain adding multiple pictures, unless I do something wrong. So sorry about the order the pictures are in, but I think you get the point.

More "Burn"

"My blisters are bigger than yours"

RnR Banner

Jack still in the "ZONE"

Blackburn 2009

Co-Founders Jack and Paul

Another "Burn" for the books

Thomas for 3rd place in his class

One for the Camera Stephannie next to a well rested Jay

Well, this is how I really

A Helpful Book

While perusing the internet I found the this book- a nice companion to our flip clinic and promoting safety.

Here are some reviews (complete reviews can be found here: http://www.amazon.com/Avoid-Huge-Ships-John-Trimmer/dp/0870334336/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248975488&sr=8-1)They are definitely worth reading!

A must read!
"This is a must-read for anyone who encounter huge ships daily and do not want to get run over by them. I found this book extremely helpful. To this day, I have never been run over by a single huge ship!!"

Does lack some essential information.
"This book lacks criteria for discerning between huge ships and merely really big ships. Some well-designed lists, charts or colorful pop-up sections would have been nice for readers who were unsure what size of ship they were avoiding."

Believe it or not this is an actual book. Heads up! ;-)

Flippin' Out

We had a great turnout tonight for the flip clinic! Art, Scott, Carlton, Chris, Terrie, Dee, Gail, and Sarah did a fantastic job braving the "chipper" water, donning life jackets while swimming, and flipping and re-entering their boats. Sheila came down to watch- she'll be a pro when it's her turn and once her back is better! Everyone flipped themselves at least twice. There was a lot of swimming going on, but luckily everyone was smiling when they got out. It was one of those nights I really wish I hadn't forgotten my camera.

We had a nice breeze blowing, but fortunately no one blew away. Double Trouble arrived just before we finished and Jon got the Maas out for his flipping adventures. He hit the nail on the head when he saild it's easier to fall out of than flip these boats. In fact, getting them over was almost harder than getting back in.

Congratulations to the newly flipped! Hopefully the only times you have to get back into your boats are the times you jump out. I'll plan to do another flip clinic soon for those that haven't yet (or those that just didn't get enough today). :-) Happy rowing!

CHAS "PIGGIN'" OUT W/THE CAPTAIN...

As witness by that find specimen on your left, Charlie and I ventures out to Pig Rocks this morning on a full morning tide. For those of you who are not chart savy they are located around 1 ½ miles south of Tinkers (on the way to Egg Rock). It's amazing how quickly the wind and water lays down once you're clear of the heat radiating from the land mass. It was all chop and slop until we passed Tinkers. Afterwhich we were greeted by a mild southern breeze and dimpled gentle rollers. With the exception of a few lobster boats, the ocean was all ours. Round trip took a little under 2 hours to row an honest 9 miles. Charlie's longest of the season and mine since the Blackburn. It was a fine row and a great way to start the day.

ROCKNROW ETHOS LIVE AND WELL

Tuesday, July 28 was RocknRow at it's finest. Searching the boat reservation calendar showed Sarah and Eileen were off the dock at 5:30AM. (these women make even me feel like I sleep in mornings.) Followed by Terrie and Jane around 8:30 for there mid morning row. I joined Art and Shelley for a great full tide instructional row around 5:00 PM when we were join by Jon. Art's form has come a long way and should be ready for the P-town row if his injuries subside. Shelley was out on her second lesson and showed some great courage out among the chop in front of Browns. Out in the water we found Maryellen and a women from Westport,Conn. I guess M.E. sold her 1st Echo to her. (Way to go). Returned to the dock around 6:15 only to find that Stephannie and Emily were about to depart. 12 boats splashed the water that day 11 of them being Echos. A Pretty cool thing that is

Provincetown or Bust

We are up to seven full rowers and two occasionals. Join in for the funnnnnnn!

In the Heat

It's hot today and I was out in it. I'm a cold weather rower, a perspirer, and it's days like this that make me welcome the cold Atlantic. I'd wear an air conditioned vest but on days like this, I know I'd flip and electrocute myself. I got a little dehydrated out there and it reminded me of a trick I learned some years ago. Two hours before a hot row, drink up -- often. It will carry most people for an hour. But better to keep water coming every 30 minutes or so in heat. Once you go into deficit on dehydration during exercise, it's almost impossible to turn it around.

GOOD NEWS!!

After consultation with the "powers that be" I am pleased to confirm:

YOU CAN'T HAVE TOO MUCH FUN !

Good thing, reading this blog every day was making me nervous..

JACK AND JON ARE IN "DOUBLE TROUBLE"

You think it easy being the "poster child" for all the RnR press we are getting in the paper these days? As the say... somebody has to do it. So Jon Hancke the best looking, tallest, blue eyed Norwegian member in the club has taken on the challenge to make sure he too can grab some of that star quality attraction. What's his plan you ask? Well sticking to me like glue for the Marblehead Great Race.
How crazy is this. When given the opportunity to drive his brand new Alden Star "Midnight Sun", Jon would rather take his chances with yours truly in "Double Trouble". Seen here is the before picture of our maiden voyage this past Sunday when we were still smiling and talking to each other. Those of you who have not yet had the opportunity to row with someone in RnR's "Beast of the Bay", are in for a real treat. Couple with the fact that I am too fast in the slide (Yes, Stephannie Jon agrees with your assessment) and you have all the ingredients for a very interesting 5 miles cruise. But cruise we did. And when we were able to put a few coordinated strokes together, the beast laid down a great wake behind us. To quote Jon, "It's a beautiful thing." We'll be at it again this Wednesday with Jon being in the power seat and me complaining that he is going too slow in the slide. I hope you get to see us at the race. If not look for us in of the Marblehead Reporter the following week. We'll be the ones towing the float that says "RocknRow for ever"

NEWBIE ROWER BREAKS INTO SUNDAY ROW

This weeks "adda boy, kudos and all out congratulations goes out to none other than Eileen Perry, a 2009 mid season member who after doing her last "newbie" instructional row this passed Wednesday night decides to venture out this Sunday AM and play with the "big dogs" of RnR. Present for this morning's outing were: Dee (it's been way too long since my last row)Johnson, her daughter Lauren who rows sweeps in college, Paulie and Carlton who were rowing Echos. Jon and myself in "Double Trouble" (Which is a whole new entry that shall be written another time). Dee and Lauren ventured northbound while the rest of us cruised towards the shores of Beverly. A southerly breeze brought us quickly down wind into the bay and the opposite shore line. (Where we snapped this smiling face of Eileen). Quarterly beam reach brought us down to the Lighthouse off Salem Harbor where Pauli and Eileen began there slog back to the basin. Yes folks, it's true. A downward leg out mostly likely leaves you with a headwind for the return. 5.25 miles and hour+ row, Eileen was safely back at the club house dock having completed a well earned Sunday Row.

What a beautiful day

I spent most of the day cleaning my garages; - I just knew there was a motorcycle in there somewhere! I found it around 3 o’clock, and I was in the scull half hour later.

It was very high tide, which is heaven for power boaters who can ply on the inner part of Salem harbor. Sure makes for a tuff row. Found my way to the channel and ventured out to the mouth of the harbor. Unfortunately, the sea was too rough for my scull or should I say my ability in my scull, so I turned back to the inner harbor to battle with the jet skis and power boaters.

I always wonder if the teenage kids are going to see me while they are going full speed dragging a person behind them. (Am I getting that old?) Anyway, it was a pretty good row, a little over 6.5 miles.

Happy rowing into the Zone and beyond!

WEEKEND WARRIORS

I have to admit being relieved of the pressure to train for Blackburn feels terrific. Now I row for the pleasure of being on the water, hangin on the playground with my pals. The weekend looks like we'll have two good days, today's storm pushes out tonight, tomorrow forecast is for light SW breeze, warm and drier. So come out and row! Hang in the 'hood!

WEDNESDAY "NEWBIE" ROW GREAT SUCCESS

Who would have "thunk", that in a few short lessons the newbie class of 09 would be well on their way to becoming recreational saltwater rowers? Well we did! Last Wednesday night was sort of a graduation row for a group who has been putting the last few weeks to test in Sunday/Wednesday instructional rows. A dead low tide forced us straight out into the bay where we rowed among playful waves watching a the very cool Wednesday Night Sail racing series unfold around us. A light South wind made for an easy push out to Gray's Rock with the only incident being the Salem Ferry, but hey even they slowed down to check us out. In attendance were: Stan and Shelia, Gail, Eileen, and Andrew (in the double top right w/Emily). Coaching that night were Paul, Terrie, Emily and myself. We did have a celebrity appearance by the "Viking" in his Wintech coming out from Salem Harbor (see prior article). A special Kudos goes out to Paulie who after flipping his Maas 24 (pulled a pin) showed incredible talent but getting back into the boat with such ease.

An Afternoon Row

Left the dock at Salem harbor at low tide. No water on the inner part of the harbor so I ventured towards the mouth of the harbor. I have only used my Wintech in flat water so I did not know how far I could go. No big deal, I was only looking for a short row anyway. In case I would flip the scull, I hugged the coast heading towards Brown Island. Before I knew it, I was closing in on Brown and that's when I saw the Newbie class rounding Gray Island.

I deceided to head out to greet them, praying I would not flip my scull in the process. It was great to see a class of about 4-5 "students" that only a few weeks ago was struggling on the inside of Brown Island. It's increadablt what great instructors like Jack and Paul and time on the water can do to some "Land Crabs".

Said my goodbyes, and headed back home. This short row ended up lasting 1.5 hours leaving 7.6 miles of the salt stuff behind me. Pretty increadable knowing that about 8 weeks ago I had a hard time doing 5 miles.

Happy Rowing Into the Zone and Beyond

Want More?

For those of you with a yearning for challenges here's another opportunity to test yourself. The Jamestown Counter Revolution is a 15 1/2 mile open water race that will also be the Natl Open Water Rowing Championship this year. August 29, Jamestown, Rhode Island. Check it out at jamestowncounterrevolution.com

Game On

Congratulations to everyone who competed in the Blackburn- a feat of not only physical endurance, but mental as well. Way to bring it!

It's funny how missing one race, that you didn't think you'd miss at all, can bring your very tired inner competitor back to life. I haven't raced in two and a half years and didn't think I missed the sweat, blisters and the burn that creeps into your lungs, legs and every other muscle you didn't know you had. In fact, I missed it all- especially hitting the zone. That sweet spot between pain and grace when you've hit your rhythm. You hear nothing but your blades entering the water, your breathing, and your boat moving out from under you. The thrill of passing and overtaking your fellow competitors and the fortitude to catch those who've crept past you. The moment when you know they've brought they're game and you wonder for a moment, did I bring mine? And then you hit it harder.

This is why I say a huge thank you to all of you who made it through the Blackburn and lit my competitive fire. It is why I am so excited the Great Race is coming up- one more chance. I'm bringing my game. Are you bringing yours?

Are you ready to give it your all today?

So asked the parking lot attendant this morning, as I handed my crumpled three dollars through the window of his pickup truck, rain dripping off the overpass.
Was I?
Sometimes it's easy to answer: at the start of the Blackburn. Yes. I'm ready to give it my all. Walking into Bikram yoga. Yes, game on. Preparing for my tornado of a family to arrive for beach day. Yes, bring 'em on.
Sometimes it's not as easy: Dragging myself into the office at 6am after working a deadline past midnight. Rallying around an initiative that's already been postponed 4 times. Walking into yet another status meeting.
The parking lot attendant might have been psychic. He might of noticed I was missing my spring today. He might just be wiser than I'll ever be.
Today was a harder choice than Saturday. But I'm going to say Yes. I'm ready to give it my all today.

Tale of Two Rowers...

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness… surely Charles Dickens was writing about the tale of two rowers.

The best of times was sitting aft my husband while he patiently played along as I called out Pilate breathing sets; rowing into the harbor’s final stretch; hearing the sweet sound of Roberto’s voice cheering us on; arriving beach side to find our wonderful Rn’R flag stationed at attention in wait for all its team to arrive safely on dry land; seeing the warm smiles and feeling the warm hugs from our die hard supports --Kathy, Debbie and family and friends; and mostly, feeling that wonderful sense of great pride and honor to have shared this experience with a team of people who are totally awesome!

OK, so the worst of times weren’t nearly as bad as I thought they might be. We didn’t get lost in the fog. And the blisters on my hands are already healing, and I didn’t see even one shark!

The Blackburn lived up to its reputation – it was a challenge. If Dickens had been talking about the Blackburn, he may have also written: “…it was the moment to suck it up; it was the moment to rock it out; it was the moment to Row Baby Row!”

Congratulations to a fabulous team!

Carmi

Introducing the "Viking Race"

Before the end of the season I am going to row to Gloucester, have a nice lunch at the Rudder, and then row back to Marblehead.

It's a 25 miles round trip row. (For those of you that only want to go one way can arrange for transportation from Gloucester to Marblehead). This race will go into the History books as the "Viking Race". The weather must be good. Stand by for more information and date.

Let me know if you would like to join.

I dedicate Stephanie as RnR's new press secretary

I will forward pictures of me that you can use in all your future press releases. You are sure doing a better job than Jack and Paul who seem to steel the limelight all the time, and I am better looking.

Post Blackburn

Love the press release on the Marblehead Race, Steph. But I still think my boat decorating should have won...

I agree with all about the success of the Blackburn and how it epitomized the RockNRow ethos.

What is the RockNRow ethos?

It's a certain kind of courage.

It's about always knowing that sitting low on salt water can make you feel better.

It's about wild enthusiasm.

It's about giving back.

It's about putting kindness in front of competition but not overlooking that RocknRowers are not afraid to kick some ass.

It's about diversity and adventure and fun.

It's about the row but also the blueberry cobler.

It's about Echoes and others, but Echoes first.

That's my take on a Tuesday morn, feeling like rowing again after the Blackburn wears off.

The cure for farsightedness

There is a five-hour time difference between LA and here, if you factor in the two-hour cultural shift I experience when I’m there. In light of that, I admit that my first thought when the alarm goes off Sunday morning is “what was I thinking?” By pure coincidence, the iPod is waking me to Row Jimmy. Must be a sign. I think of the team that awoke early the day before to row the Blackburn, and drag myself out of bed.

It’s a beautiful day – sunny, just past full tide, with a gentle breeze off the land. As I tighten the foot-straps, the wind and tide become an invisible hand, gently pushing me away from the dock and right out the channel. I make a mental note for the ride back, but in my half-asleep state I welcome the assistance. As I finally dip my oars into the first stroke, I look over at the promontory on Brown’s Island. Someone has arranged rows and rows of white chairs. A wedding. Perhaps the day before. I think back to a day much like this when R. and I were married at Castle Rock.

Rowing, I’ve come to understand, is fundamentally different from other sports. “Back to the Future”, the T-shirt says. But this also means we are facing our past. On a sailboat or kayak, the journey begins looking out at the vast ocean of possibilities. When rowing, we contemplate where we have been.

At Marblehead Rock, Dee and Charlie head towards Children’s Island, while Jon and I decide to head to Tinker’s. The water off the neck is often confused, although today, and perhaps this is my state of mind, it seems better described as playful. Slow rollers are coming in off the ocean, while the breeze is building a small chop off the shore. The swells are just breaking over Tom Moore Rock as we row past.

Along the shore of the neck, I notice big white tents in yards: more signs of recent festivities. How often people on the shore must look out, perhaps dreaming of where they could be. We get to look back, thankful we are here. What a glorious day to be on the ocean.

We round Tinker’s Island and set an outside route to Children’s. My mind returns to thinking about how rowers face the past. While the next goal is a glance over the shoulder, or a point on the compass, with every stroke we look back on the goals we have already reached. Perhaps this is why Capt. Jack likes to row around things.

In the latest Wired, Clive Thompson writes about how as a society, we suffer from an excess of farsightedness. We skip vacation to work overtime, or bypass pleasures today for some elusive long-term goals. And how, as we look back years later, our regret over working too hard dwarfs regrets over taking time to play. The suggested cure: When faced with a decision, spend more time thinking about how you will look back on your choice years from now.

As we round Children’s Island and head back towards Little Harbor, the wind and tide that eased us into the row is now at our backs. But with my back to the future, I’m more focused on where we’ve been and what we’ve accomplished. Such a wonderful way to start the day. I don’t regret taking time out to row.

Salem Evening Row

I cannot really say that I was battling 2-3 feet waves in gale force wind, but rather the opposite.

Nice row in flat water with little wind during the sunset. Logged 6.3 miles at a hear rate around 130. This Zone that you guys are talking about is starting to happen.

Happy rowing in to the Zone and Beyond

ROCK N ROW SWEEPS AT GREAT RACE

Marblehead Reporter. August 6, 2009
Local rowing club Rock n Row dominated last weekend’s Rotary Club fundraiser. Club founders Jack Tatelman and Paul Mazonson raced to a photo finish for first place, only to be overcome in the last quarter mile by Norwegian John Hanke. Said Hanke at the finish line “Suddenly I was in The Zone… I picked up the pace to 29 spm as my heart rate leveled out to 130. I could see Charlie fading off my stern and I just knew I had to keep pulling. Next thing I knew I was crossing the finish.” Tatelman and Mazonson took 2nd and 3rd, respectively. Last year’s champion, Thomas Vogel, showed multiple talents, taking the top spot in the boat decoration contest and placing 2nd in the afternoon hot dog eating contest. All in all, 48 members of Rock n Row participated in the race, giving Rock n Row the single largest group entry ever in the Great Race. For more information, visit www.rotarygreatrace.com

Sunday row

Beautiful day with wind from west, south west. At Marblehead Rock, Dee and Charlie was quite a distance behind, so Carlton and I decided to brake out and go for Tinkers. Big rollers from east coupled with waves created by the westerly wind made for an interesting row. At points the waves were coming from all directions. A little brake between Tinkers and the Neck, but on the way to Children's the wind picked up to the forecasted 10-12. I was rowing the Alden which was a joy and as easy to handle as the Echo in these conditions. The Star did fill up with water, but it also emptied itself to about 1/4 full just by keep on rowing. No bailing cup needed, but a in hull bailer would be a big plus.

Carlton and I kept an easy fairly slow pace and ended up putting 7 miles of the salt water behind us.

Happy rowing into the Zone and Beyond.

Dear Jack & Paul,

Thank you. Thank you for the inspiration, the motivation, the education, and the enthusiasm. Thank you for the sliced peaches, the pulled pork, the blueberry cobbler, and the cold beer. Thank you for creating friendships & for being ours. Thank you for Sunday rows, the Blackburn Challenge and most of all thank you for ROCK & ROW!!

Sunday row and newbie class

First, congratulations to our 7 members who burned up the Black-burn! Paulie, Cap'n Jack, Mary Ellen, Jay, Carmi, Thomas, Stephanie, you are awesome! If June is more cooperative next year, maybe this Melrose-based member can get enough "time of the water" (as Paul keeps telling me) to contemplate doing the challenge.

I did get in a good Sunday row with Dee Johnson. Four of us (Carlton, John, Dee and I) launched from the dock together, but by Marblehead Rock we separated. This was Dee's first row of the season, and she was recovering from a bad case of poison ivy. So we did a gentle row around M-Head Rock, Children's and back. Being one of first real summer days that I was out there, there was a fair amount of traffic and I was surprised how close several motors and large sail boats came. I occasionally put my whistle in my mouth thinking, "Jeez, are these guys going to veer off or not?" But I can't really complain, the wind and water conditions were very nice, high tide, beautiful blue skies, and moderate winds. I hope Dee can get back on the water more before summer ends.

I returned to the dock with Dee just as Carlton and John returned from a longer row that included Tinker's (and a loop back around Children's?) The newbies were just setting up on the dock. John took out Stan, and I Sheila and Eileen. Eileen is a natural, seems like she's got the style of rowing naturally. I'll bet she'll be going out around Children's in a week of two. Sheila also has nice style, although she needs to work on increasing the momentum of her drive stroke. It's good when newbie class and (more-or-less) high tide aligns, as this allows for practice within Brown's Island. We did a combination of practice on the flat water inside the island, and some rowing (and dodging of motors!) out in the bay.

Charlie

Results are in for Blackburn

Results for 2009 Blackburn Challenge have been posted on the Blackburn Challenge website. Thoughts while perusing:
209 entries
fastest overall...Maas double sliding seat rowing (Rock n Row needs one!)
Congratulations to Thomas Vogel for third place medal in sliding seat touring mens
Congratulations to Stephanie Broucom, her time was fastest in sliding seat touring womens although results show her in a different class (we don't care, she's a winner!)
Congrats to Mary Ellen for best, most positive overall experience.
Special award to Jay and Carmi Paris.....for the quality of their marriage....that they row a double together! Look through the results, not many couples with the same names, think about what it takes...you guys are awesome!!!
Jackie and Paulie...Blackburn #4 is in the history books, looking forward to next year. Hope to have 10 Rock n Rowers in the race.
And...nobody got lost, DNF'd, or hurt. A great day.

SHAMLESS PLUG DIVISION OF RNR STRIKES AGAIN!

Marblehead Rotary Club brings back The Great Race
Marblehead - The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to announce the second running of The Great Race Aug. 1. This event is a major component for the club’s fundraising, providing scholarships and camp opportunities for local children.
The race, which is open to any non-motorized water vessel, will start at Devereux Beach and end at Children’s Island. There will be categories for both rowed boats and paddled boats, and each category will have a “competitive” and “non-competitive” division. Competitive racers will compete for a first-place prize of $500, a second-place prize of $200 and a third-place prize of $100, all awarded in “Marblehead Dollars” to be used at participating establishments.
Non-racers are also invited to attend, with round-trip transportation provided by the Hannah Glover from State Street Landing.
On the island, there will be a full-menu cookout, concert entertainment provided by Boston rockers The Help (http://www.thehelphouse.com/) and special guest singer-songwriter phenom, young Hayley Reardon of Marblehead. There will also be an on-island auction featuring Red Sox tickets and more. Family swimming and games will also be available on the island.
For more information, including sponsorship and participation forms, call 781-631-2868 or visit www.rotarygreatrace.com.

Thank you

Thank you for this opportunity to be alive
Thank you for this opportunity to be in my body
Thank you for this opportunity to be healthy
Thank you for this opportunity to row
Thank you

BLACKBURN AWAITS US

It's about 7:45PM exactly 12 hours from now, if the weather conditons are favorable enough, 7 peaceful warriors from RocknRow will embark on a 20+ mile sojourn around Cape Ann. Thomas V, Maryellen S, Stephannie B, Jay and Carmi P, Paulie M and myself. Boats are secured on the caravan that departs MHD at 5:30 tomorrow. I have packed, checked and packed again all the assume essentials I will need to make this journey. Whistle, VHF Radio, GPS, waterproof chart, Fuel in sufficient amounts both liquid and solid. (I wonder if I should go through it again one more time.) Paul and I are veterans of 3 years, Jay of one. I have now rowed the course in my dreams for the past couple of nights. Eachtime bringing different challenges, as I dreamt my way around Cape Ann. I wonder what the others have been thinking. Thomas, Carmi, Maryellen and Stephanie. I lead them around the course last week by motorboat. By the end of the tour, they gained new respect and appreciation for what lies ahead of them. I travled to Rockport today to see the layout one more time by land, to give a blessing of an easy row to all the club members and to get a henna tattoo which had become a tradition set by Paul and myself during the 1st row. The symbol of the Turtle. It was my fathers favorite and it will ride upon my arm for the duration of the row keeping me company one stroke at a time. To my fellow peaceful warriors. Hopefully you catch this blog before the race. If so may G-d grace you with his spirit and blessings for a great adventure.

namaste-capt j

BLACKBURN AWAITS US

It's about 7:45PM exactly 12 hours from now, if the weather conditons are favorable enough, 7 peaceful warriors from RocknRow will embark on a 20+ mile sojourn around Cape Ann. Thomas V, Maryellen S, Stephannie B, Jay and Carmi P, Paulie M and myself. Boats are secured on the caravan that departs MHD at 5:30 tomorrow. I have packed, checked and packed again all the assume essentials I will need to make this journey. Whistle, VHF Radio, GPS, waterproof chart, Fuel in sufficient amounts both liquid and solid. (I wonder if I should go through it again one more time.) Paul and I are veterans of 3 years, Jay of one. I have now rowed the course in my dreams for the past couple of nights. Eachtime bringing different challenges, as I dreamt my way around Cape Ann. I wonder what the others have been thinking. Thomas, Carmi, Maryellen and Stephanie. I lead them around the course last week by motorboat. By the end of the tour, they gained new respect and appreciation for what lies ahead of them. I travled to Rockport today to see the layout one more time by land, to give a blessing of an easy row to all the club members and to get a henna tattoo which had become a tradition set by Paul and myself during the 1st row. The symbol of the Turtle. It was my fathers favorite and it will ride upon my arm for the duration of the row keeping me company one stroke at a time. To my fellow peaceful warriors. Hopefully you catch this blog before the race. If so may G-d grace you with his spirit and blessings for a great adventure.

namaste-capt j

Forecast for Saturday

Hmmm...weather is looking dubious for my first attempt at the big BC:

Saturday Showers with thunderstorms likely. Patchy fog in the morning. Cooler. Humid with highs in the lower 70s. East winds 5 to 10 mph...becoming north in the afternoon. Chance of rain 80 percent. Coming off a 5 day meditation retreat, I'm working my intention for equanimity regardless of whether it's ultimately a go or no go for me on Saturday.   My goal in doing the Blackburn is all about a process of shedding weight and getting into better shape.  It's been a great goal post and regardless of the weather beckoning me on or off for Saturday, I'm all for keeping on keeping on ... for there's nothing like rowing for supporting strength & wellness, not to mention the joy of being on the water!

Rowing Summary

Friday: Salem Harbor 5.5 miles

Saturday: Salem Harbor 4.8 miles

Sunday: This was a big one rowing with Stephanie, the iron woman. Left the boat house, went around Marblehead rock where the water became unorganized and wavy.

Then around Children’s Island and over to Eagle in improved conditions. (See Captain Jack, lots of "arounds") Aiming at Beverly Light House, but nothing there to go around so we ran up and touched the light house (Just kidding).

From there towards Salem Light house rounding Red Nun # 16, and Green Nun #21 and the up the coast back to the clubhouse in smooth seas.

Stephanie kicked my butt of course, but she waited for me so that we rowed into the harbor together (So I wouldn't look too bad)

New record for both, 10.2 miles. I have no doubts that she will finish the BlackBurn and then some.

Tuesday: Salem Harbor 6 miles.

The only problem is that when I am ready to get into the zone, my butt starts hurting like h#%#

Happy rowing into the "Zone and Beyond"

Egg Rock

Once upon a time it had a light house.


http://www.lighthouse.cc/egg/index.html

No Fog - this time.

After not having been out rowing in six days due to a summer cold/flu, I felt like trying again this morning. My body was not 100% in shape yet, but I wanted to be back on the water. Arriving at the boat house I saw that Paul had rowed already this morning around MHD Rock and Children's Island. The weather looked great and my plan was to row around Tinkers, Children's and back home getting a good hour of low-key exercise into my schedule.

Light winds with a slight chop and small short period wind waves greeted me when I was heading past MHD Rock and Tinker. According to the marine forecast, the winds were WNW 9 to 12 knots and seas ESE 2 feet at 8 sec. Since I had not rowed in almost a week, I focused on using as little power as possible in order to keep my heart rate around 130. Everything felt great and once I passed Tinkers I felt drawn to something in the distance. I was reminded that Egg Rock was still waiting for me and felt compelled, almost drawn by a magnet to row towards it. Not 100% sure if this would be a good idea I kept on rowing until I passed Ram Islet. I felt OK while the "Rock" seemed to be pulling me closer and closer (must have been some psychological effect left over from my last experience).

My heart rate was still in the 130 zone until I passed Galoupe's Point and Dread Ledge, when I got caught by a strengthening WNW wind blowing from Lynn. I quickly learned how the mix of rolling seas and wind waves from opposing directions can pull the boat into directions I had not planned for. At this point, I had to work harder to keep my course on Egg Rock and had to abandon my idea of a "low power" row. Eventually, I reached Egg Rock, took a picture and went around the western side of it. Even though it seems to be a simple rock (as Paul and Jack stated it in their previous blog entries), Egg Rock holds my respect. The waves came from both sides, west and east, and they felt colliding wherever I was. Water kept entering my Echo from the side - what a new experience.

It took me another 30 minutes to get passed that open WNW wind into the somewhat protected coast line. Passing Ram Islet on my way home I was finally able to bring my heart rate back down. I passed Tinkers and MHD Rock, when I saw groups of kids racing their little sailboats from Children's Island towards Marblehead Harbor. It was a great morning to be back on the water. Back at the boat house, I realized what a long row it was. More than I initally wanted to do today. I can only blame the "spirit" of Egg Rock. Yet, it feels like an accomplishment and I can also say, "Blackburn here I come".

Lessons learned today: Start slowly, since I never know what lies ahead of me (or where the spirits might take me). Bring plenty of water/liquids (which I did not). Not sure yet about what to do with food - I did not feel like eating anything for three hours (don't know if this is good or bad). I have to keep in mind that I am in it for the experience not the race. It might take much longer than I anticipate.

Friday 7/9 row

First, I want to thank Dee Johnson and Art Capstaf for being such good Rock n Row buddies! They had agreed to row with me; life interfened (Dee had to gt to work; Art's wife was ill); but both showed up on the dock at 8 AM to make sure I got off on the water even if they couldn't row with me. What great rowing buddies to hav!

Fortunately, Stephanie B had agreed to row and was there when I arrived. We had perfect weather - 70 degrees, blue skies - and perfect water - just past low tide, falt water, the incoming tide came up just as we turned back to help push us home. We went out past M-head Rock; then past Children's, where there were some tricky currents flowing around the island; then past Eagler; and back hoem. The back-side of Children's was picture perfect, we could see the kids' ferry pulling in for summer camp and the islad was just awash in summer sunlight. As we approached Brown's, there was a large flock of seagulls working the water, it looked like there was a school of baitfish swimming by. I was just a little concerned that the birds would fertilize my boat.

Speaking of boats, I roewed the Alden Star, which is a perfect balance between stability (almost as good as the EChos) but much faster than the Echos. Lots of fun in flat water, but make sure to take a bale if you go out on a more typical day, as it has no self-baler.

SUNDAY'S "NEWBIE" ROW MET WITH GREAT SUCCESS

A flooding tide, blue sky, manageable winds from the South and 4 instructors made for a great Sunday Newbie Row. It was RnR's finest hour with all members moving in coordination to get the boats on to the dock and into the water. Well to say the least it still was pretty crazy to get 9 sculls "locked and loaded", but we managed it in just under 30 minutes. First a hardy congrats to the Newbies: Eileen, Sheila, Stan, Julie and Andrew for putting up w/all the frustration to date. By the smiles on their faces returning to the dock, I say they all had a pretty good time working through the drills and getting down the techniques of saltwater rowing. As I told Stan (my pupil), this is kind of like the movie Karate Kid. "Show me, wax on". However in our case it was "Red Oar Only". Time on the water does wonders to seed the good habits you all are learning during these instructional periods. A must congrats goes out to Orientation Czar Terrie Leake who has done a fabulous job organizing these events. Special kudos to the rest of the RnR instructors Paulie and Stephannie. It is really cool to watch every progress today. And yes that even includes you Stan.

I feel like a minority

Not because I am the only club member that is good looking with blond hear and blue eyes and with a up and coming Schwarzenegger body, but because I am not rowing 15 miles plus every other day. Of course I can lie about it or if I add up my last 8 rows, it might barely exceed 15 miles!

Anyway, way to go all you up and coming BlackBurners! With all the rowing you guys have put in, you will be flying around Cape Ann. Good luck to you all!

Happy rowing into the Zone and beyond.

EGG ROCK

What's the big deal about Egg Rock? So what if its out there off Nahant, 7.5 miles from M'head, it's just a rock. Got a lot of bird dung on it.

Well, it is a big deal. And truth be told it's an intimidating row AND till this morning I've never been to Egg Rock.

After reading that Mary Ellen did it yesterday and Thomas was out there in the fog, I went to bed last night thinking I had to go there, Egg Rock was the destination for my last big row before Blackburn.

But NO flat water for Paulie. Blowing 12-15 with whitecaps and chop dead on the bow. Slow going on the way out, two hours to reach the rock, sure was a fast ride home though. Pacing a sailboat, left him in the dust!

After leaving Tinkers behind, the row to Egg is really exposed. Lot of open water, the coast is far away. I felt comfortable in the seaworthyness of Wings, aware that I was alone. There were guys fishing at the rock, I was hoping they would ask, "Where you come from?" Alas not, I took the glory of my accomplishment home alone.

Now I feel like I'm ready. Will keep rowing this week short distances, work on technique. Looking forward to next weekend and an awesome experience of THE BLACKBURN CHALLENGE!!!!!!!!!!!

15.5 miler around Egg Rock I rowed!

I've been holding out for a morning such as this. Finally -- clear skies and calm waters cooperated with my intention to get in a 15 miler as training for my attempt to complete the big Blackburn Challenge.

I was on the water at 6:05 with my 100 oz. camelback filled with Ultima Replenisher bungee'd on the back. Now was the time to see if the ol' bod' I've been bringing back into fitness was up to the test.

Well, RockNRowers, I'm blogging to say YES!

I hugged the coast around the Neck, past Devereau Beach & the Swampscott shores to round Egg Rock. I'd clocked about 8 miles after rounding Egg Rock so I rowed the more direct line back to the Neck. Off Devereau my right calf cramped and I thought "this is interesting" -- breathed, relaxed, drank, breathed some more. Then I watched the calf muscle relax and headed home free and very happy that I had achieved the 15.5 mile milestone.

Last Sunday I'd given up the idea of the Blackburn this year what with the lousy weather and limited on-the-water training time. Now after today's row and tomorrow's tour of the course -- thanks to Captain Jack -- I'll most definitely attempt it - weather and calm enough ocean conditions permitting! Maryellen

Morning Ramble

I just checked the registration website for The Blackburn Challenge and lo and behold Rock N Row has 7 entires in 2009 Blackburn next Saturday July 18. Jack, Paul, Jay, Carmi, Thomas, Mary Ellen and Stephanie are committed and ready (figuratively) to row. Rob Slocum, Jays' buddy and Natl Masters champion, is also entered but it is as yet unclear whether he'll be wearing RnR colors. He'll be rowing Jay's dolphin in the sliding seat racing class looking for a win against serious competition.

Training for this race is difficult with this stormy weather. As I write it's blowing and cold and grey. I'm going to wimp again and get on my ERG for an indoor row. Weather is supposed to break today, sunny tomorrow.

Time to start praying for a changing weather pattern, we will really appreciate and be thankful for a sunny, CALM day next Saturday.

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER "SLOG OF A " ROW

Hi, Ho Hi, Ho it's off to row I go. Woke this morning around 5:30 with a burning desire to get on the water and push myself for a great BB training row. It looked ok outside but little did I know what awaited me when I got to the dock at Anchorage Lane. What this? Another day, another slog of a row? Wind must have been coming mostly from ENE which is perfect conditions to create monster breakers (definition: rollers that crest and break on top of you) traveling into the bay. Not sure why waves come in different sets, but today's row clearly played out that senario. So I slogged my way as far up wind as I dared go which was just about passed the Mhd Harbor around some green can shy of Mhd Rock. Yes, I must go around things when I row. Some type of A.D.D. thing. Turned towards Childrens with the hope and prayer that some of it's easterly lee would provide me with shelter. Ha! who was I fooln'. Starboard Beam sea, slipping in and out of those troughs and breakers. OK, Eagle's Bar has got to be better. It was...but not by much. Wait whats that I see ahead of me? It's the monument off Misery (picture doesn't do the seas justice). Something to go around before heading back to shelter. You would think that I would have found calmer water as I entered more into the bay but the ENE wind fetch seems to carry all the way in. Made it back to home dock through Coney and Great Haste. 1.5 hours, 7.5 miles and soaked to the skin. Not my best time, but as far as survival rowing goes, I have survived to row another day. Blessings...

SUNDAY "NEWBIE" ROW

With the growing pains of so many new members who are just learning to row comes the inevitable frustrations of putting all the pieces together. This passed Sunday's instructional row wasn't RnR's finest hour. Between the wind, the boats using the dock, the crowd around the back of Brown's and lack of instructors, it was a tough go for all involved.

First my apologies to Terrie Leake about not keeping my promise to be one of the instructors that day. I have spoken to her privately, but want to express myself publicly about not helping out on the water. I promised her it would not happen again.

Second my thanks to Stephanie B., who came to the club's rescued by agreeing to stay behind and help teach the "newbies". I am grateful for her support and feel we are very fortunate to have her as a RnR member.

I did take the liberty to reach out to the ones who were given the lesson: Art Page, Eileen Perry, Sarah Simons and Bryn Clark. They all included that it was a wonderful time and learned a great deal despite the conditions presented.

Such is the lesson of perspective. I felt bad... while they felt good.

Next newbie row is 6:30PM this Wednesday. Terry I plan to be there and on the water
namaste-

Sunday Row

I love the activity on the docks on Sunday morning and yesterday, does it get any more beautiful in Marblehead? Thomas, Stephanie, Emily, myself and Brian set out planning to round the neck, head towards Tinkers and cruise over to Deveraux hoping for a little sheltered water. Steph was rowing our new Maas Aero, it took her a bit to figure it out but once she hit her stride she was cruising. Emily had Alden 6 with a coffee cup for a bailer, at 15kts of breeze she ships a fair amount of water. Brian is training for Blackburn intending to row the Apollo on loan to the club. He's been granted guest status to get ready for the race. Thomas and I were in our trusty Echos ready for anything but still fatigued from Saturday's endurance row.

Rounding the neck we stretched out into a brisk headwind and light chop. Approaching Tinkers the chop kicked up dramatically and we decided to alter coarse and head for Children's downwind. Riding the chop with the wind behind us was so much more pleasant but the inevitable upwind return was never far from my mind. Into the cove for a rest and regroup we decided to take the short route home knowing that as soon as we nosed out from behind the lee of the island it was going to be a hard row.

As I was settling into a rythm I watched Brian rise up on the port side of his boat and struggle to balance the boat. He was going swimming so around I came to help. Initially he seemed OK, I couldn't see that he was struggling to keep his head above water because he couldn't free his feet from the shoes. Problem #1.

Fortunately he worked his feet out and moved on to the next challenge of getting back in the boat. His experience seemed much like Viking's earlier in the season, pull his body up, try to sit up, over again. He must have flipped 3 or 4 times when Coach Emily instructed him in the art of stabilizing the boat using the oars.

I'm eyeballing a rocky beach at the west end of the island wondering if I should suggest he swim the boat to land.

We finally got him back in the boat by pulling along side and pulling down on his rigger to stabilize the boat. he was able to climb back in and collect himself.

Now he had to get the boat home. The bracing strut had let go and the rigger was loose causing him to flip. The wind was ripping and the chop, well you know. It was a long slog back, Emily stayed with him. Thomas, Steph and I went ahead, I was concerned about whether he'd make it. Fortunately I had a radio with me, if we needed help who was I going to hail? I decided Marblehead harbormaster was the choice and waited.

We didn't need a rescue, Brian made it back under his own power. Thankfully.

Back at the docks we revelled in the excitement of another terrific Rock n Row experience!

Oh and Brian....YOU'VE BEEN INITIATED!

What to do today?

I'm addicted to this rowing thing....woke this morning looking out to a clear sky. First focus is on the tree tops, how much motion in the treetops, how much wind?

Yesterday I rowed for three hours, thirteen miles of difficult conditions of every sort, cross currents, wind chop, headwinds so strong my oars were vibrating on the feather.

I tried hard to keep my heartrate below 135, succesful except in the headwind where I needed to pull hard just to gain a little on the next wave.

After three hours of solid effort I was pleased that I didn't have any pain, was appropriately exhausted, didn't feel like I needed to crawl into bed, and woke today eager to row again.

Which brings me to my morning dilemma, what am I gonna do today?

Option 1: get down to the clubhouse NOW and go out for another long row (10 plus miles) in similar conditions, forecast is 10-15 kts

Option 2: lay back till 8 and go out with the club.

HMM....what to do today?

EGG ROCK CONQUERED

Well it wasn't a foggy day as with Thomas' row, But it wasn't without it's challenges either. Dare I say, this morning's BB training row was one of the hardest I ever encountered. Off shore westerly breeze freshening as the morning progressed accompanied by on shore rollers of the major kind. Based on my 25o heading, I pretty much slogged it out most of the way this massive piece of rock located just of large Nahant.
Coming round Egg to the east, I was met with white caps and breaking seas. Trying as I might to return by the reverse course I was unable to prevent the boat from "sluicing down the back side of these breakers. Echo is about the best boat you could hope for in these conditions, but even so, I felt I entered the realm of survival rowing when the waves were rolling off your quarterstern. (Ask Jon about our survival rows, he can paint a better picture than I). My only course of action was to cross the Nahant/Lynn bay in a beam sea and head to the lee behind Galloupes Pt. Alls well that ends well. While my over all time was extremely slow (averaging 13.5 minute/miles), I'm please to have comepleted the journey (15.33 miles over all) and have put Egg Rock behind me for the summer

Six rows, six different boats

One thing that distinguishes Rock N Row is rowing diversity. Sculling boredom is a distant emotion that we leave to the owners of skinny boats who spend all their time on a river to the south named after an English prince. Yesterday, when Paul, Thomas and I stepped into three Echoes for a 6.5 mile row at racing pace, I realized that it was my sixth consecutive row in six different boats, and in six different water conditions. It went something like this:

First row: Carmi and I went out to Misery Beverly and Salem in the Alden double to see if our synchronicity in sport was complete enough to take on the Blackburn Challenge –together. Two to three foot rollers met us at Brown’s Island with a little bit of chop that got worse as we rounded Misery. As we had reached Beverly and Salem Willows, we were still dry, and our rowing lengths worked out.

Row Two: But, in the Alden double, my 220 pound ass elevates the bow. Rather than add 110 pounds of weight to balance it, we borrowed the Merry Wherry Ranger from a friend and took it on a spin to the Danvers River and back. Moderate swells and chop, sunny for once, and very stable. When we pull it with moderate pressure, it goes six mph. When we go all out it goes six mph. But it’s smooth and light for a wooden boat that looks like a miniaturized version of something John Haenke’s Viking forefathers rowed to Nova Scotia 1200 years ago. So we’ve decided to row it in the Blackburn in the sliding seat double touring division. Should it be very rough that day, we’ll go six. Should it be smooth, we’ll go six. We won’t win anything but if we finish, the world, not to mention the Paris household, will be a better place.

Row Three: I recently received -- as an amazing birthday present – a high-end racing shell called an Empacher. It is very light, fast and made for experts far more competitive than I at this juncture of my rowing career. Nonetheless, it is an extraordinary thing of beauty that still takes my breath away when I view it in its entirety. Every stroke offers a way to touch rowing’s elegant potential in its purest form. I keep it at my office on the Danvers River and row after work. On this particular evening gigantic cumulus clouds competed with blue sky; the power boat guys were afraid of rain and stayed in. I had the river to myself. It was still, smooth and glorious. Five miles in 35 minutes.

Row four: A semi-stormy day in Marblehead, Carmi was away so took out my Peinert Dolphin, the best open water boat I’ve ever rowed. I played in the conditions between Brown’s Island and Halfway Rock. I’ve had this craft for five years and really love it. No boat feels as good as I settle into the seat where everything is perfectly familiar, balanced and right. Together , we’ve been through a lot—races, the Blackburn, even a six-day row from the Harvard Boat House on the Charles to Portland Maine. Chop came and went, clouds, mostly dark, fluttered about. We cruised.

Row five: Carmi’s Maas Aero was idle for too long so I took it over to Salem Harbor at high tide and rowed it down and back. It’s a great all-around boat that offers stability and some speed. I was too lazy to change the shims in the pins so I rowed it as though I was her height and weight. The Aero and I fought each other for a while, then I relented and all went better, as rain kept me cool. I like the serenity of the far end of Salem Harbor in high tide. The cormorants and ducks watch from the shore.

Row six, a day later, in the Echo in the company of Thomas and Paul, as mentioned earlier. It was rough, foggy, alluring, challenging and beautiful -- really just a magnification of my diverse week of rowing. I have to say that I never envisioned owning more than a shell at a time, or having access to a club with so many options and fantastic people to row with. Makes me realize how lucky we are to have found our beloved sport, our club and each other.

Speaking of gadgets...

Have any of you iPhone rowers seen these apps yet? Stroke Coach Mobile & Speed Coach Mobile. They also have a link to the NK floating waterproof iPhone case.

Great Gadgets from the Gadget Man

Buy those marine gadgets at Defender.com and save.

Happy Rowing Into the Zone and Beyond

The Viking battles the weather without GPS and VHF Radio

Through driving rain, lightning, thunder and fog I arrived at the boathouse this afternoon. Even though I parked my Viking Construction truck feet from the entrance, I was soaking wet before I was inside. The wind was hauling through the building shaking the sculls off the racks. I tied myself to one off the Echo’s so that I would not separate from it, and with tools in hand I installed a new compass on Club Boat # 1.

Happy rowing into the "Foggy Zone and Beyond".

NEW NEWBIES "GET 1ST TASTE OF THE SALT"

Congrats to Eileen Perry and Sarah Simon on their 1st instructional row early this morning ( 5:00AM to be exact). Both of them are great listeners and took to the drills very well. By the end of the 60 minute row, they were demonstrating some great rowing techniques. We even got the chance to venture out towards the bay where rollers and chop provided a whole new experience to these neverevers. Time on the water with some review to improve upon the skills they are learning will keep them progressing. I give them "2 thumbs up"!!
Nice job you two!!

Lessons in the FOG

Thomas' story is stimulating good discussion about safety at sea. (Art, you must be happy!)

Carrying a VHF radio is an appropriate safety strategy, (I have a West Marine submersible). Thomas did everything right. He didn't try to navigate home, he didn't panic, he was aware of his location and heading so he knew how to adjust once he lost visibility. Thankfully he had a compass, without a compass the outcome might have been different.

Navigating in fog can be terrifying. Fog is disorienting, everything sounds different. Fortunately fog usually brings little wind.

I remember my first time lost in the fog on a sailing trip to Maine. Kathie and I on our 28, no electronics, before GPS, beautiful day, within minutes the fog rolled in and I could barely see the bow of the boat. I felt like I was being strangled. Fortunately we found another boat nearby with radar and together we navigated 12 hours into Portland harbor. We were never in danger but sure were freaked out!

As salt water rowers we have to be "sea smart". Art tried to drill that into us at the Power Squadron evening this spring.

The ocean around Marblehead is our playground and a spectacular playground it is! She demands respect and honoring, a prayer to Neptune isn't a bad idea either.

That said, I'm off to the clubhouse, maybe go for a row in the FOGGGG!!!!!!!!