Why do we row?

Why do we row? Why do you row?

As elite rowers, it seems natural to ask the question, why do I row? Why do I train so hard, two or three times a day, each time pushing myself to the limit?  Why do I put myself through so much discomfort everyday? Why?

Everyone rows for their own personal purpose.  As stated by Jake Wetzel of the Canadian 8+ from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, ‘rowing is not a serene sport, it’s not a sport of gentlemen. Period. Rowing is a pain contest, and there are very few gentlemen who are willing to endure it.’  So we ask ourselves this question.

We row because it gives meaning to our purpose in life. Sounds simple right? Sounds like I’m also a philosopher yeah? Well, until you’ve tried it, the understanding of what it does to you can be wildly unknown.  The passion and the dedication involved to continually push ourselves to the limit shows the characters we are.  There is nothing like the satisfaction of crossing the line in first place, or achieving a personal best on the ergo.  It is like all the greatest moments in your life, the joy from all those moments surging through your body for those few seconds after the race.  But that feeling is incomparable.

It is like an addiction. No, it is an addiction.  It is an obsession.  But this all stems from the dedication.  Dedication to what you may ask? Dedication to camaraderie and teamwork.  After all rowing in crew requires togetherness, patience, skill, and most importantly a united team.  There is an obligation to never let your teammates down and give your all every session.  The huge desire to perfect the unity of a crew never leaves you.  Your own personal goals you continue to work on every session, motivated to improve everyday.  Many times, there are only small marginal gains after months of hardwork; But these marginal gains are the difference between first and second, between gold and silver. Being so addicted is a feeling which is hard to describe, but perfection is the ultimate goal. 

At the end of the day you either suffer the pain of discipline or you suffer the pain of regret.  And not only can rowing give meaning to your purpose in life, but it will make you disciplined in every area of life. 

The Nut Up or Shut Up team will suffer the pain of discipline.  Will you?