Post Race Reflection

J have taken notes of the post-race briefings. Many things were shared. Some are new while others are thoughts we have shared and heard before.

In summary, here are some of the pertinent points raised concerning this race. I have decided to categorise them according to 3S framework (which was adopted from coach's philosophy of the SRS: Skill, Relationship, Spiritual) Let's learn from them and do what we can do sharpen our competitive edge as forge ahead for subsequent races.

a. Skills
Two important things, technique and good water sense. This first is covered by coach throughout the year: forceful upper hand drive, efficient engagement of big muscle group through twisting and effective stroking (the appropriate angle of our paddle's shaft/blade, silent entry, forward reach... etc.).

However, remember also GOOD WATER SENSE.
As Siew Le mentioned, we need to feel that maximum water catch. (Coach always says, FEEL THE RESISTANCE). She drew the analogy of a canoeist exerting pressure in the water (NOT kayaker hor...different!)

b. Stamina and Fitness
The bottom line is: water mileage, as noted by Travis. Nothing can replace this. In my private conversation with coach, he observed that for the two days, our bodies gave way at the last charge because our stamina is not quite 'there' for this race. Our cardiovascular fitness will determine how much farther and longer WE CAN GO with the amount of force WE HAVE that WE WILL EXERT.

Circuit training is very crucial for this. Ergo is another key element to stamina building. Eugene emphasises the importance of maintaining MAXIMUM average wattage (achieving a fast timing for scoring purpose is 2nd priority). Use this feedback. Rethink ergo. It is your training partner.

Remember, training your heart and lungs is an equally important aspect of training focus. Ergo, ergo, ergo...! Run, run, run...!

c. Social: Team Synergy
We are more composed than we usually are (I prefer staying 'composed' to 'calm'). That's good. There are four additional key areas discussed requiring our deep reflection:

i. Application of force Samantha ('Lao Sam') said, "one plus one does not equal to two equal rowers. The force is multiplied." Everyone, let's not just pull your own weight, let's pull the darn weight of the WHOLE BOAT forward!

ii. Aggression/ Mental Grit
Remain composed we must (Wei Quan) but we must keep our aggression. It's pure mental grit to will ourselves to behave like a composed warrior, ready to strike at the earliest sign given. The horn! When, it blows, BE FEROCIOUS. Siew Le gave a sobering reminder, "if we adopt a weak, unfocussed, uncertain body posture, we are empowering our opponents to defeat us." Hey, that's NOT the PLK way.

iii. Echo
We have improved. We have consistently called out, "3-2-1, LOOONG PUUUULL". We have learnt. Good. However, we need to do better in all the other planned echoes. Our war cries sounded meek and sometimes, uncoordinated, especially when the coxswain shouted, "Ready for HARD 10!!!".

For a 20-crew boat especially, ECHOING is crucial. Voices get drowned. Volume reduced. Uncertainty may ensue. Hence, it is incumbent that we keep our team synergy even if it means we echo the calls issued in the boat. In such an intense, moment, a resounding and uniform echo IS VERY REASSURING. It will egg you on. This is the team synergy in the boat that we seek. We must do it with utmost diligence EVEN DURING OUR TRAINING.

iv. Team Support
Another more accurate, preferred term is team discipline. We have fared well for this, generally. We are accountable to our fellow paddlers in the water in more ways than one. Let's continue doing a good job not just acknowledging them their input but also encouraging to surpass their limits. Maintain good team collegiality. We have worked very hard to achieve this.

Good relationship and good team synergy requires diligence reciprocal effort!