Coaches' Thoughts

January 2020

Hi Gang,

A big welcome to Mo McGee for hopping on board with us in France! Donna S. is now unable to participate, but Mo has stepped up to fill her seat. Thank you, Mo. Also, I'd like to Welcome Deborah W. to our mailing list. As many of you know, Deborah has undergone a fierce battle with lymphoma, and she is happy to report that she is feeling strong enough to race. She is going to Arizona, and if a spot opens up in France she is willing to join us. Carol Arrigo is also on our list as she is just getting back to dragon boating after her fierce battle against biliary cancer. Your strength in your survivorship is awe-inspiring and humbles me greatly!

We had our first CCWC weekend practice. So impressed with the dedication and effort shown throughout the weekend. In the words of our greatly revered coach, Leslyn Keith, "You're awesome!"

I'd like to thank Gail and Tom Riley for hosting our dinner meeting/video review. Rosana for the beans. Barbara, Audrey, Irish Liz and Neddy for the Olalliberry Pie and wine. Mo for the persimmons and other accoutrement. Lynn for the calendars. Margaret for collecting money and bringing the drums, Carol Ann for rescheduling family dinner, Burt and Becky for their coaching and being on the boat, Beau for the Zodiac ride (which couldn't keep up with us), Patrice and Neddy for steering and for any one who stepped out of their comfort zone to tweak their contribution to moving the boat forward and doing what is best for the team even if that meant discomfort to self. And everyone for showing up, for being cooperative and flexible, understanding and truly trusting me with positive intention!

Our website, CCDBA does CCWC 2020, has been updated - there's a new tab entitled "Practice Video". There are 4 videos for you to review. Please check them out. Don't hesitate to ask any questions.

Thank you to each and everyone of you!

Roe

November 30, 2019

Hi Gang,

Just enjoyed a week off from work. During the week I took stock in all the things I am grateful for. And you can bet that Dragon Boating is near the top. It was 2007 when Leslyn first approached me about starting a dragon boat team for breast cancer survivors. I never thought then that it would be such an important aspect of who I am. We first started in a 10 man canoe - we met maybe twice per week. I hated it - so inefficient - too little distance for the amount of exertion. "Why," I wondered, "would anyone do this?" Jokes on me - here are my reasons for doing it. There is something healing about being on the water; it is magical, and dragon boating gets me on the water regularly. Recently, I've been reading how "belonging" is part of the human condition - we all want to belong. Dragon boating is a great community as a whole and the survivor subset of dragon boating is even more extraordinary. I dragon boat to belong to a health conscious group that is willing to brave the wind, the cold, and the water to dance together. Dragon boating challenges me - mentally and physically. It's a good way for me to set goals for myself. I've never been in as good as shape as I am today, and I can't wait until I reach my new fitness goals. Another reason I dragon boat is to give back and to give hope. This sport allows anyone to join, and once you become a paddler you are transformed into a better, healthier and more hopeful you - I love seeing that transformation.

I sent out a survey asking to RSVP for joint training sessions (click here for survey). I often ask myself what motivates me to keep pushing myself in dragon boating. Of course there's being part of a team and not wanting to let anyone down, but more importantly I don't want to let myself down. I made a commitment to be part of a winning team, and I'm going to be sure I dig, pull and move our boat forward efficiently and powerfully.

As we head into December, remember your training goals. I think each team is taking a break. Enjoy your time. Keep up your land training. Check in with your buddy, and stay safe. Happy Holidays.

Cheers,

Roe

October 30, 2019

Hi Gang,

We are heading into November - close to the holidays. We want to encourage you to maintain all your goals. This month, we should have set our training, nutrition, weight and fitness goals. Please share your goals with us by filling out this Google Form. For the holidays, we're asking that we pay close attention to our weight goal - it's the season to eat! Let's try to keep the scale from going up! We also are going to ask you to get on an ERG (rowing machine) to provide a baseline of your ERG fitness. For 2 minutes paddle your best then record your distance. Take a picture of the display showing your results. We'll be doing these benchmark checks through out the year to track progress. If you are unsure what an ERG is talk to Barbara, Nettie, Becky, Belin or Roe. The drag factor should be set at 110 on a Concept 2 for the distance in 2:00 minute workout. We are very excited to develop our team's strength and cohesiveness. Have a very great Thanksgiving. We are very grateful for everyone - your enthusiasm, your work and your heart!

Cheers,

Burt and Roe