Hey!

Wow, it's been a while.

I went cross-country skiing yesterday in lieu of another mind-numbingly boring workout in the gym. I don't know how people can do that year-round and still stay motivated. I don't think I'm designed to go fast on land; I'm a terrible runner and an even worse skier. I spent more time on my ass than I did on the skis. Every once in a while, however, there was a beautiful moment, like when my skis were gliding in the direction I wanted them to and I felt like I was flying. Or watching my teammates cross a ridgeline between myself and the setting sun. I felt the kind of peace that I find in a boat, the kind that is inimitable in a pool or on a stationary bike, or even, in that case, on an erg. I miss being a part of the flow of nature on the river, even more so than usual because I know I'm going to be denied that pleasure until at least May.

Everything I do is to make me faster.
Every waking moment I dedicate myself to perfection.
Every stroke is a chance to improve.
Every race is a test against myself.
Every action off the water is for myself and my teammates.