Roll up the sleeves

And just like that summer is almost over - less than two weeks - and it will be time to start fall training. I can't wait. I've been working hard all summer long on my fall and winter training plans and am fairly certain that this year will run more smoothly than last year or at least that is the hope. As Anthony Bourdain would say "prior preparation prevents piss poor performance."

As the club gets ready to shift gears from our summer classes and open rowing sessions it's good to remember that late August and September are typically the hottest months of the year and that even here in the Northwest, we're not immune from 100 + degree days.

Our competitive junior programs all run in the afternoon from 4 to 6 pm which happens to coincide with the hottest part of the day. The incident over at McMinnville regarding their football team serves as a reminder to all coaches that our responsibilities run far beyond having a successful season and in many cases the best season is the one where no one gets injured.

Currently we're swinging between days of intense heat with little to no breeze to balmier days where you might actually consider wearing a jacket while on the water. Just another day in the life of living and coaching in the Northwest. The order of the day is measured introduction into this sport as well as plenty of rest, water and Gatorade. Healthy athletes are happy athletes. The season is long and we want everyone to get to the end together and in one piece.