Black Swans AMRC Masters D Race Warm Up - LONG! Saturday 1st June 2026

The final race of our Nationals Campaign. Two down, one to go. We had won the Masters A on Thursday, then made history winning the Interstate race on Friday bringing the trophy to WA for the first time. Finally we got to race as the Black Swans in the Club Championship race, which is highly competitive: the Masters D VIIIs. By this point we knew we could win. We just had to go out there and do a race we were proud of. In the race the day before we rowed for someone else. For this race, we rowed for ourselves. I decided to record the warm up - something I've never done before - as, like a conductor with an orchestra, all the work is done in training and before you perform. The conductor does all the detailed work in rehearsals. In the concert, the baton serves to remind the orchestra of all they've rehearsed. Same with rowing. We do technical exercises in training, that in racing are summed up by one word. "Press" in a race has a huge number of hours and technical training behind it. I wanted to share what sort of things I do in the warm up in case it helps someone else. Our coach was keen for us to boat 40 mins in advance. This feels a long time, and you'll not lots of 'space' where we don't row and don't say anything. This turned out to be a winning strategy. It means the crew is fully warm, but also calm, muscles are ready, but not tense. Having that extra time meant we had much better starts than in previous races. You'll note I have to do lots of things: 1. Keep an eye on the time 2. Keep a calm voice ALL the time to get them relaxed 3. Temper any flares or eruptions that come from the crew - noting their concerns or comments, but also not rising to the adrenaline or testosterone 4. Put in exercises and technical elements that will enhance the race 5. Ensure I plan where I am on the water, so we can have a clear lane for doing longer pieces 6. Face the way of racing for all practice starts as it's pointless doing it into a different wind direction or where the water feels different. 7. Ensure they're safe at all times with eyes in the back and sides of my head 8. Help them feel confident and on top of everything, whilst feeling calm so balancing that 9. Giving them reminders about clothing, water and more as their brains are so focused on the race plan and their own thoughts they can forget the most basic things.