Do you know of any tips or ways I can get my rowing drive back?  Hopefully, the loss of drive is only temporary.  I love rowing and need it back to continue (it's an important part).

I had an interesting experience on the erg (indoor rowing machine) yesterday that I have to share.

I came to the gym eager for a great workout and got on the erg.  It was going great, had my headphones on, and in a great mood.  Then out of nowhere, around the four minute mark,  my legs stopped.  It was the weirdest thing, I literally LOST my drive (in more ways than one, motivation and is part of the rowing stroke).

The drive in rowing is the part of the stroke where the rower pulls the blade through the water using their legs, back and arms to propel the boat. It is a fundamental part of the stroke, as the rowing is 80% leg muscle power.  Don't believe me - try rowing; you'll soon realize it's all about the legs.

Anyway despite this weird occurence, I tried again knowing that there wasn't anything physically wrong with me ( I had done this thousands of times before and I am in great shape).   The same thing happened again after a few minutes: my legs wouldn't drive.

This is weird, I thought.  I love this and can do this, WHERE HAS MY DRIVE GONE?

I decided to go on the eliptical instead for a change of pace.  While I was working out, that question came to mind.  I thought of how excited I was last year while I was rowing;  how I would get up every morning super early to be on the water at 5:30 a.m. rain or shine.

I was obsessed with it.  You should ask my friends and classmates, rowing occupied a huge chunk of my life.  My crew, being on the water, and pushing myself gave me a rush.

So what has changed a year later, you ask? I GUESS THE HONEYMOON PHASE IS OVER.

Rowing is a physically and MENTALLY challenging sport.  You have to persist and keep going despite the intense pain.  I can handle the physical pain and the mental challenge that comes with competing.

There were, however, a bunch of pressures that I didn't focus on and clearly haven't dealt with that I need to deal with in order to row again.Regardless, of what the bad things that occurred,  this is clearly a sign that I have to fix them.

We all have setbacks or things that will prevent us from reaching a goal. DON'T GIVE UP! KEEP BELIEVING IN YOURSELF.

I'm not letting this thing distract me, and this was a reminder how important mental strength is in sport.

I am going to be back on the erg tomorrow.  If my legs stop again,  I'm just going to keep going! I want to excel.

Have you ever felt like this?  Partially lost your drive?  How did you get it back and push through that hard time?

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Thank you for reading and your presence at this beach retreat. You Rock! I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comment section below.

See you at the beach!