The Midwest Masters in Columbus, OH, was a nice progression from the Pittsford Regatta. Far more rowers attended from both the MW and MM teams, there were more events and deeper competition. Held at the Griggs reservoir in NW Columbus, the setting is not as scenic as Pittsford but it is an easier drive. There were complaints about the lack of a real warm-up area and quite a few people noted that they had a better row back to the start than their actual race. Still the races ran on time,  the trailers could park close to the docks, the storms stayed away (just a welcome drizzle in the morning),  and there was a pleasant "viewing area" from which you could at least see the warm-up area.

While several of the Midwest clubs fielded strong teams, the MW/MM teams medaled in almost every event that they entered and every MW came home with at least one medal! While there were many second and third places, as the day progressed there were more firsts.One of the more exciting races (admittedly I am biased because I was participating, but I heard from observers that it was a very dramatic finish) was the third flight of the womens 8+. The MW coach filled in for a missing rower and stroked one MW boat.  Despite this advantage and a slower start, the other MW boat staged an impressive challenge in the middle part of the race and ended up loosing by only .84 seconds. It was a very satisfying experience to spar with team mates in a race setting.  It should be noted that the other women's 8+,  clobbered their opponents and came in first by 6.9 seconds. Not only did MW have to compete among themselves at least one MW double had to plow through a flock of Canada geese that apparently had not gotten the message that there was a race taking place. Despite the living obstacles the double went on to finish third!

It ended up being a very hot and sweaty day, but it was a solid race for both teams - a good warm-up for future regattas.

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Great information from Johnathon Crist, the MW assistant coach:

Read the post thoroughly on the following link below, it is the most
comprehensive compilation of practical stretches and exercises I've
come across in years addressing this area/problem.  It gets to
stretching the hamstrings, but also the underlying tightness in the
hip flexors, IT band, and lower back.

As always these are suggestions - take at your own speed and consult
physician, chiropractor, physical therapist, massage therapist, and/or
yogi if necessary.

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/how-to-regain-and-maintain-hip-mobility/

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Pittsford is a great regatta to begin the racing season: beautiful setting, just enough entries to make it interesting and all the masters events are done before noon, meaning you can get home at a reasonable hour and even sneak in a shower before leaving (if you remembered to ask for a late check-out). The races are held on the iconic Erie Canal and are 1600 meters long, an unusual but challenging distance - not short, not long.

A small contingent of Masters Men joined the Masters Women for the 2010 event on May 29. The weather was perfect - sunny and for the most part calm. 

Quite a few of the men participated in the 1X event. The results are not posted on Regatta Central yet (or perhaps they were not recorded correctly) but people seemed pleased with how they did.

The women's 8+ event was a strong one for the MW. The "B" boat actually was .49 seconds behind the first place boat but the MW "A" boat had a better handicap and took second place (the "B" boat came in 4th) - a win/win for MW! 

Handicaps also nudged the MW 4+ boat out of first place this time to the TRRA Evening Mixed Masters Women's 4+. 

More medals were won by the MW 2+ who came in second in their race.

The MM brought home a second in the 4+ and a first in the Mixed 2x (with an EMM). 

Other MW and MM boats did well in their events - for all the details check out Regatta Central

This was the first race with the MW for new coach Abby Loughrey and for this reporter - a good start!

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