An Instant Connection
When I first met Alex during a Zoom initial consult relating to her ocean rowing challenge, I knew we would work well together. We had an instant rapport, and she even laughed at some of my dad jokes, I usually charge extra for jokes because humor is not usually included in my training plans. 😉
“I knew from the beginning, the first phone call, it was going to work as Neil, just got it… the British sense of humour always helps!” recalled Alex.
Ocean Rowing: Preparing for the Challenge
The challenge was a three-day ocean rowing expedition 110 miles from Northern Ireland to Scotland. Alex had never attempted a rowing event of his distance but had completed several Ironman competitions. So obviously, she had concerns about being physically and mentally ready to row this distance and do so with safety at the center of everything.
When Alex approached me, she knew she needed some structure to help prepare her for this event. Alex was busy with her career and family, so she needed an individualized plan to prepare her well for the adventure.
I could tell from talking to Alex that she wanted to be a vital link on her team during the marathon. This meant that we would need to work together to improve her technique and also build stamina. If we make technical changes effective, this effect pays back dividends during the 110-mile Rannoch Adventure ocean rowing expedition.
Therefore, Alex needed to send me video footage of her training, and I provided her with a structured plan where progress could be logged.
Flexible Training for a Globetrotter
With the help of my online training management system, I could plan a long view schedule and then populate the system each week with training sessions that allowed for various modes. I also tracked training intensity and overall load so that we did not overtrain or undertrain, and we were always doing something purposeful that moved us toward our overall goal. My system allowed us to communicate effectively to monitor the progress of the training plan despite our being in different time zones.
“I live in Hong Kong, was traveling a lot, and the rowing adventure was from Bangor in Northern Island to Oban in Scotland; why do we need to be in the same country for it to work? As it often is, about the people, he’s obviously good at what he does,” said Alex.
A traveled a fair amount during the time we worked together, so each week was carefully crafted so that if we needed to switch to cycling training or a combination, we could remain flexible and increase the volume of the training with a goal of the distance of the ocean rowing expedition, but also at a sensible rate.
Building Technique
During the video analysis review, we improved the overall length of Alex’s stroke by providing suggestions for changing the rig, clearing up the blade release, and making adjustments to the rig of her boat. I ensured that Alex understood how she could make technical changes and why I was suggesting these changes.
Success and Gratitude
Ultimately, the day of the ocean rowing expedition came, and Alex got on a plane to join her team and start her adventure. I was confident that Alex had made the technical changes and her homework to enable her to be a vital team member.
I was delighted to hear from Alex when she finished her row.
“All done!!, A truly amazing trip. Thank you so much for all your help. A fantastic row felt in control and fit “
Conclusion
To conclude, this was a wonderful experience for me as a coach. It was a different challenge, and it was inspiring to see Alex work so hard and then take on the 110 ocean rowing trip with an attitude of “It’s all in a day’s work.”
I’d like to thank Alex for this opportunity and look forward to helping others who might want to follow in her footsteps and create their adventure!
“I thoroughly enjoyed working with Neil for a few reasons. He gave me focus, a reasonable plan that could work with my timetable, and the encouragement and belief that I could do it. I would highly recommend Neil to anyone wanting to take on a rowing challenge, no matter the size of the challenge”.
