Embrace the moment

Life seems to make sport of me, literally and figuratively. On May, I resumed rowing and then after the race I’m robbed of this passion for 2-3 weeks. I had to undergo not 1 but 2 minor surgery. Surgery, whether it’s minor or major, is still a surgery. It means the doctor may make an incision or two, manipulate or dissect to treat me. Am I nervous? You bet. The thought of it already freak me out. Anyway, the week-long MC will allow me to help recuperate my worn out muscular anatomy from months of rowing and gym. It’s also a time for me to catch up with my much needed slumber from late nights in the past. It’s also a good opportunity to hunt and lug home some good videos and eat myself silly during meal times. Of course the clutters in my room do require my attention to find their rightful domain. I can’t recall the last time I tidy and organise my room. Looks like I’ve got a whole host of things to do during my hiatus.

But right now, my mind is focused on the event that’s happening about a week from now – the much awaited and anticipated Regatta. The race that we’ve been preparing for the past 4 months – 4 months of rowing, 4 months of gym, 4 months of sweat that translate to a test that last slightly more than a minute. It’s my second Regatta but I’m just as excited if not more. I know my strokes still leave much to be desired. I know I still have a great deal to toil for my strength and power. I worked hard but probably still not hard enough.

Rowing maybe a repetitive action but behind every paddle is the number of muscle groups engaged in the movement, the synchronization of your strokes with your teammates, the understanding of aquatic properties, law of motion, the synergy and rapport within the team, the rigorous gym sessions, the mental strength and aggression required of the sport.

The pursuit of excellence is both challenging and fulfilling. Relish its intensity, cherish its beautiful moments and accept its risks. This sense of passionate absorption and personal meaning, the charged-up feeling, the flow of adrenaline, the body telling its master – I’m ready….let’s go. It’s a wonderful opportunity to embrace this excitement, to raise our level of performance, to be stimulated by others, to test self-control and push our limits. The outcome is important but the real trip is loving the journey, immerse yourself in simple joys of the current experiences and savour them. We joined the sport for different reasons. We came from diverse backgrounds. We arrived in all shapes and sizes. And we end up in the same boat. Through weeks and months, we’ve become more aware of ourselves. Through gym and row, we’ve become more physically endowed. Through thick and thin, we’ve become a unique team.