on to nz!

unis? packed. GU? packed. Ipod? charged and loaded with music and books on tape. passport? In hand. I'm ready to go. I don't think I've ever been this prepared for travel. We've had a good training camp, with lots of focused rowing, and just the right amount of "get my boat-mates out of my face" intensity. I'm feeling good about our rowing, our health, and our intensity.

It is remarkable how much rowing together bonds individuals together. When named to the 4-, I was barely friends with the guys in my boat. We were cordial with each other, but by no means buddies. However, spend 6 weeks in confined spaces with anybody, and you will:

a) be ready to hang out with other people

b) will have exposed the rough edges, insecurities and pet peeves of your boatmates

c) be irreversibly forged together as a unit

There have been countless yelling matches and confrontations in my boat, but for the most part, these have been smoothed with strong friendships. We are united by the singular goal of boatspeed. We all want to win, badly, which bridges all divides. I'm excited to race with these boys.