In this casual convo, I sit down with Mario Laing from Lake Eildon Rowing Club to have a chat about his commitment to 100 consecutive days of rowing training. We talk through why he started, what he’s learned along the way, and how the reality didn’t always match the expectations—especially on the tougher days.

A key theme that comes through is discipline. Not motivation, but the ability to keep turning up when the body is flat, the metrics aren’t improving, and the excitement has worn off. Mario shares what’s shifted for him physically and mentally, and how this block of consistent training is shaping his longer-term goals.

There’s plenty here for anyone thinking about consistency, building habits, or just getting through the days where training feels like a grind rather than a win.

For those of you who know me, I bang on about discipline constantly, and it’s only with discipline and motivation that you can achieve success, not with motivation alone.

The post 100 Days Straight – Discipline Over Motivation with Mario Laing appeared first on The Coxswains Journey.

In todays “casual convo” I was lucky enough to be joined by Chris Brown, President of Hawthorn Rowing Club; a huge thanks to Chris as he not only has a newborn at home but he is also managing the enormous role as President at Hawthorn Rowing Club (time is limited….), for joining me, as we dive deep into the challenges of running a modern day rowing club.

Key highlights:
– Chris shares his journey from rugby and athletics to discovering rowing at university into the rowing space
– A discussion on managing different types of rowers – from social paddlers to competitive athletes, the main area of my interest really; the personalities of sport.
– The unique challenge of balancing team dynamics in a sport that demands both individual efforts, group dynamics and a “team” attitude
– The critical role of coxswains in training and racing, and why they’re essential for club success
– Some perspective on volunteer management and club sustainability

Whether you’re a rowing club administrator, athlete, or coxswain, this episode offers valuable insights into the complexities of club rowing and how successful clubs navigate these challenges.

Side Notes:

From the interview I’ve gleaned some strategies to balance the needs of social and competitive rowers, they could include:

1. Clearly communicating the club’s vision and goals, ensuring both social and competitive rowers understand and buy into the shared mission.

2. Offer a variety of training programs and boat classes to cater to different skill and commitment levels. This could include social/recreational sessions, competitive training groups, and opportunities for cross-over.

3. Implement a fair and transparent selection process for competitive boats, with clear criteria that all rowers understand. This helps manage expectations.

4. Encourage social rowers to get involved in the club in other ways, such as volunteering, social events, or supporting competitive crews. This helps build a sense of community.

5. Recognise and celebrate achievements of both social and competitive rowers, fostering a culture of inclusivity.

6. Solicit regular feedback from all rowers to understand their needs and adjust programming accordingly.

The key is creating an environment where both social and competitive rowers feel valued and have opportunities to engage in the sport in a way that aligns with their goals and abilities.

The post A Chat with the President – Challenges Facing a Rowing Club appeared first on The Coxswains Journey.

Today I take a refreshing break from our usual masters rowing conversations to chat with Sam Lincoln, a Richmond Rowing Club coxswain and recent recipient of Rowing Victoria’s Coxswain of the Year award.

Sam brings a unique perspective to our discussion, straddling both worlds as he is not only a cox but taking on the oar and doing pretty well as a rower. What makes this conversation particularly fascinating is Sam’s insightful take on the eternal debate of motivation versus discipline in rowing.

Sams drive and philosophical approach to the sport offers a window into the mindset of rowing’s next generation. His perspective on what keeps him showing up day after day, whether in the cox seat or now with an oar in hand, gives us all an insight into what is possible if you stay focused.

Tune in for an engaging discussion that proves wisdom in rowing isn’t always about the years you’ve put in, but the perspective you bring to the sport.

The post When the Coxswains Chat – Motivation vs Discipline! appeared first on The Coxswains Journey.

Welcome back to another ripper “Casual Convo”! Today, we’re joined by Mario Laing from the newly formed Lake Eildon Rowing Club. We dive into some Olympic talk – it might ruffle a few feathers, but hey, that’s how I tend to roll, right?

The real highlight, though, is our discussion about the upcoming regatta hosted by ⁠Lake Eildon Rowing Club⁠. Mario’s got some big plans, and he’s here to share all the details about the event happening on August 31st; ⁠The Grand Ponderosa Cup!⁠ – Click that link for more info!

Picture this: a 4.5km lap around some of Victoria’s most stunning waterways. That’s what Mario has lined up for this “come and try” day on the magnificent Lake Eildon Pondage. It’s a chance for everyone to experience the thrill of rowing in this beautiful setting.

But that’s just the beginning. Mario’s vision for rowing at Lake Eildon goes far beyond this event, and it’s closer to reality than you might think. So tune in as we explore what’s in store for the future of rowing in this picturesque corner of country Victoria.

Trust me, you won’t want to miss this chat. Mario’s enthusiasm is contagious, and by the end of our conversation, you might just find yourself reaching for those oars and heading up to Eildon, its actually not that far away at all!

The post Row the Lake! – The Inaugural Grand Ponderosa Cup! appeared first on The Coxswains Journey.

It’s not often we get to chat with a real stalwart of rowing, but in my latest “Casual Convo”, I had the incredible opportunity to chat with John B. Stewart, affectionately known as JB. With over half a century of experience in the sport, JB is a true icon in the rowing community. Our conversation delved into the intricacies of planning and structure, and JB shared his invaluable insights on what’s important when planning your season ahead.

Whether you’re an amateur enthusiast or a seasoned pro, having a well-thought-out plan is essential. JB shared his thoughts for mapping out a season, highlighting the importance of setting realistic goals and maintaining consistency in training.

One of the most fascinating aspects of our chat was uncovering what keeps JB motivated after so many years in the sport. His passion for rowing is palpable, and he revealed that it’s the camaraderie, the continuous pursuit of personal satisfaction, and the sheer joy of being involved in the sport that fuel his dedication; all started from a young age when his father was a senior rower at Richmond Rowing Club.

JB’s insights into staying motivated are not only inspiring but also practical for anyone looking to sustain their enthusiasm over the long haul.

As a side note, JB’s commitment to rowing is truly extraordinary. He travels over an hour and a half for every session, showcasing a level of dedication that is nothing short of inspiring. Additionally, he is a regular participant in my Zoom training sessions, which have been running twice a week for over three years. JB’s unwavering commitment serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of dedication and consistency in achieving long-term success.

During our conversation, I found myself motivated by JB’s passion and dedication. His insights into the sport and his approach to training have given me a fresh perspective and motivation on my own sporting journey. It’s clear that JB’s wisdom comes not only from experience but from a deep love for the sport.

Whether you’re a seasoned rower or new to the sport, JB’s wisdom is sure to inspire and motivate you to reach new heights in your rowing endeavors.

The post Rowing Wisdom – Insights from a Stalwart! appeared first on The Coxswains Journey.

Nothing speaks more to the rowing community than the annual Winter Sculling Series in Melbourne; good banter, lots of fun (highlighted by Linda’s favorite; round 5) some solid racing and some serious competition over numerous events including head racing. 2 km and 800m racing.

Today my I’m lucky enough to be joined by Linda Skidmore from ⁠Winter Sculling⁠ and ⁠Rowing Victoria⁠ for a “Casual Convo” about the winter sculling season ahead and all things rowing.

Linda has been around rowing a lifetime and is passionate (to say the least) about the winter sculling season.

Whilst most of you tap out over the cold (and dark) winter months a strong cohort of winter scullers are getting excited. and I’m trying to work out why 😉

The post Rowing Community! – The Winter Scullers! appeared first on The Coxswains Journey.

As coxswains, we’re often caught in a tug-of-war between the expectations and desires of our rowers, sometimes with limited insight into our role’s intricacies. It’s a common scenario: rowers offering advice without a full grasp of what it means to be a coxswain.

Well I thought it might be time to have a “Casual Convo” with a very experienced Coxswain to discuss this topic; Jennifer Pollock, from ⁠North Shore Rowing Club⁠ was all too happy to help out and I was fortunate enough to glean her take on this tricky question. Drawing from her wealth of experience, Jen described the expectations she holds for her crews, emphasising the importance of trust and mutual respect as her cornerstones. As Jen said, isn’t often lost for words, but this question did stump her a little, but we certainly got through it.

I’ve had many conversations with Jen about coxing and shared experiences and this episode delves into the differences of our experiences and highlights our “wants” and “needs” from our crews. Jen refers to a lot of these thoughts as what she “expects” from her crews.

The post Decoding the Coxswain/ Rower Relationship – Coxswains’ Crew Expectations! appeared first on The Coxswains Journey.

When a visionary and sport collide we often see great change in the winds! I feel we are on the precipice of that happening right now; vision, passion and motivation have all come together.

In this “Casual Convo” I am fortunate enough to be joined by the Honorable Mr Patrick McNamara AM to discuss the Nagambie Gold events at this weekends Nagambie Regatta.

This event injects unprecedented prize money into the sport of rowing like has never been seen before globally!

The concept is brilliant and because of this vision we will get to see not only some of Australia’s best rowers, but the words best rowers! There are plenty of World Championship and Olympic medals amongst the cohort!

4 events, 50k up for grabs! This is serious coin on the table!

Great work Nagambie Rowing Club for embracing this initiative! The sky is the limit! I feel “Liv rowing” is coming 😉

The post The Heavy Hitters – Nagambie Gold! appeared first on The Coxswains Journey.

In this exciting “Casual Convo” we have a great chat with Mario Laing from Lake Eildon Rowing Club, the newest Rowing Club in the country! What an exciting journey he has been on as he embraced his amazing location and encompassed his love for rowing into that space.

Tune in to hear Mario’s story, his motivation, and how it all came about. We don’t often get the chance to talk to people who are as passionate about their rowing and sport as Mario.

As I say at the end of the episode, if only more people in the world were like Mario and made things happen! Great Job Mario.

The post The New Kids on the Block – Lake Eildon Rowing Club! appeared first on The Coxswains Journey.

Now, typically, my “Casual Convo’s” revolve around the seasoned veterans of the rowing world — long-term rowers, coxswains, and the true rowing tragics. But today is different, and it’s got me excited. Joining me are Kylie Tavasci and Julie Harrison from the Sale Rowing Club in the heart of Gippsland, Victoria.

What makes this chat special is that these two remarkable ladies have recently embarked on their rowing journey, inspired by their daughters. It’s always refreshing to get the ‘Newbies’ perspective, and I can’t wait to dive into their experiences.

As we’ve discussed both before and after hitting the record button, one key takeaway stands out—the warm embrace and welcoming atmosphere they felt from the local club and the rowing community at large. It’s a testament to the fantastic camaraderie we all cherish within our rowing community.

I hope you enjoy!

Or listen on Spotify:

The post Launching Legends! – The Newbies! appeared first on The Coxswains Journey.