The following is reprinted from Row As One's Newsletter, Reach.

Energy Pie
Training & Racing

Each of us gets 1 Energy Pie that totals 100%. You can view the Energy Pie as your "life" pie, where each priority in your life gets one wedge. The size of each wedge depends on the amount of energy you can devote to that priority.

Just as we all have a life pie, each of us has a rowing pie. Your rowing pie is unique to you but will likely contain similar wedges (quickness, power, concentration, racing jitters, relaxation). As you shift from sprint racing to fall racing the initial transition will be to get your body and brain used to 20 minutes versus 3 minutes. EXPECT to lose concentration on long pieces. If you notice yourself wandering off - just let your mind drift back. You can practice concentration.

Keys to Energy Pie Success

	KNOW YOUR GOALS. Whether you work with a coach or not, it is important to focus your energy pie on the goal of the practice. If you don't have goals now, define them. They are the key to success.
	CONSTANTLY CHECK IN. Midway through your row, assess how it is going and whether your goals are being met. If your goal was to work on the set and it's a horribly windy day, you have two choices: see it as a tremendous challenge (bungee rowing) or set a new goal.
	BE HONEST. If your goal is reasonable but it's not happening, ask yourself what is keeping you from success. If you have a coach or coxswain, ask for suggestions or feedback.

At the end of the row, do three things.
1. Assess the row in terms of the goals set.
2. Think of 2 good things that you did during the row.
3. Think of 1 good thing that the boat or team did and share it.

Remember that when trying to make changes - in life or rowing -
you must use other people to help you problem solve and make
changes. And change takes time.