Sit ready...Attention...GO! Anyone that's been to an indoor rowing race will know those four words, and if you've forgotten them it's only a matter of time before you hear them again!
Sunday November 13th is the date set for the Rowing Ireland Indoor Championships. This year we are moving to a more central location in Trinity College's shiny new Sports Centre, a place we hope will become a permanent home for the event.
2010 was the year when the Indoor Championships returned to the erg fanatic's calendar. Rowing Ireland took ownership of the event and it was certainly one of the most successful event of the year. 2011 promises to be even better, with a great venue, new events, and even a few new ideas...all to be revealed soon!
For those who have never entered the event before 2011 is your chance to have a really great experience. Imagine sitting on one of thirty Concept 2 ergometers lined up in front of a giant screen, which a cheering crowed behind you. It's an experience like no other and is far more than 'just a 2k'. Whether you're there to set an Irish record, a PB, test your own limits or to set yourself a challenge the Rowing Ireland Indoor Championships will make it so much more.
Last year, the Rowing Ireland Indoor Championships also worked as the erg assessment for International Selection. This year the RIIC will run 2 weeks before the trial, working out to be the perfect warm up event for anyone aiming to make Team Ireland for the 2012 season.
New events will be added to the 2011 programme at the RIIC. The Transition Year Relay will return, alongside relay races for all other secondary school year groups. The Fresher Team relay will also return for first year university rowers, but, not forgetting everyone else, there will also be an Open Team Relay, for rowers of any level of experience. This category is particularly good for those who would like to participate as part of a charity fundraiser as you don't need to be the fittest person in the world to take part...it's all about strategy, timing your changes and having plenty of fun while you're at it!
This blog is all about keeping you informed on updates to do with the event, news items you may find helpful in your preparation and blogs from other competitors.
If you have any questions or comments feel free to get in touch. If you want to be part of this blog we'd love to hear from you too...anything from training tips to training stories, meal plans to fuel your sessions to professional advice you may have to share. Contact us at indoors@iaru.ie.
Let the countdown commence!!!
Lisa :)
