The Coxswains Journey

28/10/2026

Supplements, vitamins, performance-enhancing products… are we spending our money chasing that extra edge when we should simply be getting on with the training? 🤔

I've tried plenty of products over the years, with some interesting results, a few disappointments and the occasional rather unpleasant experience! 😂

My latest experiment with bicarbonate of soda had me convinced I'd found a miracle, until things took a rather different turn. More importantly, it taught me something about training, expectations and the wonderful placebo effect.

In my latest article, I share my experiences and why, despite everything, I'll probably keep experimenting!

Have a read and let me know what you think.

👉 https://buff.ly/yT8bBDu

Before we start, as with many of my articles, I need to remind you that what follows is simply my opinion, based on many years of training and racing. I am certainly not a qualified medical practitioner, so please do your own research and seek appropriate professional advice where necessary. By all....

26/10/2026

:-)

25/10/2026

Episode 2: Reading the River — The Course, Conditions & Steering

Again, join me and Jennifer Po***ck from Toowong Rowing Club, where in this episode we cover:

The major bends and landmarks — and where races are often won or lost
Steering strategies: training line vs. race line, and overtaking etiquette
Environmental factors such as wind, current, and narrow sections
Practical tips for crews who can’t train on the Yarra beforehand
Whether you’re racing HotY for the first time or returning to it again, this episode will help you visualise the course and prepare for the unique challenges of Melbourne’s iconic river race.

Also be sure to check out my Podcast episode: Head of the Yarra – The Coxswains Race.

Episode 2: Reading the River — The Course, Conditions & Steering The Head of the Yarra course is unlike any other in Australia — 8 kilometres of winding bends, bridges, and heavy river traffic. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the course itself and what it takes to steer it well. Again,

25/10/2026

Why Discipline Beats Motivation in Sport Every Time

Let's be honest. We've all had that moment where a highlight reel, a banging playlist, or a random quote lights a fire under us and suddenly we're ready to conquer the world. 5am starts, hard training, new personal bests — we're doing it all!

Then Tuesday comes around. It's raining. Your legs are shot. And that fire? Nowhere to be found.

Sound familiar?

Here's the truth that most people don't want to hear — motivation was never meant to be your long-term fuel. It's a spark, not an engine. The athletes who consistently improve, who show up week after week and actually get results, aren't the ones who feel the most motivated. They're the ones who built real discipline and show up whether they feel like it or not.

Think about the greatest competitors in history. Do you really think they bounced out of bed every morning ready to go? Not a chance. What made them great was that they showed up anyway. That's it. That's the secret.

If your training only happens when the mood is right, you're handing control of your progress over to your feelings — and feelings are unreliable at the best of times.

Discipline removes that question entirely. It's not about being a machine. It's about building an identity as someone who does the work, no matter what.

Want to dive deeper into this? Check out the full article below.

https://buff.ly/mh0BQ3v

23/10/2026

:-) hard work is the only secret needed.

19/10/2026

Many coaches don’t appreciate there are other ways/ techniques of making a crew fast, use a system that works for the physiological and physiological measure of the athletes.

19/10/2026

Looking forward to staring the mighty crew at the Head of the Yarra in a months time!! Good work ladies!!!

18/10/2026

Episode 1: Training for the Challenge — Building Your Crew for HotY

The Head of the Yarra isn’t just another regatta — it’s 8 kilometres of rhythm, teamwork, and endurance. In this episode, we break down how to prepare your crew for the challenge of Australia’s biggest head race.

Join me and Jennifer Po***ck from Toowong Rowing Club, where we cover:

Why HOTY demands a different training approach
Crew selection and the importance of technical compatibility over raw power
Key training sessions: steady-state, rate control, and long race pieces
The coxswain’s role in building rhythm, trust, and confidence
Balancing different experience levels within a crew
Whether you’re a rower, coach, or coxswain, this episode will give you practical strategies to get the most out of your HOY preparation.

Episode 1: Training for the Challenge — Building Your Crew for HotY The Head of the Yarra isn’t just another regatta — it’s 8 kilometres of rhythm, teamwork, and endurance. In this episode, we break down how to prepare your crew for the challenge of Australia’s biggest head race. Join me a...

18/10/2026

This is spot on!

17/10/2026

Bendigo sprints! Always a good day!