The start of the new term is always something that brings both excitement and pain, in my case. My classes this term are very interesting and my schedule allows for a great deal of down-time and sleep, which is a fantastic change.

Getting back into training shape, on the other hand, is always the painful part. Although one might have attempted to stay active over the holiday break, nothing comes close to the two-a-days we have now. Lifting, erging, spinning, circuits, and core -- aka, hello hamstrings, biceps, abs, quads, and lats. I forgot I had muscles such as yourselves!

But even with the initial grunt work, the feeling of working out this much is one that I cherish and have come to love. Yes, I am crazy. I’m also a rower.

At breakfast after morning workouts, a group of us sit around chowing down and talking about how crazy that lift was, how awesome the spin session was, or how exhausted we are. Yet, if you asked even one of us if we’d give any part of the training up, you’d probably get an incredulous stare and a hearty, “Are you kidding me? This is how we’re getting to nationals! Heck no!” Or something of that nature.

The sweat, the blood, the blisters, the tears, and the pain -- all of it we absorb and embrace, because it’s taking us to New Jersey next May. We’re looking to the national title for the second time, and we won’t settle for less. We have to earn our championship trophy, and winter training is a huge part of it. So I suppose it is time to settle in, buckle up, and get ready for the long haul. Welcome back, everyone!