The Leander training camp to Banyoles has been a club tradition since Mark Banks took on the role as Chief Coach in 2001. The chance to get away to the warmer climate and flat picturesque lake of the little town in Spain normally provokes a lot of excitement around the Club, especially with the newer athletes to the group.
Being able to take a group of forty athletes and six coaches away gives the club a great opportunity to really make the most out of the ten days. One of the most appealing aspects to the Leander camp is how diverse our training group is, including senior World athletes, Under-23 medallists and those just starting their Leander careers hoping to be competing for a Henley Medal in the summer.
Regardless of the differences in experience and individual goals for the summer, the ‘camp goal’ is the same for everyone – train hard for ten days and improve both physically and technically with a real drive towards quality and focus. It also gives a chance to really make the most of the rest and recovery side of training which most of the club group struggle to achieve because they have to fit training around their jobs or studies. The camp is also a great way for our rowers to build up a strong Club atmosphere, which is essential in achieving the level of success which Leander with which has become synonymous.
One of the real strengths of the Leander camp is that is offers the rower a strong, supportive environment in which to train without the pressures and stress which so often come with involvement in the National Team. Being able to experiment and learn, as well as complete the demanding training schedule, really gives the athletes the chance to get the most out of themselves. It also allows the coach to really maximise their technical input with a great deal of one-to-one work from the launch.
One of my favourite parts of the camp is seeing how much the heavyweight guys can eat. It never fails to amaze me how they never seem to be full! This year, however, the lightweights and women did manage to hold their own, if only in the amount of sweets and chocolate consumed. It got so competitive that the local sweet shop owner had to order extra help for a week. I think I might even have seen a tear in her eye when I told her we would be flying home the following day! Another enjoyable part of the trip is the traditional films that are only watched on camp - films which need the least amount of concentration to follow yet supply the most quotes which, by the end of a very tiring camp, become the only communication between most of the guys.
But by the end of camp everyone is looking forward to returning home and picking up their usual routine. However, due to the river being constantly high and fast this winter, and the frequently sub-zero temperatures and snow, most seemed to be disappointed to leave the warm and sunny weather and the calm water of the lake.
Unfortunately trials and the racing season are just around the corner so we boarded the aeroplane in shorts and t-shirts and exited in jeans, Puffa jackets and welly boots. Proof that all good things have to come to an end. With all British athletes looking toward the next GB trials and both the Women’s and Men’s Eights Head of the River Race we can be sure that the Leander athletes are in good shape to continue the Club’s legacy, although a trip to the dentists may be needed first!
ENDS
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