Rowing sacrifices

Early Saturday morning rowing. I get there early, and we have 10 people show. That’s a full coxed eight and one left over. Everyone is eager to row. I look around at all the bright happy faces, and I think about the admonition to stay off the water a bit longer and give the stitches a rest, and I make the sacrifice. I sit out and let them go out. I hung around and pottered at the boathouse till they came back, and they looked good. We had one of our most experienced rowers stroking and willing to coach, so it was great for everyone to get out and get a solid training session. I regret not doing it myself, but hey, they enjoyed it and my stitches get a break.