Training Diary of ibis Dresden Zentrum’s Rowing Team

After over a year, the training for the Regatta “Rowing against Cancer” on the 4.7.2015 on the Elbe River near the Blauen Wunder starts again. As early as 2013 a four man team from the ibis Dresden Zentrum took up their oars for the first time to row against cancer. On their first attempt, the team reached a honorable fifth place. In 2014, they finished up on the podium with 3rd place. For 2015, they now have very clear cut expectations. In 2015 the ibis Dresden Zentrum is on the water again with a team of four motivated men: Hotel Director Antoni Knobloch and Marcel Peters, Assistant Revenue Manager, have both been part of the team since 2013. David Maddox, an English gentleman and athlete, has been part of the team since 2014. This year Ali Sönmez from the hotel’s reception will be the new wildcard on the team and will be sitting on the fourth seat.

The first Training

With the best weather, we met today for the first training in Dresden’s Rowing Club. Because Mike, our trainer, and successful professional rower, wanted to start with a warm-up session in the indoor rowing box, we didn’t have to brave the rainy weather. His excuse: “We first have to show Ali the correct technique” Our personal view: he really didn’t feel like being out in the rain. So we enjoyed 1 hour of training while staying dry and warm in the cellar of the rowing club and were able to get used to the technique again and work on our team rhythm. We had almost forgotten the smell of the sculls. Generations of rowers have formed these handles, and soaked the wood in their sweat – an oasis of smell and every year an experience to get used to again.   However we had a lot of fun again and look forward to next weeks second training. Then we will definitely be out on the Elbe, hopefully with great weather. Will will document our training progress here and would be happy to receive comments or tips and at any time.

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