We made it. Perhaps I'll start all of my entries that way.

After lots of airport drama, wallets in plastic bags, sitting on tarmacs, and stiff necks, we're settled into our hotel. A Holiday INN next to the airport; yeah, USRowing. The Italian and American teams are staying in the same hotel and eating at the same cafeteria, which makes for some interesting staring matches.

We're known as the "Riverside guys" because we're one of the few National Team boats that don't train out of Princeton. We got a lot of stares when we got on the plane. Even though we're staying with the whole team, we still feel slightly isolated. Being a lightweight and being in a non-Olympic event will do that to you. Our coach loves it. It gives us a chip on our shoulder. I love it too; I'm a former Cal Lightweight. Makes us hungry (both for food and for respect).

Tomorrow morning we piece the US heavy 8. Holy Shit. I'm more amped for tomorrow than I was for trials. If we can stay with 'em for just one piece......If we can push our bow out in front of their big red Hudson.....I'll give you an update tomorrow on how it goes but regardless i'll be pulling harder than I ever have before.

And it's funny. I know the "pulling harder than I ever have before" line is a little cliche but that's what most of this experience is. One big fat awe-inspiring cliche. THe regatta is the biggest I've ever been to. The stakes are the highest. The rowing is at the highest level. I'll go the fastest I ever have. It's overwhelming. Realization of these simple facts rush over me periodically throughout the day. I'm paralyzed just thinking about it.  A  voice in my head keeps saying "Damnit Sam, enjoy it". I keep feeling like I'm missing out on everything I could be doing.....

We got our gear the day before we left. That was exciting. Compression shirts, Splash jackets, sandals, sunglasses; all with the National Team crest on it. I put my uni on immediately and I think to myself: "Man, this is how Greg Ruckman must feel everyday, this is awesome!"

Well, hopefuly I'll post more frequently.....until then, hope everyone is doing well.