Making it to nationals... unrealistic?

Question
I'm a sophomore in high school and am trying to make it to nationals for the second year in a row. I would be racing a lightweight double, and was wondering if you have any suggestions on what and when is the best way to train. What workouts do you recommend? Does this even seem possible if our Regional Regatta is in May? Thanks

Answer
Hi Susan: For starters, you must be quite a good sculler to even be considered for the Junior Nationals camp.  As your question is a bit vague, my recommendation is to concentrate on the high school season and doing well in the May regionals.  All National camps begin after school is out, so you would have a month to train.  If you are racing in a good double in High School, maybe your coach might consider sending you to some of the Major High School regatta like the Stotesbury Cup in Philadelphia or the High School Nationals.  This would be a good work-up to the national camp.

As for training, of course you will want to keep up with your ergometer workouts (you will surely have to do an erg trial at any camp) and maintain a good lifting and running regimen throughout the spring season.  Running hills or flight of stairs is grueling, but can give you an edge when you are in camp.

Rowing in small boats, like double schools also puts emphasis on on-water time and perfecting technique, as these boats are trickier to set up than a big 8 with coxswain.  I would focus your training on perfecting your on-water skills like steering a course and clean bladework.  I would also recommend doing some training in single sculls.  

Finally, working out hard for the High School and in preparation for Nationals is important, but don't work out so hard that you burn yourself out before the camp.  Rowing over the long haul wears you down, so take time off periodically to recharge.

Hopefully these suggestions will get you selected for the national team.  

Good Luck/AP