I am often asked how I started rowing and it was actually because I copied Leah! I suppose I am copying her again now that I have taken on riding my bike a bit more.
She had started rowing up at Simon Fraser University while she was completing her Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. At the time, I was at Douglas College in Coquitlam, BC working towards transferring to Simon Fraser as well. Something clicked for me when she started rowing. Something told me that this might be "my" sport. Something that I think I was searching for without really knowing it. I was drawn in and addicted very quickly. It was love.
It wasn't long before I fell in love with rowing and Leah shortly thereafter moved on to ride bikes, following in my dad's footsteps. Someone had to take on my dad's (Nels Guloien) legacy in cycling!
Article by Kathryn Bertine, pro cyclist in her own right, really captures the dynamic of Leah and I in our respective sports. Read full article here.
When sharing about the difference in our training between sports, Leah shares,
"both sports, like most, require focus and strategy/game plan. Training is still intense and needs to be consistent regardless of the length of time of the event. In order to be at the top of your game, you need to be very focused and dedicated to your goals. Every workout should have purpose, whether it is a long, steady distance, or short and hard intervals. Training all of the systems, both aerobic and anaerobic, will help you gain benefits and improve performance."
Leah's educational background combined with her experience and ongoing research is a definite edge for her when it comes to competition, training and coaching.
Now that I am retired from rowing and riding my bike more, Leah has taken on a bit of a coaching role with me. I am looking forward to going on one of her upcoming training camps! Stay tuned!
