There is a concept in rowing called ‘swing’. It describes a state where the crew becomes more than the sum of its parts. Their timing is together, their efforts are matched, and their technique is clean. The end result is that, while the boat may not be going at maximum speed, it is racing along seemingly out of all proportion to the perceived effort from the crew.
Last night I hit a similar state on my bike. It was rainy and dark, I couldn’t quite get comfortable on the seat, my feet were wet and cold, and I was getting splashed with mud. But I was cruising along, maybe at 90% of my normal speed but with what felt like only 50% of the work. It only lasted for 15 minutes, out of a 45 minute trip, but happiness is made of such moments.
One Comment
I know just what you mean. I get it in singing sometimes when you just get in the groove vocally and it all just seems to work for not a whole lot of effort. I’ve heard it’s the same playing golf sometimes too. I think it’s something (certainly with singing) to do with being relaxed and confident – the more r & c you get the easier and less forced your voice is, therefore you become more confident and relaxed etc, so it becomes a positive feedback loop. You just have to make sure you’re not thinking about it too much, but it’s fantastic when it happens.