Ursula Grobler is one of those athletes with a natural ability to excel. The hard minded South African knows a thing or two about overcoming challenges and a quick rise to the top of her sport. During a recent training camp in Bellingham, WA we were able to ask her a bit about her training and integration of the Restwise program.

RW: For the new reader, can you describe briefly how you became involved with rowing and working with Carlos?

UG: A couple of things, I bought a single and wanted to train hard and keep learning how to row. I heard that there was a coach who just moved from Spain to Seattle who was exceptional. I had a dream to take my rowing to the top and believed I could do it, but needed help. I called Carlos and asked if he would consider coaching me. He first turned me down because I had no money to pay him, very little rowing experience and wanted to achieve Olympic level. However, we worked on a trade system where I painted a wall mural for him in exchange for rowing coaching, and that’s how it all began.

RW: Your rise to the top has been sudden, and I’m sure has brought about some hotly debated topics. What are some of the challenges you face with your critics?

UG: The unbelief in Carlos’s training that has catapulted my results is the biggest critic. Carlos has challenged traditional training systems and tested and refined new training methodologies all on himself and then introduced them to me. Critics are quick to say its my genetics, or blood or physiology, and although there was capacity to build upon, if Carlos did not hit the right training like he has, I would never have unlocked my potential in such a short span.

RW: Since your training is relatively un-orthodox, how do you feel Restwise has helped you produce gains in fitness?

UG: Restwise has helped to monitor our daily progress. It’s like a check and balance of the load done the day before and how to adjust the training for the next day based on the recovery, or non recovery. It’s made training more effective and efficient, and more personalized.

RW: Aside from the benefits of using Restwise, do you feel there are components of this product/software that help you become more educated about your training? If so please explain.

UG: As an athlete, you live so much in your body. It’s your gold, or where you make your money so to say. So working with Restwise has opened up another level of awareness to my body and how the training has affected me, from an outside, objective system.

RW: The value of having a resource like Carlos is immeasurable.  What unique attributes make you two a good pair for the coach/athlete relationship?

UG: Trust and ownership. Carlos has said many times, this is my medal and he can’t make me do anything. It’s my choice. So he trusts that I do my best always, and I trust his coaching with no doubts or excuses. The results keep things sustainable and proof that it’s working.

RW: What other training tools are you incorporating? Nutrition, machines, training philosophies?

UG: I’m a strong believer in nourishing for training, and follow a Paleo lifestyle, which means I believe not in processed foods, but rather being part of the process of preparing food. I supplement with Hammer Nutrition’s Endurance Fuels as well. As far as machines, we used the Rowperfect Rowing Machine and also the Shuttle System MVP leg press for dynamic power. We used altitude training from Altitude Tech, and also a breathing device called the Spirotiger from FACT Canada.

RW:What are your plans for the immediate future for racing? The Olympics are obviously the goal, but other races in the short term you are focusing on?

UG: We are building towards NSR 2 in Princeton (National Selection Round) next week in the double to qualify for the World Cup 1, 2010 in Bled Slovenia. This race is very important as it dictates which oarsmen and oarswomen are chosen to represent the US. Then we hope to go to New Zealand for the World Championships. I also hope to race the Holland Kings Cup in June.

RW: We wish you the best of luck this season, and can’t wait to see how much faster you continue to get!