It's been a tiring day.

This morning, first order of business was a 20 minute erg piece. Afterwards, we had the pleasure of a 20km row. We were on the water for hours - it was brutal but the water was perfect. I have some video of me rowing my single around 12k into the row, I'll upload it as soon as I can.

I had a lot of fun on the long piece, we were supposed to make it hard and battle each other. Both out and back from the 10k point I started in last and had good finishes to make it back to first. It was great. After a long time of being beaten on the ergs, it was fun to prove myself on the water.

Coaching us today was Michael, who just completed his masters at University. He knows everything about physiology and rowing - he's coxed boats with 5 Olympians in them and won countless national titles. The only reason he's not coxing at an elite level? New Zealand doesn't have an eight right now.

Michael gave me a lot of tips. I have to focus on keeping my body forward and arms straight to make the drive more efficient. He taught me to row through my hips and keep the blades in the water all through the drive. I could feel myself improve stroke after stroke.

In the afternoon we had another 20 minute erg session, and then went home to call it a night. Tomorrow we'll go out for a row in the morning and then see the Highlanders play the Crusaders at the Forsyth Barr rugby stadium.

Soon we'll be off to Invercargill and Queenstown.