Nice little "first timer" article. Takes you back to that first practice.
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/CityandRegion/2006/08/18/1762566-sun.html
"They say that intense physical exertion can induce mental clarity. I think they're right.
Because, after paddling a dragon boat for two minutes, I'm struck by three powerful conclusions: (a) If I keep this up, my left shoulder will explode, (b) I'm kidding myself when I think I'm in pretty good shape, and (c) This is much, much harder than it looks."