So there has been a lot going on and as a result I've become a tad bit lazy about a few things ... like this blog. But this time I mean it (really). So the fall has been a busy time with a lot of rowing in small boats (1x's, 2x's, lots of sculling) and a handful of opportunities to get out in the 8+ and a couple of coxed 4s. This coming weekend we have the 4's Head of the River. www.hor4s.org.uk/ I was supposed to be racing with one of our coxed 4s but took a "leave of absence" and headed home for a couple of weeks for a few reasons: 1) It's been 6 months and I haven't seen my family 2) I need winter clothes (yoga pants and juicy hoodies will not cut it even now) and 3) I wanted to race the Head of the Charles and Head of the Schuylkill.
Before I even booked a flight I checked with our head coach several times to make sure it was ok and that I wouldn't have a problem with my absence. He said yes every single time. Yet when I came back I found that my seat in the 4 had been replaced with the explanation being "you were away". I'm going to say that I'm frustrated. Let's leave it at that. This is not my personal b$!@# board.
That being said we've got a full regiment racing this weekend and I plan to go down to cheer for all of my teammates and friends- some from other clubs- racing. Before we could race though we needed to do some practice. In an effort to acclimate ourselves to the tideway (yes, the Thames in London is tidal... loads of fun! ;-) we've spent the past few days training there. I had the opportunity to check the tideway out for myself on Thursday when one of our other coxies wasn't able to make it. It was windy, cold, rainy and smelled of sewage. Definitely not the nicest of introductions to the tideway. But we managed and I'm proud to say that my crew handled the constantly changing but always adverse conditions as well as could be hoped. I hope that they kick some ass on Sunday. On that note I need to go find a ride into London so until next time, remember that adventure is out there!
