I have been training for the 2012/2013 season since I
came back from a server injury in August. The weeks before this trial I had
been feeling very strong and prepared myself both mentally and physically for
the weekend; looking forward to the start of a new season where I want to make
the U23 GB rowing team. Unfortunately, two weeks before this event I came down
with a cold, it was underlying so I continued training hard not letting it
distract me; however on the Thursday before the trials I woke up in pain
surrounding my neck and ears. Little did I know that I had a viral infection
and later that day I would be sat in the doctor’s surgery waiting for a written
medical exemption form for the first stage of the trials process. Devastation
doesn’t even begin to explain what I was feeling. After months of preparation
and fighting every cold or illness that has come near me I was unable to go!
On a positive note, the Sunday 5km water test had to be
cancelled due to the crazy flooding we have experienced. For me, this was a
delightful thing to hear about and being ill saved me the torturous and
monotonous journey to Boston just to perform a 2km ergometer test. I will be
completing a 2km test sometime before Christmas when I am fully recovered and
fit to train again – I really want a PB of 7:20 or lower so recovery and
resting is best for me at the moment. I’ll keep you all posted with my progress
of shifting this viral infection and my completion of the 2km J
