From where I left off, the following 3 months were full
of ergos, ut2 paddles and weight sessions. Training, training, training for the
racing season. The monotonous training was eventually broken by a trip to
France for a 10 day training camp with my fellow squad members at Lac D’Aiguebelette.
This was an absolutely beautiful place
and I loved every single minute of camp! I wish I could permanently train there
- perfect weather, flat calm water and the best food EVER…3 course dinners
twice a day is heaven – unless you are a lightweight and need to weigh in L
When we got back it was time to focus and get my head in the
game for the final trials which I had been invited to. Coming back from camp I
was feeling prepared but extremely nervous about it all. Unfortunately due to
weather conditions the usual 2 day trial got pushed into one day with racing
starting very early to fit the entire process in on one day. The conditions
were extremely strong winds with lots of gusts (my worst condition which I
struggle in greatly!). I didn’t perform to what I know I can on the day and was
very upset about how it went. Basically it was the WORST I had ever raced on
probably the most important race to date. I finished 8th overall
within the U23 lightweight girls and missed out on a place for the U23 World
Championships by 2 positions! This news upset me and it took a great deal for
me to get my spirit back with rowing again. I was very down and not getting
invited to the crew formation week knocked me back. Luckily for me I have a
great support team from all my family and squad members and with their help I soon
perked up.
Once I had regained a bit of focus I looked forward to
racing at some regattas. I have raced at many regattas this season however I opted
to enter into the highest level for lightweight women so I was regularly
competing against current GB lightweight squad members so all racing has been
very tough. I view it as the way to improve though as one day I need to be
beating these girls so I can get selected instead of them.
Regattas: BUCS Regatta, Notts City Regatta, Met Regatta,
Henley Women’s Regatta
In a nutshell, the 2014 season has been an emotional
rollercoaster for me. I have had many ups and downs but back on track now and don’t
have thoughts of quitting anymore…phew! This is one season I will reflect upon
as I feel I have learnt a lot about myself and the rowing world, it’s been one
huge learning journey. Let’s see what my first year as a senior lightweight
rower will bring…
No comments:
Post a Comment
Feel free to leave a comment :-)