The Club's Results

Never again.

Ever.

This is not some kind of Steve Redgrave never. I am not racing again in a single scull if it's that windy unless my technique has somehow managed to improve considerably. (Ok, so possibly that is a get out clause.....)

I was feeling only mildly terrified after my first head piece (completed yesterday) went fairly well - including spectacular overtaking of the grey barge going round Ditton. Still, got to the start (slowly) with one small hitting of the bank incident. Was patronised (probably rightly) as I marshalled by *the* Churchill coach who obviously thought I was incompetent (again, probably rightly so).

So, set off into the gusty headwind, rating lower than I had planned due to fear of falling in. Got round first post corner taking an ok line, got round grassy after several near crab experiences in the gut and round the corner. Realised the bloke in the clinker behind me was catching me up fairly quickly so tried to go faster - bad plan, so settled back into my old rhythm. Got round Ditton, slightly wide, straight into the reach where I made the mistake of looking at the bank (mistake because it was noticably not moving relative to me!) Tried to push off the clinker but he came past on the reach. Got to the railway bridge and still couldn't see Mark (was determined to beat him!) so things were looking up. Started going for the finish. (I'd predicted ~60 strokes from the railway bridge, and counted down every one) Rounded the final bend and some spirited cheering helped as I crossed the line..... finally!

As far as I'm aware, Mark managed to beat me by a mere 1 second and I possibly beat a mens shell (or two). Think the other women entered were of slightly higher calibre than me though. (Little Jenners)