The Club's Results

Listening to Neil's advice, we attacked the race with the aim of sustaining a good 30spm. This was a bit higher than what we had previously envisioned, but given the quality of the opposition, we agreed that we would need to step up our game. And step it up we did, 32 on average. We went there knowing that it would be crucial to stay composed and stay together, even at high rate, and even when tired. According to the fierce "yeaaaaaaaahs" coming from the bank party (to be honest I didn't hear much more than that, and "sit up tall"), we looked good!
Overall, it went by really fast, but contrary to Emma sprints or Clare novices, with more than 2k, you have time to think about several technical points that need to be corrected, so that we can do even better next time (which turns out to be... today!)

Specific memories from during the race:

Getting the shivers just before the start (must have been the adrenaline)

Outside one of the boathouses was someone taking a photo. Saying to myself 'look composed, look composed'

The most massive bank party

Hearing rather a lot of squealing brakes as the entire bank party attempted to brake on the bridge

'Yeah girls'

Fluffing a stroke and pulling a face I'm glad nobody saw

Liv shouting 'Do it for Penny!'

Being told we were gaining on Christs

'Moooving!'

Final push on the reach

Crossing the line and finally being able to look over and see Christs directly next to us

Having to keep rowing away from the finish

Pulling in and getting out and eating Minstrels and hugging each other

Liv casually mentioning we were rating 32 (32!) for most of the race

Walking back up the course to watch NW2 row

Running alongside NW2 with an even bigger bank party

Yelling myself hoarse (again)

Paddling back in style

Gliding past crews on the way back at rate 16

The entire bank party yelling at Fordy

Liv subsequently not listening the the bank party at all

A beautiful corner steered by Liv

Back to the boat house and that was that