First race of the day, and the first race for the crew this term - nerves ran high. Perhaps slightly too aware that we were entered in two consecutive divisions, our start (admittedly, something we've never practiced all term) didn't feel as committed as it could be, and we struggled to get the rate up high. In response, the entire crew decided to rush the slide to create an artificial rate which resulted in a fairly unpleasant rowing experience. I am not sure what I was doing in the race but it couldn't have been very good rowing as both my forearms blew around a kilometer in.  (D. Lee)