(no subject)
Still rowing as bow 4/stern 4, with the others sitting the boat. Rowed #5. Went as far as the Railway Bridge before spinning, and spent at least half of the session rowing feathered. Spent ten minutes afterwards on the ergs practicing form and timing.
Didn't happen due to a Yellow Flag (boats from 1st/2nd division, and University crews, only), so we spent the time on the ergs instead. Picked up loads of tips and started putting a lot more power down. Then (immediately after) did a 500m erg test, 1:54 rather pathetically. Went back a few times in the evenings, starting a total of ten 500m tests - doing 200-300m of most and finishing one (1:48). Am able to hit 1:38 pace at 40spm at the start, but don't have the endurance to keep that going for the entire distance. Will need to do some long-distance (20 minutes and/or 5000m) work to build up stamina.
Started out on the RowPerfects, testing balance and connection. Wasn't ideal, as I was wearing my boots, but was getting a feeling for the balance towards the end. Then into the boat, rowing #5 again, to around the Pike and Eel and back. Having a second way of balancing the boat - differential pressure on the footplate - as well as just the blade on the surface made it a lot easier to keep the boat level. The return was stern 4 (square blades), stern 4 (with feathering), bow 6 and stern 6 - all of which involve #5 and #6 rowing, so quite a workout! Feeling happier about staying in synch, but had to rush the slide when the guys in front of me did. Finished with some legs-only work on the ergs, with my boots off this time, so getting a reasonable connection. Nice and sunny, too, so a rather pleasant afternoon on the river.
Queens' Ergs on Tuesday evening (yes, Hallowe'en is scary!), with me in the B crew. Hopefully won't let the team down and can knock a few seconds off my split time - adrenaline is a wonderful thing!
Now for a pint and some lunch. Hurrah!