A successful outing down to Newquay to race at the 2014 Cornish Indoor Rowing Championships. As always I will attempt to record an honest account of the mornings racing:-
I arrived in time for a quick wander and say hello to a few people before getting changed and heading straight onto the warm up machines to row out just over 5km. The bursts felt lively but still found myself struggling with the breathing [a good sign that I still need a few weeks speed work to kick the gasping effect out which I know is quite a quick adaptation].
A huge wait of around 15+ minutes as the timings slipped right somewhat. I thought about hoping back on for another paddle but decided to just keep wandering around. Finally got on the machines and had a chat with 2013 Champion Simon Newton on the start line whilst we waited for the start. He told me I would win, I told him he would win, usual sort of stuff!
Got off the start line and was focused on sticking to Q’s instructions of feeling my way through the first 1km. We (Simon and I) got led out by 2 others but ignored them and tried to find a light rhythm. Around 600 I popped out in front and Simon soon came up into 2nd as we saw out the 2nd 500m with around a 15m gap between us.
At 1km I was happy with how things were feeling and had stretched out the lead another metre or 2. I waited another 10 strokes and decided to put a subtle squeeze on at 900 remaining. No response form Simon so I held the squeeze through to 750 and then put it on again. With no response on the second lift I knew he wasn’t coming with me so looked to hold on until 500 and try and enjoy some space and fluid rowing.
At 500m I went up again and took the rate up 2 to keep it spinning a little quicker and for the final 250m went up another 2 all the time stretching out the lead. I had only peaked at the average split once or twice through the whole row and had tried to row it off feel whilst focusing on the current split.
In the final few hundred the last 8 days work made itself known as the legs didn’t fancy much more and the strain shifted to the arms. A nicely controlled finish although on near max effort but with no issues recovering after a moment catching my breath. Finishing time 6.14.1, plenty enough to win from 2nd who was the wrong side of 6.20.
Into a cool down with team mate Paul Brew who took a decent silver in the Men’s Heavyweight 40-49 with 6.22 and then a bit of a wait for the medal presentation before driving home.
Pleased with the performance and outcome given the trouble I have had in recent weeks. Having chatted to Q post race and now with the Worlds 4 weeks away the message was clear …..

