Wild swimming workshop – a river-lover’s dream
It was only a matter of time before Girl on the River became Girl IN the River. I'm not talking about capsizing here - though admittedly I've had the occasional dip that way as well - but actual, voluntary, full-body immersion in the river, by way of a wild swimming...
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A survivor’s guide to coxing the Tideway
Perhaps you were tricked into it. Maybe you're doing it for a dare. It might be a bucket list goal checked off or the next step in your coxing career or even a last-minute stand-in because nobody else was available. Whatever your reasons for coxing the Tideway for the...
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Back in the game – Girl on the River is back
When I last wrote, my chemo had just come to an end and I was about to embark on my first race in a single, at Ross Regatta. And somehow another six months have passed without me posting, so it's high time for a Girl on the River update. As you can see from the...
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Six months of cancer treatment later… an update!
Wow, what a lot can happen in six months... When I last posted, in early February, I was about to have surgery for primary breast cancer, and at the time I thought that would be it. After a few weeks of recovery I'd be back on the river and life would return to...
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The C word…
I’ve dithered for ages about whether to write this post and how much to say. But I figured this blog is about the ups AND downs of my rowing life, and this subject impacts pretty heavily on that subject, so here goes. The thing is, I have to go into hospital on Monday...
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The seven stages of an erg test
The erg test. It's a fact of life for most rowers but somehow that doesn't make it any easier. An erg test takes up disproportionate amounts of mental space, becoming a traumatic obsession and turning otherwise level-headed adults into irrational toddlers. Here's how...
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Erganuary – my new year mission
Forget Dry January. Forget Veganuary. Here at Girl on the River I'm bucking the trend and devoting the month of January to my old frenemy, the ergometer with a mission I'm calling Erganuary. In a sudden rush of blood to the head while mooching around the Concept2...
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WINNER!!! The Myprotein Fitness Awards 2017
After a rather downbeat few weeks I've started to feel it's time to change the mood, and how better to do it than with a celebration? I'm beyond thrilled to tell you that Girl on the River has won the endurance category of the Myprotein Fitness Awards 2017!!! This is...
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Why do I even row? What it feels like when your sport doesn’t love you back
My relationship with rowing is a bit like what happens when you fall in love with an unsuitable boy. Maybe you've been there yourself. He's the last person your mum and dad would choose for you. He treats you badly, rarely returning your calls, and he's mean to you in...
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Christmas gift guide – mid-range to super-generous
With the stocking fillers covered the other day, it's time to get your wallet out - yes, it's my Christmas gift guide for mid-range to super-generous presents! If you're buying for a rower, then by definition they're worth it, so don't hold back. Here's a fantastic...
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