Two months ago, racing at the Worlds seemed, if not exactly realistic, then at least doable. I was heading towards my final cancer treatment with every prospect of bouncing back afterwards. We had long months of training stretching ahead of us. The sun was shining. It was all good. By the beginning of this month, however, it had become apparent that the situation had changed somewhat. My health wasn’t playing ball – fatigue, injury niggles and colds had all kept me from the rigorous training programme I’d planned. And life had got rather more complicated, with illness in the family meaning I had commitments elsewhere. So whereas two months ago we looked like this:
by the beginning of August, more often than not, we looked like this:
So when I got a message from my 2x partner checking if I still wanted to do the Worlds, the sensible thing would have been to withdraw. I could, after all, still cox and support, which was all I’d originally planned to do, after all. Nobody would have thought any the less of me for quietly standing aside. With all of that in mind, this is how the conversation went:
Look, since when did Girl on the River do sensible? But before you berate me for being irresponsible, let me explain my thinking. All along, I’ve seen rowing at the Worlds as just the most amazing opportunity for a mediocre club rower like me. Yes, you’re up against the stiffest competition that the (ageing) world has to offer and will probably find yourself racing super-elite rowers. But the way I see it, it’s not that you have to race against world class rowers. It’s that you get to race against world class rowers, without even having to qualify to do so. HOW COOL IS THAT?
Now. There were, last time I looked, a massive 82 crews entered into the WD2x category that we’ll be racing in (divided into six-lane finals). The chances are we’ll come last in our own race by a fair margin (though you never know – let’s face it, with racing anything can happen). But since our times will be made public, I’ve decided to make it my aim simply not to come 82nd. If we can have a decent race and don’t capsize or catch one of those wretched crabs and our time is 81st in our category or above, that’ll do me nicely.
So training is back ON, whenever we can snatch some time, and it’s already getting better. There’s still my unpredictable health to deal with, so I’m now, as of this week, officially on a major health kick. No alcohol (literally none) until after my last race. Super-healthy food. The odd carefully-chosen supplement here and there (I’m about to take delivery of some turmeric supplements from Future You which I’ll tell you about on my social media). I’m even swapping out coffee for green tea (if you find one that doesn’t taste of pondwater, do let me know). And lots of rest whenever I get the chance. This is how my life is going to look for the next month:
All I can do is work with what I’ve got – and if that’s pretty feeble so be it – and the rest I’ll leave up to the Rowing Gods. But quit? No way. After all, as my mug says, Winners Never Quit. And Quitters Never Win.
Hi girl on the river. I absolutely agree. My doubles partner and I went to Bled a couple of years ago and came 5th in our race. It was the most amazing, inspirational, humbling experience meeting fellow rowers from all over the world and getting to do my favourite sport with my best friend in a beautiful venue. Soo excited about Budapest- we are one of the 82 and also have entered the WE2x. Let’s drink lots of coffee and chat to anyone we sit next to and live and learn. ???
Ah, that’s amazing. Bled is so gorgeous. Come and say hi!! And good luck with your race, too 🙂
See doing the World as a fun event. Exciting but with not too much expectation of winning, just doing your best. Anything can happen! I did my third ever Pair outing (not race, OUTING) at the Worlds in Bled (subbed for someone who pulled out), came in last but only just, we fought it out to the end and laughed all the way down the course.
Go for it! Xx
Wow, girl, I like your style!! Are you going this year?
Have a great row! I’ll be there cheering you on. I am going to row in the WF2x event with a partner I have not had a chance to practice with. Any seat, any boat, any time, that’s our motto.
Yes, LOVE that attitude. We will have a totally scratch mixed 8 which should be loads of fun! Come and say hi!
? Go get it girl!
🙂
A wise rowing friend once said (well, she yelled) during one of our races at Worlds, “You gotta want it!” And it worked. You’ve got this. ?
Oh, I want it, all right!!
Do it, and try not to be too impressed with the numbers. Stand your ground and don’t let yourself be intimidated by other crews. Trust me, you’ll have a lot to write about in the aftermath. Personally, I found the racing better at EuroMasters.
Great advice!
Hi , you will be there anyway so why not give it a go , I know someone in our club did this in bled, months after surgery and radiotherapy , she still talks about it.
I really feel for you health wise and am experiencing a lot of the same. Post treatment you think you should be ” normal” again but I am finding the new normal quite hard to deal with. Drugs are not agreeing with me and make me feel a bit like you . Constant niggles , injure very easily , can’t get going some days and wiped out after trying hard !
My plan …. not sure but first thing is I am getting my scar tattooed.. madness , but hope it will take the negative look off it !
Not going to valence but my club are , tribesmen from Galway ireland. I hope the next few weeks work out and maybe do a little less and bit more recovery and hang in there as it isn’t about beating crews it’s about beating the past couple of years.
Here’s to the new normal and we just have to learn to enjoy that !
Ah, sorry to hear you’re struggling. Do email me (details in contact page) if you want a chat about the ups and downs any time. I’ll cheer on the Tribesmen as a fellow Irish girl! And yes to beating the last couple of years – that could be my new mantram!
PS cool re getting the scar tattooed. What a positive statement. I’ve only gone as far as getting my eyebrows tattooed!!!
As you know my wife and MasGmx2x partner Viv is undergoing treatment at the moment. She has said you are her inspiration, and we aim to be back in our beloved ‘Glen Rosa’ (our boat) as soon as possible. And we will get to Mas H next year (bigger handicap). All the best for everything. Gordon and Viv (CSRC and OMBC). Never a quitter (apart from the cigarettes)
Ah, thank you so much. Send Viv my very best and tell her not to hesitate if she wants to get in touch about anything 🙂
The new normal never feels right – and leaps up to bite you in the face when you are least expecting it.. You are doing all the work and all the right things – and no…green tea is vile – no matter how good a brand you buy….I have tried most over the years. That you are able to contemplate going to the World Masters is wonderful. Enjoy every moment – and so what if you come 82nd? You will have done it.
Ah, thank you, Perse! Yes, it’s strange, new and unpredictable territory. The good thing is it’s accompanied by a new willingness just to give things a go, so Hungary here we come!