The 2009/2010 season started on September 1st and after the short month off, it was hard to get back into the training. This early part of the season is pretty boring, it mainly consists of hours of long training sessions with not much racing opportunity. In this part of the year the main aim is to achieve a good rank at the first set of Great Britain trials, these trials work by everyone doing a 5km assessment in a single scull. This trial is done in Boston but due to bad weather it had to be cancelled. Monthly I attend a World class start rowing camp which is usually at the national water sports this year I have attended 5 camps and I have received 3 group promotions, which I think is quite good as there are only 5 groups and I am now in group C. Over the Christmas break I attended a GB rowing camp in Nantes, France. Nantes was a really fantastic opportunity for me to get to know people that may be in my crew later on in the year. It was also really nice to not have to worry about anything apart from rowing, it really took me away from the general stresses of life. After Nantes my training was lighter over Christmas, I had a really good Christmas and new year.

Back into training on January 2nd completely focused on the goal ahead, febuary 5km GB pairs trial. By this time Tim and I had already been training in our pair for two months. But it was now so clear that every session was invaluable and that every stroke had to count. Over this time Tim had really been struggling with an injury, which is still ongoing. Tim continued to train and sometimes he found he wasn’t in any pain at all.

The pair was really moving well, every session felt really good. Before I knew it was already febuary and trials were rapidly approaching, in the two weeks before trials Tim and I where really hitting water sessions hard. In the week before trials Tim was quite concerned about his leg but he convinced me it would be okay.

We arrived the day before trials in Boston, Friday was an opportunity for us to check the boat over and have a short paddle. Everything seemed fine. Tim and I where completely focused on the trial the following day. The next day we boated on time and were at the start when we needed to be. Everything was looking good as we set off we was already catching the two crews infront of us. Within the first 2km I could tell that it didn’t feel right for some reason it didn’t feel like Tim was putting his all into it. The following 3km I didn’t stop shouting at Tim practically begging him for more power. Even though we caught the crew infront of us, I wasn’t happy we crossed the line I was exhausted and Tim let out a cry, shouting “my leg, my leg!” I was really disappointed because I wanted to do so well. Tim went to see the GB physio and the news wasn’t good, she pulled him from the second day of trials. First days result we came 5th out of around 40 which was really good because of Tim’s injury. On the second day I rowed with a person from Eton we came 6th which was okay because it was the first time we rowed together. Tim had to go for an MRI scan luckily it came up all clear he just needed rest and stretching.

I competed in the national junior indoor rowing championships. I rowed in the year 12 event, which I came second. I also rowed in the oakwood park team we won this event which was really great.

The last blog I left off by telling you that I would be trialing for GB at spring assessment. Spring assessment is a four day trial, it’s a long and grueling time doing around 10 races a day it’s a real test of physical and mental endurance. The basic format is the first day you trial in pairs then the next three you are in fours. This trial went reasonably well for me as I finished 3rd on bow side which guaranteed me a position for the Munich International Regatta. The top seven would go to this, unfortunately Tim still struggling with his injury finished 9th.

With no time for a break the day after trials I was expected to be at GB rowing lake in Caversham for some training I stayed overnight and trained hard the following day. Both days I was in the 8 so I assumed this is what I would be racing at Munich. So as you can imagine I was totally exhausted and a well earned day off was in order.

Three weeks later Dorney (where the Olympics will be), Small boats GB Regatta. Once again this is a trial but it only lasts one day it is in Regatta format, so six crews racing side by side. Here you race with your pairs partner all day with a time trial, semi and final. Tim and I came 4th in the time trial. Then we raced our semi finishing a pleasing 2nd. In the final we had a terrible start and where a few seconds down on the rest of the field. However we pulled it back and managed to finish 4th. This put Tim and I 4th in the rankings for GB pairs.

Next for me was Germany. Once again representing my country, which is such an honor. We flew out on Friday morning and by the evening we were paddling in our crew combination. Turns out on the Saturday I would be in the pair. The person I was rowing with I had only been in a boat with once before, Tom from Radley school. Our Friday paddle was interesting to say the least. Its very difficult to row with someone different for the first time as you both have to adapt, Fast! Overall we finished 6th although this is disappointing we were racing some very well polished crews. Sunday was a different story, Tom and I switched boats and jumped into the 8 we had quite a good race and finished 3rd which is one of the best finishes GB has ever had in the 8’s final only once winning it before. After some trouble with the ash cloud our plane was delayed however I got home a whole day before my parents.

Over the last month training became difficult especially with exams but Tim and I have managed to keep on top of it, I think. Two weekends ago we raced at the national schools regatta and finished 3rd I wasn’t overly happy with that. But we formed a partnership with the winners and we will be doing a quad at Henley Royal Regatta.

Last weekend we raced at the Metropolitan Regatta in our quad and in the senior event finished fourth. With the seasons end soon approaching the focus is Henley and Final Trials where I will hopefully be picked for the Junior World Championship team.