It's been a while... Our Musings on Summer Training.

So we're already back to trialing for the 2014 Boat Race, a surprise to none of our friends that we've decided to trial for a third time. It definitely would have been a surprise to us if you'd asked us two years ago if we'd trial for at least three years, or if you asked us after some of the colder, more miserable Ely mornings where you'd probably have heard us bringing out lines akin to Redgrave's classic of Atlanta '96. But here we are again, through love of rowing, enjoying a challenge or sheer stupidity (possibly a mix of all three) who knows.

Since we last posted we've had the highs of BUCS regatta (with vast improvements on our Boat race performance), the excitement of Henley Women's as well as College Bumps rowing and coaching. We've also had our last long work experience free summer holiday...

Summer gives the opportunity to train in different ways; take a break from the erg or the boat and get away from the Cambridge bubble for a few weeks. Our top 5 great things about summer training are as follows:

1. Runs in beautiful places; running is great for when you're away without much equipment and has the added bonus of finding some amazing views. some of our examples...

Barefoot run along here anyone?

So glad I had my phone to capture this! 

2. Bemoaning the loss of a squad to train with leads you to finding new training partners, leading to competitive training against siblings (we will not be beaten by younger siblings, or older ones for that matter, even if our UT2 jog ends up turning into a near sprint.) Being keenly observed erging by the dog, who is also very keen, even if you have other opinions to try to help lick off your sweat between pieces and the long suffering friends and boyfriends who having put up with you disappearing off to train all season suddenly get the joy of accompanying you.

Nothing escapes the watchful gaze of coach Henry.

3. Sun; making the most of every opportunity to work on the tan lines, plus even erging in the sun can be (almost) enjoyable.

4. Tour de France inspired cycling challenges; home to Cambridge, to the beach or just out to explore the countryside- spending a day out in the open is great (until you come across a hill).

5. Training whenever you like. From early morning barefoot runs along the beach to late night erging under the stars, suddenly training is able to fit around your life rather than your life around training.


Four weeks into the season, summer training already seems a very long time ago, but we're enjoying being back with the squad and back in the boat and are looking forward to our first race of the season. Plus, we're now clinical vet students, more on this to follow!