Birc - Videos - Photos - Reflections

So no training today while I try and shift the cold - also works lunch do in the canteen so used that as a reason for the rest.

 

Over the week I've been reflecting on BIRC and have to say the overall experience was fantastic - the team (Q-Power) really and truly feels like a team with the people within it looking after each other and trying to help out where needed with others. It's funny in a sport where it's so much about ones personal goals that people still work so well for the good og others.

 

As for my races I'm still happy with the decision to both the Open and the 35-39 - there was a fear that the idea of having to race again would slow me in the first one - I don't think it did - what did slow me a little was a touch of illness and a touch of stupidity (where I worked out that 1:31.9 split meant a finish time of sub 6:04 - I doubled the seconds on the ave - d'oh) The races themselves in the outcome position wise where a fair reflection on my abilities on the day and the opposition I had - but - walking away as British Open champion and "Champion of Champions" still doesn't sit easy with me - when you look at the times on the "Champion of Champions" cup (mostly Mr Benton but also a Sir Pincent on there) and you are a little embarrassed to add a 6:07 – maybe it’s just an Irish guilt thing :lol: I have come away determined to make amends though – once I am back up and running there will be a bigger (in some areas (muscle) – smaller in others – (fat)) Beowulf ready for a tussle. That sub6 is still very much a goal I WILL attain – and now Mr Benton has upped the ante on the world record I have a real fight on my hand – onwards and upwards!

 

Thanks to Anne Yates for the top three photos

 

Getting ready for the Open

 

 

 

This video is purely the wait for the Open to start – just saved it cos I like it

 

The Race itself – fat men can row fast’ish

 

 

 

After the open “Why did I decide to do two!”

 

 

The Open result

 

 

 

Summoning up the energy for the 35-39

 

 

35-39H Race

 

 

 

During the race (35-39) - thanks to Sion Evans

 

 

 

The 35-39H results

 

 

 

Champion of Champions Cup

 

 

To infinity and beyond! Onwards and Upwards

 

 

The Q-Power Team – 4 Golds and 4 Silvers (incl James Howards who isn’t in the photo)

  

BIRC 2by2k

Would like to say a well done to all who raced and supported yesterday - including those who weren't physically present.

Where to start - well - after the Irish  I regained some confidence and entered BIRC 35-39H then once the competitors list came out I saw an opportunity in the Open so after discussing it with Q we decided to TT the open and race the 35-39H.

Not a great week leading up to the race as I came down with a sore throat! But as it stayed at just that the plan remained the same. Target 1:31 for the open. Looking at the entrants for the 35-39 I figured sub 6:20 would take that.

Warmed up for the open about right - maybe a little early - but conscious of the 15min my marshaling time. Sat on the back row as I was a late entry  ;-) set of well and seemed to sit on my plan pretty well - about halfway though I found the throat really drying up and the throat caused a small problem - but carried on although the pace may have slowed - towards the end I was convinced I was on for a 6:04 as my tired old brain worked out 1:31.9 split wrong  :lol: when I'd finished it took me 30seconds to work out that the clock wasn't wrong with its 6:07.5 - a win which would also earn me the honour of winning the "Champion of Champions" cup.

Struggled over to collect my medal - watched Jens race - then back around to race again :lol: the aim was to sit on 1:35 and punch the finish - found myself 5th at the start but sat on my split and figured the lesders would fade - which all but one did - fair play to him - rowed a great race and deserved the win I got the silver with 6:17.2

Great day followed by a Q-Power team night out - today I'm struggling....