It's All Been Done

Four races, four weigh-ins, four days, and now its over. Today has been a crazy whirlwind, and despite fighting off extreme exhaustion right now, I thought I'd post something before bed. Yesterday was the semis, and we finished sixth in ours, qualifying for the B Final, which you probably already know. Times were ridiculously slow, due to the fact that it was the most brutal headwind you can possibly imagine. The water was incredibly rough too, white caps and all. We did our best in it, but it was extremely challenging. Today was a very similar situation. While conditions weren't as slow because the wind was more of a cross-head, it made the water even more difficult to row in. Hands down, this was the toughest race I've ever been in. Again, we finished sixth. Italy, Poland, and the Netherlands beat us, all of whom we thought we'd be able to beat since we've finished ahead of them already. We were at a distinct disadvantage in lane one, out in the middle of the ocean (it seemed like) while the other lanes were much more sheltered closer to shore. Across the board, no boat in lane one fared well today. But, what can you do about it.

Kristin and I learned a lot from the experience, and I think it was very similar to what she and Jill figured out after racing in tough conditions last year in Scotland. In tough conditions, it doesnt matter how strong you are, its all about experience. Experience in that particular boat and in rowing together. The United States won two medals here, both gold medals in the mens and womens eights. It was exciting for them, but it also goes to show that it pays to race in what you practice in...we college students row in eights year round, and that's what we're the strongest in. Switching to sculling and going into a small little boat and getting five weeks to practice together is absolutely no match for the Europeans, who train together in these boats year round. The American system stands in great need of improvement, especially where lightweights are concerned, and unfortunately it doesn't look like any will be made soon.

But not to sound like a downer, it has just been very eye opening being here. But we got our goal, and finishing twelfth in the world is awesome, especially when you think about how far we've come. Heck, two months ago I was miserable with a cracked rib thinking that I might not be able to row again for months.

This has been the most unbelievable experience. I still can't believe all this has happened. I have had the time of my life, and am so sad that our little Pocock family will be parting ways in mere hours. I'm so excited to go home in a few days (after briefly touring), because I do miss my family a lot and the comforts of home, but nothing will ever replace this amazing summer adventure. Seattle, Princeton, Virginia, Germany...what a time it has been. A HUGE thank you to all of you reading this because it is because of your help, support, and encouragement that made this all possible.

Cheers,
Lisa

PS In case you were interested to know, since we were all done with weigh-ins, Kristin and I wanted to get ice cream after the racing. But everything is closed on Sundays, sadly. However, we easily consumed several packages of M&Ms from Dani, Ghiradelli chocolates, multiple airheads, nutella, and basically everything else we could get a hold of. Be warned, though, when we return to the States there might be a mass ice cream shortage in Madison and Niskayuna :)