One month back at it.
The first month of our 2026 season is already complete. One month down, ten to go until the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam.
The end-of-season break flew by, and those three weeks now seem like a distant memory. Three weeks off to rest and reset; the only time of the year when you can be “normal”. We must make the most of it or face almost a year of waiting for the next opportunity.
Starting a new season is strange. It’s a different routine and feeling from the rest of the year, with a renewed energy, shorter days, and less mileage – all a novelty. All too soon, this is quickly replaced by the usual fatigue, winter miles and a craving for a day off. Alongside water, weights and erg sessions, there’s been plenty of cross-training mixed in. Running and cycling are opportunities to offload the upper body and to have a mental switch-off, two things to be valued at this time of year.
As an athlete with a history of injuries, the start of the season is a crucial time for me to get ahead with injury prevention. These first few weeks have seen plenty of testing of the core and hips, essential areas of functionality and strength for the rowing stroke. Setting benchmarks and gathering data helps shape my prehab strategy for the future, alongside the usual recovery priorities: fuel and sleep. Whilst having a completely injury-free season may be somewhat unrealistic, investing time in these areas is crucial in ensuring I spend as much quality time on the boat as possible.
On the water, training has mainly been in the single. This part of the year is far from my favourite; it’s long, and it’s lonely. Add the cold weather to the mix, and it can be truly miserable at times. Nevertheless, throughout the depths of winter, it’s important to remember that the technical changes and physiological gains we make now are setting ourselves up for the summer months. There are moments of enjoyment, too: the sunrises, the (occasionally) flat water, the shared sense of camaraderie throughout the suffering. Every kilometre rowed, every session completed, and every day done is another to add to the bank of work we’re building.
The Fours Head was a highlight this month, breaking up the monotony of winter training and allowing us to train at our clubs. Heading back to Leander, it was refreshing to be in a different environment, immersed in the club culture and racing in pink. It was brilliant to be racing at a domestic event, and a relief that the race could run for the first time in three years. That’s not to say 6.8km on the Tideway wasn’t a shock to the system after just a couple of weeks of training…
Back at Caversham, focus will soon turn to trials and testing, our first chance to assess how we are faring this season and how our winter training is progressing. This part can be stressful, but throughout it all, it’s essential to remember why you’re doing it.
In the meantime, for me, it’s about staying fueled, staying warm, and staying robust. Watch this space to see how the next few months go.
