Charles Gold

Post #69

Boston, Massachusetts - Sunday's race went well. I earned my second gold medal in the lightweight single at the Head of the Charles with a time of 19:54.

2009 and 2011!

In head races, boats start one after another and whoever completes the course in the fastest time wins. You're essentially racing the clock. They start each boat five or ten seconds apart so it's one long line of boats going down the course. I started sixth and I had to maneuver around a few people that I caught up to in order to pass them. I was a little nervous about how that would go; the tight turns and bridges on the Charles are notorious for causing collisions. But it all went smoothly with no penalties and no clashing oars.

My favorite part of the race had to be passing under the second bridge, where the Wisconsin lightweight 8 girls were standing. They were screaming for me so loudly that, even with the pain of racing, there was rumor that I broke a smile. Then coming through the fourth bridge, the Wisconsin alumni tent was roaring and I knew they had brats and beer in hand. Erik biked along most of the race, taking splits and cheering me on. I could hear my family around the big turn coming into the final stretch. The last part of the race was hard to remember but there was a lot of noise as I closed in on the finish line.

I was thrilled when I got back to the boat trailer and Erik and Heidi told me I had won. Then, only a couple hours later, Heidi and I watched the Wisconsin lightweight 8 race and got to deliver the news to them on the dock that they too had won. On top of that, the Wisco men's four had earned a gold medal earlier in the day. It was awesome. It reminded me of the National Championship in 2008 when the Wisco lightweight 8 and men's 8 won on the same day. Those days don't come often, but when they do, they are extra special.

National Champions 2008: Wisco men & lightweights

Head of the Charles

Post #68

Boston, Massachusetts - This weekend is Head of the Charles Regatta. It's said by many rowers to be the "most wonderful time of year," and I totally agree. The Charles is a giant meeting of the rowing world, from novice rowers all the way up through the elites. It's one of the few regattas where I can watch my high school club, college team, and national team friends race, all in the same weekend. The two best things about this race are seeing friends/coaches/teammates from years past and all the people cheering from the six bridges on the course. I am so excited to get out there and race tomorrow.

Racing for the Badgers in 2006

This will be my eighth time racing Head of the Charles since 2002, but only my third time in the lightweight single. I won this event in 2009 and then missed the regatta last year since we were in New Zealand for Worlds. The entries in my event feature several women who have raced at Worlds or World Cups so it should be great competition.

I am racing in the lightweight single (event 47), on Sunday at 12:40 pm eastern. I'm bow #6, racing in a black Fluidesign with red Wisconsin blades. The Wisco lightweights will be racing on Sunday at 4:35 pm. You can get all the information here, including live video feed and live results. Row2k will also have comprehensive coverage of the weekend.

In the eight years I've raced the Head of the Charles, the weather has varied dramatically. Some years it's a perfect fall day in New England: crisp air, sunshine, and calm winds. In 2009, Saturday was nice but Sunday was miserably cold, windy, and snowing by the time the eights raced.

Saturday on the Charles in 2009

Sunday on the Charles in 2009

USRowing Athlete of the Year

Post #67

Oakland, California - I am incredibly happy and proud that my doubles partner, Julie Nichols, has been voted by the National Team coaches and athletes as the 2011 USRowing Female Athlete of the Year. I have been telling the news to everyone I know; I think I might be more pumped for her than she is for herself. It is just so special to get recognition like that from fellow US teammates. Julie works extremely hard and, even more importantly, works smart. She gets the details right and does everything well, no matter what it is. She pushes those around her (myself included) to do their jobs better and to me that makes her so deserving. I'm lucky to have her as my teammate and I'm so happy that our US coaches and teammates agree.

Go Julie!

Ironman World Champs

Post #66

Oakland, California - Claire Geiger, a good friend and former Wisco cox'n, competed in the Ironman World Championships yesterday in Kona, Hawaii. Claire finished in 11 hours and 1 minute and placed 9th in her age group! I followed along online all day yesterday as she completed the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run. She did great. Claire and I are always trading emails about training and racing at this level. We've only become better friends since our time at Wisco and as we've progressed as post-collegiate athletes. She works hard, is a fierce racer, and is such an inspiration to me. Congrats on your finish, Claire - you are awesome!