We set off upstream running to the pyramid interval pattern described earlier, after three attempts at getting the garmin HRM trainer to start properly in the interval mode we were off, even at max revs it was like trying to drag a car up a hill the flow was so strong. The wind on my hands was freezing, definitely time to fix the pogies (weather shields) to the paddles.
We persevered turned at Mapledurham and Matt hollered from the back "right push it all the way back to the club" so that was it we were off in a flurry of paddles and spray until we reached the marina on the downstream bend where we encountered a rowing 8 turning in mid stream, I didn't know whether to go on the right hand bank (correct side) or bang down the centre and try to keep ahead of them.
I shouted for a bit more commitment from Walker in the back (probably eating toast and having a picnic) and we picked up speed, the boat was running really well and we stayed ahead of the 8 for the next kilometer back to the club, no mean feat although I think they were not racing.
We then did a portage at the Rowing Club dock, ran under Caversham Bridge (scaring an oncoming runner with two little dogs witless) as we ran the tunnel with the K2 on our shoulders and put back in below the bridge and paddled away. The portage was fast, we were pleased.....
This is Caversham Bridge (in better weather!) we got out by the white building at the top on the left bank, ran beneath the bridge through the tunnel and away again in the boat.
All in all a good session, intervals are the way ahead and we'll focus on these efforts in our mid week outings.
This time next week we will have the new boat and teh excuses about dodgy rudders, sliding seats etc. will be a thing of the past!
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