It’s been just over two weeks since I saw the end of my first summer racing season. Going from finishing 31st of 33 rowers at my first Time Trial for the National Selection Regatta in April, to advancing to the women’s single sculls Finals of the Pan American Games Trials in August, it has been quite the summer. The past five months were filled with countless hours on the water, in the weight room, and thousands of miles driving across the country with my boat strapped to the top of my Toyota 4Runner, traveling from regatta to regatta and staying in some questionable lodging accommodations. Most importantly, I gained the coveted racing experience that I so badly needed and eventually, a few wins along the way.

From Princeton to Philadelphia, Indianapolis to Canada, and from 31st to Gold; the highlights were finally figuring out how to race while competing at the USRowing Club Nationals (and picking up some hardware – 2 silver, 2 bronze), winning Henley Gold in the Women’s Double Sculls and Quad Sculls at the 129th Royal Canadian Henley Regatta and finally, advancing to the Finals of the Pan American Games Trials.

The 2011 World Rowing Championships held in Bled, Slovenia this year concluded today. Eventually, that’s where I would want to be at this time of year. So without skipping a beat, it’s back on the water, in the gym, and on the erg, working harder than before. I’ve come a long way, but there is much progress to be made to get there.