Jan. 18, 2008

The only assumption I had going into the winter training trip was that it would be blissfully warm. Somehow, I was wrong. To me (born and raised in Central Pennsylvania) the word Georgia pretty much meant "About as far south as you can get without hitting Orlando" and if I was lucky I might get a spandex tan. The first morning of rowing dawned and I found myself wearing two pairs of long spandex tights, two pairs of short spandex trou, two pairs of socks, a fleece and a vest on the water...not exactly a tank and a pair of shorts.

The days, however, did warm up and as they did I began to realize how much fun the training trip was. Being sorted into cabins with teammates I didn't choose helped me get to know the other girls, novices included. It was fun running your own place, kind of like a taste of apartment life. The practices were extremely focused and if I made sure I brought anything to practice every day it was my concentration. Although I was very glad to get back to Bucknell and see my friends who don't row, leaving Georgia was almost like coming back from a good vacation, lots of learning experiences, good memories, new friends, and the promise of going back. Thanks Lake Russell!

- Allison Martens '11