Short, White, Hairy Stock

Today were the 2000 meter races. It was the most combative Guts and Glory I've ever had the pleasure to paddle. 

Team HUGE was in boat 1. We were the first out of the shute. Twelve seconds later, boat 2 was released. At the first turn, about 500 meters in, they started a pass on our left, on the inside of the turn. As they pulled to take the lead, we accidentally rammed them. It was really just a love tap, and the other boat missed the third buoy. 

I'm not sure because I was busy racing, but I think the other boat pulled ahead of us. But, we were still in it! Just after the second turn, we were between that boat and another. I was paddling along, and all of a sudden, there was an oar lock where the water should have been. I tried to paddle through it, but couldn't get a good catch. At the same time, on the left side of the boat, Theresa was fending off another boat. T is pretty bad ass, and pushed the other boat away with her paddle. 

Then Janet, our steers, created and delivered the most effective call ever:  "Get me outta here!" Ha! We spread away as fast as we could. 

We weren't able to break away from the rest of the boats though. At the last turn, there were three or four boats jockeying for position. We made it past the first two buoys, but then we were hit from behind. Our boat turned sharply left. We missed the last buoy!

We finished the race traveling down the center of the course. The other teams went around the outside of the course. Then I hit a buoy! My paddle twisted in my hands! I missed a couple strokes fixing it, but jumped back in. 

I have no idea where we placed in our heat, but we placed 12th out of 24 teams. We had to wait forever for our results because there were protests to sort, but that was good for me because I come from short, white, hairy stock. I was not designed for this heat!

After the race, I felt hot and lightheaded and tingly in my arms. I had to give myself a pep talk walking back from marshaling. I have to say, it's nice to have your teammates offer you the support you need, but it sucks to be one of the people who needs taking care of. 

Thankfully, everything cleared up, and I'm fine. I danced and congaed in the beer garden at opening ceremonies, and now it's time for bed.