Just 2 secs...

and we'd have made it to the finals.

Yesterday we lost the 2nd place in the semi-finals to another boat by a difference of less than 2 secs. It was heart-wrenching (at least to me). When we crossed the finishing line, it seemed to me that all 3 boats were very close, though at that time I already had a sinking feeling that we were that bit behind the other 2.

After that I couldn't help thinking to myself, 'If only I had pushed myself harder towards the end.' It was my first time racing in the position of a pacer (1st pair at the front of boat). As the name suggests, the pacers set the pace for the team which should be followed so that everyone's synchronised.

If the pace is too slow, the boat lags behind the competitors. If the pace is too fast and not everyone can keep up, then coordination goes off and the boat slows too. The coxswain (very often the role of the coach) or the drummer has the full view of the team and the competitors so he/she will from time to time shout out commands for the rowers to pull harder, to the pacers to up the pace etc.

I was very nervous before the heats because to me, the responsibility of the pacers seemed quite a heavy one. Both of us panicked a little in the first race and was a little too fast (so some guys in the back were off), but luckily we still managed to come in second (lost to the first boat by a mere second!!!) and hence go on to the semi-finals. Coach's reassuring 'Good job, pacers' must have calmed my nerves a little and I went into the semi-finals a tad more composed than before. This time the pace was better and we were told after by our teammates on the shore that our synchronisation was good but (coach and captain said) we lacked the last surge of power at the finishing. Which was why we lost.

I felt somewhat defeated. But that was soon cured by a good feast at Bedok (corner) food centre. *rubs tummy in glee* ^_^ Before we left for our dinner, our vain (they went off to wash up and we had to wait for them) coach and captain announced that they had a discussion on their way and decided that the position of pacers are fixed. I was surprised. And honoured. Me? haha.

I've come to love the team. We talk and joke during training and over food, for those of us who always have dinner together afterwards. They are fun, easy-going people. And the captain (a.k.a my godfather) is very nice to me.

So that was Sunday, the Community Corporate Games. A lot of time wasted waiting for our races than being in the boat. That said, the organisers for this Games were rubbish.

Saturday morning was spent at Kallang training. (in the rain, very cooling!) The few regulars went for lunch nearby. Good ole greasy Indian food! I had a prata and shared a chicken briyani with my godpa.

After that I met a girlfriend, Lingling and her sister for a bit of shopping. They both bought a dress but sadly I have nothing to show for the trip. Though a dress (a little on the high side of the money scales) did catch my eye. Have been thinking about it... To buy or not to buy... (Sigh, the woes of a poor common girl...) We snacked a little here and there (The horrors!! haha) and Lingling and I even shared a nice big green tea with red bean ice-cream cone (that Hokkaido brand).
Then for dinner I had this incredibly tasty ramen at Central Mall in Clarke Quay. The menu was a laminated sheet of paper. A few side dishes other than ramen and that was it. Nothing else. I could barely believe the queue could be so long... even though it was past 9pm. I was starving but decided to wait cos' a friend had highly recommended it. It was well worth the wait!!!! The owner's Japanese and quite a few of the chefs and a waiter are Japanese too. It's a bit more expensive than your regular ramen places but it was really yummy. (I finished every drop of soup! Something I don't usually do other than my mum's soups.)

Friday evening was spent catching up with Mr dragonboat-slamming (haha, amazing we're still friends, eh? ;p) Xun over dinner at Sketches (I was a good girl, I had a small but good prawn salad with Ceasar dressing - this is quite full of fat actually... hee) and coffee at TCC. (Saved my calories on dinner for this - a slice of raspberry & dark chocolate cake!) A very enjoyable and relaxing time.
P.S.: Because Mr Hairy Potty complained about this paragraph being too insignificant, I'm back to make it more substantial. :) It sounds like a cliche but this is true, I swear! :D The evening flew by. Before I realised it, we were rushing to the MRT station to catch the last train home. It was past 12. It was very comfortable being able to chat mindlessly about anything and everything. (Now that's euphemism for talking cock.) There was no need for me to agonise over what to say. Oooo, and kapo-me managed to dig some secret information out of suddenly tight-lipped Mr Nice Guy. (See, I came up with so many names for you!) *nudge nudge* ;) hee

That was my last weekend. I can't wait for this one to arrive... Almost all mapped out already. :)