When I’m not working at a furious pace at Proposito Financial Planning, an Independent Financial Advisor based in Malmesbury, I can be found down at Bristol Ariel Rowing Club three times a week and also sweating over an ergo – a rowing machine to those not in the know – twice a week. My two children take a close third place in my life! Oh, and then the husband!

Definition of an ergo:- An awful torture machine that should be illegal under the eighth amendment, but gets out under a loophole that it is “fun.” Commonly used in the regime of an evil dictator by the name of ‘Coach’ and his/her faithful servant, ‘coxswain’. Originally derived from the Greek word meaning “to work,” which is what one does; very, very hard, for a long, long time. Causing the build-up of extreme amounts of lactic acid in the body, and thus great pain.

I am in the process of honing my fitness and rowing technique, as on 19th March 2011, I along with approximately 2800 other women (and a few male coxes!) will be taking part in the 76th Women’s Eights Head of the River held on the Thames. It is arguably the largest female rowing race in the world and with a distance of 4 miles and 374 yards (6779m) it is the longest and most physically challenging of the Head Race season. Starting from Mortlake and finishing in Putney, the course is perhaps best known as the battleground on which Oxford and Cambridge fight it out during The Boat Race, albeit in reverse.

We are off at 89th place this year after a great race gaining 140 places last year but the eight of us are already nervous and excited at the prospect of a hard race in front of us. No matter how hard we train, it will and should always hurt far too much.

The Thames is packed, full of hundreds of crews (315 to be precise) from international standard to more amateur, racing the long, gruelling course, one after another. Thousands of spectators will be standing at usual locations such as Hammersmith Bridge, Barnes Bridge and Chiswick Bridge or sitting in a pub such as The Dukes Head or the Old Ship with pint or glass of wine in hand, shouting and willing family and friends on. No matter how many times I have taken part, it is always a thrill along with absolute pain with lungs and legs burning, and however many times I say “never again” rather like Sir Steve Redgrave, I know that I will be there next year, God willing!! 

I am however safe in the knowledge that if it all gets too strenuous, I will have enough life cover!!!

Sarah Sillars is Accounts Manager and Administrator at Proposito Financial Planning. She has rowed at a National level and has represented Great Britain at showjumping.