Rowing as a way of life

World Rowing: How many events are you doing here in Poznan?      

   
Pauline Bird: I’m doing six events, the ‘C’ and ‘D’ quad, the ‘A’ and ‘D’ eight, and the ‘B’ and ‘C’ double.

WR: How did you first start rowing?
PB: My father got me into it in 1968. I rowed at Weybridge Ladies Club and now I row at Barnes Bridge.

WR: What are the main differences between rowing now and rowing when you were competing at the Olympics?
PB: Now, family and profession are much more important. Back then rowing was my job and work funded it. Now there are far more calls on my time as I’m an accountant. When I race now though, I still feel pressure and get nervous. I still dread letting my teammates down.

WR: What inspires you to keep on rowing?
PB: I’ve been a member of a rowing club for forty years, but recently I took time out and concentrated on cycling, completing long cycling events including the Etape Caledonia, which is an 81-mile in Scotland, and the Dragon Ride, which is a 75-mile ride in South Wales. I plan to do Land’s End to John O’Groats too. Having the break to do cycling basically meant I came back to rowing feeling more refreshed and inspired to row. I got to the stage of wondering whether I was just rowing because I always have done, whether rowing was a habit. I had to ask if rowing was something I really liked and wanted to do. I found out rowing is something I want to do, although I found new levels of tired when cycling, new levels of talking yourself into doing something.

WR: How much training do you do? What is a typical training week for you?
PB: I cycle to work, which is about 30 miles a day. I do gym sessions throughout the week in Pilates or weights and then I row or cycle again at weekends, more recently rowing. I have to admit, I really hate the erg. It’s very useful for intensive intervals or a change in my training regime from low aerobic, long-distance training. It is convenient, but I pretty much refuse to do erg tests now!

WR: Do you have family ? What do they think about you rowing?
PB: I have a son who is 22 and studies in Northern Ireland. He rows himself. One of the most nerve-wracking moments of my life was sitting on the start of Henley Women’s Regatta with my son and his whole crew watching. But, I feel worse when he races, as there is nothing I can do. When my son won the quadruple sculls at the British Universities regatta, I was so proud I cried. As a mother you get very engaged with your child!

WR: How many Masters Regattas have you been to?
PB: I think I’ve been to all but two since 1992.

WR: What do you think of Poznan?
PB: I think it’s great, a lovely venue, and the organising committee have really good ideas. The transport is really good and the facilities are great which is so important to an event.

WR: Any final words?
PB: I’m really pleased rowing is still a part of my life. I think other women who cannot find time outside of their family or jobs to do a sport really miss out. It’s good to see people I used to race against and meet up with friends at these regattas.

Live streaming is provided on the Poznan Organising Committee website here.

Please find the regatta programme here.