With the New Year having now started, I'm now away on my first Senior Rowing Team training camp and my first ever visit to Portugal.
After flying with the GB Rowing Team to Lisbon, we had a long 2 and a half hour coach trip to Avis. This place is my home for the next two weeks whilst we undergo a rigorous training camp.
The training programme is split up into 3 day cycles where on the 3rd day we get the afternoon off (to sleep!). The programme is designed to make us stronger, fitter and mentally tougher. However, it's a long hard road to achieve those desired targets.
The real reason we come to Avis is to use the huge expanse of water available to us. We are able to row for distances of up to 24km without having to stop! This gives a huge training benefit as it allows our muscles and bodies to adapt and become more efficient but, at the end of each day's 3 long training sessions, all we want to do is eat and then sleep. Fortunately, support funding from the UK's Sport and Lottery gives us the opportunity to do this type of intensive training without additional financial pressure and, most certainly, without this we would not be able to train and work towards the highest standards necessary for today's competitions.
Charles' parents live in Hampshire and he was educated at the Grey House School in Hartley Wintney. He is looking for sponsorshop to raise £8,000 to support his bid to be in the Olympic team. Read more about Charles here.
