But co-captain Tilde Hajek indicated that the competition is valuable.

"The secret is the competition within the team," she said. "That builds you up for the competition with other teams."

The afternoon practices were a bit easier, consisting mainly of drills designed to improve stroke technique and boat balance and coordination.

The team broke the routine on Wednesday to scrimmage against Northeastern. Every Radcliffe varsity and junior varsity boat won her race.

The team then began lightening their workout load, in preparation for the Brown meet last Saturday.

Unfortunately, Brown's boats won all but two races to win the meet, but Hajek wasn't discouraged.

"They had more water time since their river melted before ours," she said. "We can make up the time."

It wasn't all practice, however, and many of the rowers came to enjoy the feel of having the campus to themselves.

"It's a special time of year," Hajek said.

"We had the run of the place," added Simmons.