Rowing WOD 2/27/13:

4 Rounds For Time …

400m Row

20 Push Ups

10 Box Jumps (30/24 inches)

To game a WOD or not to game a WOD… Last week we did a fun Rowing WOD that started and ended with the erg.  The middle of that workout included decently heavy snatches, which are one of the most complex lifts.  They must be respected on their own and especially in the middle of a WOD.  One of our regular Renegades from across the country posted his time and apologized for having gamed the rowing portion.  He posted a great score and I say no apology needed.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about that instance as I watch everyone attack these WODs.  The ability to feel your body pre, during, and post WOD is invaluable.  Is it under a lot of stress?  Has it recovered with enough sleep and nutrition?  Are you feeling great?  These are questions you need to be asking yourself on a regular basis and the answers will play into whether you decide to game a WOD or go all out from 3,2,1, GO!

When approaching a Rowing WOD or any WOD for that matter it helps to develop a game plan just like a 2k race plan.  It may be, that you feel great and are looking for a solid training day, so you decide to go hard and see how long you last.  On the other hand it may be a competition with more WODs to come later in the day, or perhaps it’s preparation for the Open and the Games that are coming up.  Lastly, you may know that you could execute the rowing portion as prescribed, but you want to tackle the other movements, for example the snatch in last weeks WOD.  I believe that’s what our Renegade had in mind and that’s totally fine as long as you know your plan, you commit to it, and you execute.

In today’s Rowing WOD you will have to decide again whether to game it or just go all out.

Mike w/ nice Preparation on the recovery!

If you are training to drop your 2k time under 7 or 8 minutes I’d love for you to have a game plan.  Look back at last Thursday’s 6x400m intervals and see what you were able to hold.  If you held your 2k race pace for every piece then perhaps you try to do the same here.  If you know push ups and box jumps will drain you, then commit to a game plan that allows for some slippage.  Do the first piece at 2k pace, second piece at a split of 2k+5, third at 2k+7, and fourth at 2k+5.  If you’re still just getting into rowing then work on pulling a consistent split, maintaining form when it gets tough, and be efficient.

Post your time, game plan, and whether or not you executed to comments!