Rowing WOD 5/9/14: 7RFD – :30 Row, :30 Rest w/ 3 OH Squats – Post Distances

Rowing WOD:

Kathryn performing a start! Come learn a start on the Renegade Rowing Team!

Kathryn performing a start! You game for learning a start on the water?

7 Rounds For Distance …

:30 Row (Like 2k Start)

:30 Rest w/ 3 Overhead Squats (115/75 lb)

Today’s Rowing WOD is all about the start of the 2k.  In order to be confident and crisp on your start tomorrow, dial it in today.  The starting sequence is usually a number of shorter strokes that build into longer quicker strokes to really get the flywheel moving and the splits down.  I usually coach a simple 1/2 stroke, 3/4 stroke, full stroke with a high 10 immediately after to get the average split under your 2k goal split.  Try to practice this start each round so you’re ready to crush it tomorrow.  Also, be ready to transition quickly from the erg to the overhead squats by pushing the tabs down with your thumbs as you pull your toes toward you.  A smooth squat snatch for the first rep is the way to go on the overhead squats.  Be sure to focus on a tight belly and active shoulders.

Post your overall distance as well as distance each round to comments!  Also comment on your start, the number of strokes you like to take, and how low you get the split.

Rest Day 5/8/14: Where does the stroke begin?

Where does the stroke begin?RR Dad

When thinking about the stroke should there be any stops or starts?  Does the handle and seat ever stop moving?  If so where is it ok?

Ideally the rowing stroke is a cyclical motion that is fluid and dynamic without beginning or end.  When thinking of the catch you should be thinking of the weight coming on to the feet and being ready to push as soon as the shins are vertical.  Try to imagine your seat changing direction without any pause.  The only time the seat should pause is when you have pushed the legs down and are finishing the stroke.  Thinking of it like this the beginning of the stroke might be considered bodies over as the seat begins to slide or half-slide as you approach the catch on the recovery.

If you have time today, take 5 minutes to row in super slow motion feeling and thinking about the timing of the seat and hands.  Your goal in developing an efficient stroke should be smooth, continuous motion without pause or hesitation.

Rowing WOD 5/7/14: 200m Run; 5rds – 1:00 On/ 1:00 Off w/ 5 DL; 200m Run – Post Time and Splits

Imagine doing this Rowing WOD on the water! The Renegade Rowing Team has begun at CRI!

Imagine doing this Rowing WOD on the water! The Renegade Rowing Team has begun at CRI!

Rowing WOD:

Complete For Time …

1. Buy In: 200m Run

2. 5 Rounds

1:00 Row (@2k Race Pace)

1:00 Rest*

*During the Rest complete 5 Deadlifts (225/155 lb)

3. Cash Out: 200m Run

With a 2k Test coming up on Saturday we want to be building our confidence both mentally and physically.  Today’s Rowing WOD is an opportunity to practice staying fresh and crisp at race pace.  Be consistent each round and settle into the pace, both split and stroke rating, you plan to hold through the body of your 2k.  Scale the deadlifts as necessary so that they are challenging but can be done unbroken while still allowing for enough recovery to hit your splits.  The run at the beginning and the end is a chance to get that breathing going and get fired up to push yourself on Saturday during the start and finish of your 2k.  Focus on breathing, getting the legs down, and quick clean finishes.

Post your overall time and average 500m split for each round to comments.

Rowing WOD 5/6/14: Congrats BC Men’s Rowing! – 15 x :20 On, :40 Off – Post Fastest and Slowest Splits

Rowing WOD:

Congrats to the Boston College Men's Rowing Team on taking the Team Points Trophy at the New England Rowing Championships on Saturday!  Keep up the hard work!

Congrats to the Boston College Men’s Rowing Team on taking the Team Points Trophy at the New England Rowing Championships on Saturday! Keep up the hard work!

15 x :20 On, :40 Off

Max Pressure

  • Post your fastest and slowest splits to comments.

Elite fitness is all about developing power through high intensity.  Today’s Rowing WOD is an opportunity to push your boundaries and test the limits of your speed.  Catch your breath and focus on the 40 seconds off so that you can put every ounce of energy into suspending from the oar and going low on the split.  Compare your results to your 2k race plan.  Do you last through the first 7, but die soon after?  Could you go faster at the start of your 2k?  What happens to your focus in the last couple?  Use your results to adjust your race plan and goal for our next 2k which will be happening this Saturday.  The idea of suspension can be very powerful when you’re trying to pull low splits under fatigue.  Check it out below.

Try warming up with a couple of strap drills to feel and practice suspending from the oar.    Have Fun!

Rowing WOD 5/5/14: “Spicy Steady State” 2x15min w/ 4min Rest – Post Total Meters

Rowing WOD:

Thanks to all those that competed at the Renegade Rowing League on Saturday!

2 x 15min w/ 4min Rest

Complete Each 15min as Follows:

  • 4MIN @ 22, STEADY
  • 1MIN @ 28, FULL PRESSURE
  • 4MIN @ 22, STEADY
  • 1MIN @ 30, FULL PRESSURE
  • 4MIN @ 22, STEADY
  • 1MIN @ 32, FULL PRESSURE

Steady state rowing is good for building aerobic base and rhythm.  It’s also a good method of active rest/recovery on your day off.  However, it can be easy to get lazy and slump, compromising your posture and inviting overuse injuries.  Today’s Rowing WOD is an example of “Spicy Steady State” and allows you to keep your focus throughout the piece.  During the four minutes steady try to focus on one technique fix or breathing.  Then when you bump up the intensity for a minute, see if you can apply that technique fix to pulling lower splits at full pressure.

Post your total meters rowed to comments!