Rowing WOD 4/20/13: Max Pressure 2×1.25k, 2x700m, 2x300m – Post Avg Splits

Rowing WOD 4/20/13:

Max Pressure

2 x 1,250m w/ 5:30 Rest

2 x 700m w/ 3:30 Rest

2 x 300m w/ 1:30 Rest

Learn how to use the Concept2 Performance Monitor! Register for the CrossFit Rowing Course June 8-9 in Boston!

Learn how to use the Concept2 Performance Monitor! Register for the CrossFit Rowing Course June 8-9 in Boston!

Todays Rowing WOD calls for Max Pressure and is a test of your ability to consistently perform at your highest intensity, something everyone strives for in developing elite fitness.  Set the monitor for Intervals Variable and input 1,250m , 5:30 rest, 1,250m, 5:30 rest, 700m, 3:30 rest, 700m, 3:30 rest, 300m, 1:30 rest, 300m, 1:30 rest.  Pick a 500m Split and a Stroke Rating you plan to hold for each distance.  The first time you perform that distance execute that pace (split and SR) as consistently as possible.  When you repeat the distance try to be even more consistent and go a little bit faster.

Remember, the goal is to row at max pressure for every piece.  Focus on your split and stroke rate and row at high intensity with good form.

Post your average 500m splits to comments.

Rowing WOD 4/19/13: 7RFD – 1min On, 1min Off w/ 1 Bear Complex – Post Total Distance

Rowing WOD 4/19/13:

7 Rounds For Distance …

1:00 Row for Meters

1:00 Rest w/ 1 Bear Complex @135/95 lbs. as follows

  • Power Clean
  • Front Squat
  • Push Press
  • Back Squat
  • Push Press

Today’s Rowing WOD is an opportunity to push your 2k pace and put together all of the movements you’ve been training with the barbell.  Try to hold your 2k pace each round for as many rounds as possible.  If you can row sub 2k pace then do it!  For the Bear Complex you can combine movements if you are smooth.  For instance it could be a squat clean thruster into a behind the neck thruster if you’re proficient at the weight you’ve chosen.  Be sure to scale the weight as necessary so that you can complete the bear complex within a minute and start the next round on time.  Set the erg for Intervals Time, 1:00 of work and 1:00 of rest.  At the end of the workout you can look back at the memory and see all 7 minutes to total your distance and get your score for the day.

Post your total distance and the weight you chose for the Bear Complex to comments.

Rowing WOD 4/16/13: 4 x 1k w/ 4:00 Rest – Post Fastest and Slowest Times

Rowing WOD 4/16/13:

4 x 1k w/ 4:00 rest

  • Execute Race Pace
  • Row like it’s the middle 1,000m of a 2k

While it’s good to constantly vary your training to push your boundaries, there is something to be said about repetition to build your confidence!  Today’s Rowing WOD is an opportunity to build your aerobic capacity and work on a couple of tactical and technique fixes.Have a game plan for each piece including the split and stroke rating you want to hold.  Ideally each piece will be done consistently or a little bit faster.  If you’re working on efficiency or sequencing, focus on one fix each piece.  Perhaps you find your breath and rhythm on the first.  Or maybe it’s sequencing and body preparation that needs attention on the second.  If you choose the right pace it will build your confidence and you will be ready to tear up your next 2k and Rowing WOD. Below are some goals and times to think about.

Post your fastest and slowest times!

Interval Time = 3:15; Goal 2k Time = 6:30

Interval Time = 3:30; Goal 2k Time = 7:00

Interval Time = 3:45; Goal 2k Time = 7:30

Interval Time = 4:00; Goal 2k Time = 8:00

Interval Time = 4:15; Goal 2k Time = 8:30

Interval Time = 4:30; Goal 2k Time = 9:00

Rowing WOD 4/15/13: “The Castle” – 21min of Work with Ratio Shifts – Post Distance

Rowing WOD 4/15/13:

“The Castle”

The RRC getting after 2x2k after the holidays!

Row for 21min as follows…

3′ @20 s/m, 3′ @24, 3′ @28, 3′ @26, 3′ @28, 3′ @24, 3′ @20

  • Focus on Rhythm and Ratio

As we head into Regionals and the Games, many athletes will need some extra time on the erg to focus on rhythm, timing, and overall form.  Today’s Rowing WOD is a great opportunity for any athlete, experienced or not, to get a sense of form and rhythm without the pressure of intensity and competition.  Sometimes it’s good to slow down for an active recovery day in order to go harder and faster later on down the road.

Rhythm and Endurance are two necessities for successful competition in longer WODs.  A great example would be the KB Swings and Pull Ups found in “Helen”.  Those who find a consistent rhythm can flow through the movements naturally and rely on their aerobic endurance without dipping into their anaerobic energy supply.

In today’s Rowing WOD the focus is developing rhythm and endurance.  Another word for rhythm in rowing is Ratio.  By varying the ratio of the drive to the recovery rowers can maintain the same pace or split, but work more efficiently and make the stroke feel lighter or heavier.

When going from a 20 stroke rating to a 24 you should focus on more pressure with the legs and quickly redirecting the hands through the finish.  This will help increase the stroke rating while leaving you the same amount of time to sit up, breathe, and relax as you slide forward on the recovery.

Post distance rowed to comments along with songs that helped you stick to each rating!

A project that I’ve started thanks to Renegade Rower Mike T. is how to help people feel the proper rhythm and ratio by rowing to music.  Music can motivate us to push hard and row longer, but it can also give us a sense of timing.

If you have Spotify, I’ve created a playlist for each stroke rating.  Each playlist is named “Renegade Rowing @(insert stroke rate)”, so for songs that you could row to at a 20 the playlist is named “Renegade Rowing @20″.  If you have favorite songs that go well at certain stroke ratings please feel free to add to the playlists on Spotify.  Thanks Mike T. for kick starting this project and I hope this helps motivate everyone to find better rhythm and ratio!

20 s/m: Renegade Rowing @20

22 s/m: Renegade Rowing @22

24 s/m: Renegade Rowing @24

26 s/m: Renegade Rowing @26

28 s/m: Renegade Rowing @28

30 s/m: Renegade Rowing @30

32 s/m: Renegade Rowing @32

34 s/m: Renegade Rowing @34

36 s/m: Renegade Rowing @36

Rowing WOD 4/13/13: 2.5k, 2k, 1.5k – Post Avg Splits

Rowing WOD 4/13/13:

CrossFit Boston Member Tiffany getting after it at CRASH-B 2013

2.5k (@2k+5)

5min Rest

2k (@2k+3)

4min Rest

1.5k (@2k+1)

Why is rowing fun?  One reason is that it provides a challenge in learning technique to be as efficient as possible while working everything from your head to your toes.  Elsewhere in sports and training, if you’ve tried the Pose Method of running you may understand the beauty of focusing on technique and the perception of what your body is doing in space. Focusing on form and technique gives your mind something to work toward rather than complaining about how much your legs burn.

Today’s Rowing WOD is a good opportunity to focus on one or two form fixes but get after it as well.  Set the monitor for Intervals Variable and enter the work/rest accordingly.  This WOD has the potential to build your confidence in the 2k by holding specific splits for long distances.  Come up with a plan and execute.  You want to have mental cues on form, breathing, and effort to fall back on the second your mind starts to wander.  If possible grab a friend and take turns coxing each other through each piece.  Be consistent with your splits and stroke ratings through each piece.  The stroke rating for this workout should be around a 28-32, but everyone needs to find what works.  Find your efficient stroke.  Novices should focus on one form fix for each piece and work hard for consistency.

Athletes from CFH2O getting after a partner 2k at the Renegade Rowing Workshop!

Athletes from CFH2O getting after a partner 2k at the Renegade Rowing Workshop!

Post your Average 500m Splits to Comments along with an answer to this question…

Why is Rowing Fun?