Rest Day 11/1: Where Are You Training This Winter? – Share!

Rest Day 11/1:

Where Are You Training This Winter?

The time to start thinking about CRASH-B’s is finally here!  The CRASH-B’s are the Indoor World Rowing Championships held in Boston every February at Agganis Arena.  They’re put on by Concept2 and are an awesome goal to train for this winter.  Anyone can sign-up and compete.  The distance is 2,000m and all of the ergs are connected and displayed for the crowd up on the jumbo-tron.

So, if you’re planning to compete at CRASH-B’s or any other indoor rowing event this winter give a shout out and let us know where you’re training!  Post to Comments and Facebook!

If you’re in Boston and would like to train for CRASH-B’s come check out the Renegade Rowing Club at CrossFit Boston.  We’re holding our first class this Saturday at 8am.

Rowing WOD 10/31: “Ghost Row” – 2k Row w/ 5 Lateral Erg Burpees EMOM – Post Time

Rowing WOD 10/31:

“Ghost Row”

2k Row

w/ 5 Lateral Erg Burpees Every Minute On the Minute

Happy Halloween!  For those affected by Hurricane Sandy I hope you’ve made it through safely.  Stay strong and stay safe!

Today’s Rowing WOD should provide some fun and burn some calories before all the trick or treating.  This is a great one to challenge a training partner with!  If you’re a novice rower pick one split that you can confidently hold for every stroke that you’re on the erg.  Focus on smooth rowing and being efficient.  If you’re a Vet try to hold your 2k goal split each time you’re on the erg and practice your quick release transitions getting the feet out to do the burpees.  Be sure to push both thumbs down as you pull your toes up to loosen those straps.  Remember, every minute on the minute you must complete 5 lateral erg burpees!

Post your time to comments.

Rowing WOD 10/29: “Sandy” – AMRAP 20 − 500m Row, 15 Push Ups – Post Score

MPSRA Fall Championship Regatta in Cape Cod as Hurricane Sandy moves up the Coast!

Rowing WOD 10/29:

“Row Sandy”

As Many Rounds As Possible in 20 Minutes of …

500m Row 

15 Push Ups

*Row each consecutive piece @14 s/m, @16, @18, @20, @22, … each round increase stroke rating by 2 beats

**If more than 3 consecutive strokes are taken at a different stroke rating, stop and complete a 5 Burpee penalty and then start that round over.

Now that the fall rowing season is winding down it’s time to take a week to gather ourselves before winter training kicks in to high gear.  Rowing Clubs will be popping up at gyms across the country over the next couple of weeks to begin training for indoor rowing events.  To set yourself up for a good indoor season take some time this week to really dial in your control, form, technique, and understanding of the stroke.  This week will include Rowing WODs to help build the skill set of the novice rower and refocus the veteran rower.  If you’re new to the sport of rowing take some time to feel out the stroke and go slower.  Veterans can challenge themselves by building power and ratio at the lower stroke ratings, but don’t over do it.  Their will be plenty of hard work in the coming weeks.

Post Score and Thoughts to Comments!

Rowing WOD 10/26: Peak Power then 2k Row – Post Scores

Rowing WOD 10/26:

Peak Power Test

then

2k Row

If there were one Rowing WOD that could show you how far you’ve come in the forging of Elite Fitness, this would be it.  The Peak Power Test will give you a sense of the raw power you can put into one stroke.  The 2k test has been referred to as the “Fran” of rowing due to the burning lungs and legs it leaves you with.  The 2k row is like nothing else in sport.  It requires both power and endurance.  Do you have what it takes to push through the pain?

For the Peak Power Test set the monitor for 20 seconds of work and 2 minutes of rest.  Start by paddling a couple of strokes to get the fan moving and then go for max watts.  It may help to video the test or have a partner watch to tell you the highest watts you pulled in just one stroke.  During the 2 minutes of rest paddle lightly or roll out.  Take 3 or 4 tries to find your max wattage starting with the damper set low and increasing the drag each successive try.  At some point you’ll find a drag that you like and gives you the most power.  Your score for the Peak Power Test is the Max Watts pulled in just one stroke.

For the 2k Test, set the monitor for 2,000 meters and execute a race plan.  The most successful race plans are the simplest.

Try this…

Starting 3 strokes (Half, 3/4, Full)

7-10 High Strokes

Settle to race pace (your goal 500m Split, this requires a Ratio shift – take time to sit up and breath on the recovery!)

Pull a consistent spit +/- 1 split second through the body of the race

@250m to go, Sprint for the Finish Line!

Post your Peak Power (Watts produced in 1 stroke) and 2k time to comments!

Rest Day 10/25: Do you have a different 2k Race Plan for CF Competitions vs. CRASH-B’s?

What’s your 2k Race Plan?

Get hydrated, eat well, and get a good sleep.  It’s been a solid three days of training/testing.  Be sure to take the time to mobilize those quads, hips, and hamstrings.  In training we ask a lot of our quads whether it’s rowing or running stadiums.  Show them some love even if it’s painful.  Do it!

For those that have been following the Rowing WODs you’ve probably noticed we are in the middle of a testing week.  We tested the 5k on Monday, the 1′ domain and 1 RM for our lifts on Tuesday, and our general fitness on Wednesday.  If you’ve missed those or are looking for the ultimate test, Friday will be a chance for you to attain 7 or 8 minutes of glory.  Start thinking of your goal and developing a race plan that will get you there.

Post thoughts on rowing at CF Competitions vs. CRASH-B’s to comments!