Rowing WOD 10/31/14: Peak Power and 2k Test – Post Peak Power and 2k Time/Split

Rowing WOD:

The Ladies getting after it at the Renegade Rowing League last year!

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 10/30/13: Happy Halloween, 2k Prep, and Renegade Rowing Club!

Rest Day:

Congrats again to Renegade Rower Drew Tennant on winning a Fish Head!

Congrats again to Renegade Rower Drew Tennant on winning a Fish Head!

Happy Halloween!

Announcing the 2014 Renegade Rowing Club!

I hope you’re planning on dressing up for Friday’s WOD!  I’ll be dressing up to coach!

It’s that time of year again.  The weather has gotten cold and no one wants to row in the cold.  Now is the time to get pumped for training in the gym and crushing your 2k on the erg!  The 2014 Renegade Rowing Club will be held at 6:00am on Tuesday mornings and 6:00pm on Wednesday nights at CrossFit Boston in Allston, MA.  Practices will start next week.  The cost for the Renegade Rowing Club will be $47 per month.  We will be training for the Renegade Rowing League, which will be held in November, December, and January, leading up to CRASH-B’s.  Who’s game?  Email me if you plan on joining the Renegade Rowing Club, pat@renegaderowing.com.  There are only 16 spots available in the club and we already have 7 people signed up, so let me know sooner rather than later!

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 your 2k Race Plan, Goals, and if you will be joining the Renegade Rowing Club!

Rowing WOD 10/21/14: 10x:30 On, :30 Off – Max Pressure – Post Splits

Rowing WOD:

2nd Place Medal at HOCR 2014

2nd Place Medal at HOCR 2014

10 x :30 On, :30 Off

  • Max Pressure
  • Splits should be lower than last Tuesday

It’s been a few months since we’ve done this workout.  We hit this Rowing WOD in June.  Now is a good time to look back and see how you’ve done with training both in consistency and progress toward your goals.  Next week we retest everything including peak power and the 2k.  Let’s kick this week off right by setting the tone today and doing everything we can to be ready for next week.  Go all out and push yourself today!

Congratulations to all those that competed at the Head of the Charles Regatta this weekend!  It was a beautiful couple of days and tons of people came out to support the sport of rowing.  There were some great showings by athletes and teams training with Renegade Rowing.  Drew Tennant came in Second in the Men’s Master 1x and the Boston College Men came in 8th and 25th in the Collegiate 8+.  Well done guys!  Keep pushing!

Post your average splits and stroke ratings.  Comment on your consistency and recovery between pieces.

Rowing WOD 10/18/14: Head of the Charles is Here! 3k, 2.5k, 2k – Post Avg Splits

Rowing WOD:

Crews Warming Up on Friday

3k Row

  • (@5k+4 Pace)
  • 6min rest

2.5k Row

  • (@5k+2 Pace)
  • 5min rest

2k Row

  • (@5k Pace)

Boat Trailers at FALS

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 5k.  Come up with a plan and execute.  Be consistent with your splits and stroke ratings for all three.  If possible go a little bit faster on each piece.  Vets might try for a pace of 5k+3, 5k+1, 5k for each successive piece with a stroke rating of 28-32.  Find your efficient stroke.  Novices should focus on one form fix for each piece and work hard.

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

What is your favorite part of Head of the Charles Weekend?

Rowing WOD 10/17/14: “Regatta Gone Mad” – Post Time

Rowing WOD:

WW Raced twice at the Textile in Early October

“Regatta Gone Mad”

50 Deadlifts (95/65 lbs)

2k Row

25 Power Cleans (95/65 lbs)

2k Row

50 Push Ups

When training for big races rowers will enter two or three events in one day at smaller regattas leading up to their main race.  Think of the Games, going from one WOD to another WOD within a matter of hours.  Now imagine the WODs are back to back 5k rows or back to back 2k rows that are max effort as fast as your mind and body will go.  It sounds crazy but if rowers can get through a couple of long regatta weekends in early October they’re much more prepared when late October rolls around.  When they only have one race to focus on they’re fresh and mentally strong.  Getting through a tough workout can really build your confidence when it comes time to push the intensity on race day.  Today’s Rowing WOD is on the longer side.  Focus on good efficient movement and stay mentally strong during the row.  This will give you a taste of what it’s like to row back to back races at a regatta.

Post your time to comments!