Rowing WOD 4/29/14: 4 x 3min w/ 1:30 Rest – Post Splits

Rowing WOD:

Did you see any racing over the weekend?

Did you see any racing over the weekend?

4 x 3min w/ 1:30 Rest

  • Execute Ideal 2k Race Pace
  • Be consistent but bring the intensity

We performed this Rowing WOD back in March as a way of building consistency at hitting our goal 2k pace.  Look back to see how you did and bring your best for today’s Rowing WOD.  With a 2:1 work to rest ratio this workout will get tough, but if you can bring the intensity, stay consistent, and hit your numbers you will be ready to crush our next 2k or perhaps the 2k that might pop up at Regionals.

When competing we need to be able to follow a game plan and execute with control at full intensity, whether it’s a 5k row or a snatch ladder.  Many of you are looking to break a 7min or 8min 2k.  Those that can develop a race plan, hit their splits, and stick to their stroke ratings will come out on top and crush that goal.

Today’s Rowing WOD is all about focusing on that control and execution at full intensity.  Each piece should be full pressure trying to hold your ideal race pace.  You should visualize what it will be like in the middle of your 2k and what you will do to maintain mental toughness.  Be smooth, be consistent, breathe, and execute!

Post your average 500m splits for each piece to comments!

Rowing WOD 4/28/14: 2 x 15min Power and Ratio – Post Distances

Rowing WOD:

The RRC hitting a solid warmup before practice over the winter. Who's ready to get on the water?

The RRC hitting a solid warmup before practice over the winter. Who’s ready to get on the water?

2 x 15min w/ 5min Rest …

  • 5′ @ 20 s/m
  • 5′ @ 22
  • 3′ @ 24
  • 2′ @ 26

5min Rest

  • 2′ @ 26 s/m
  • 3′ @ 24
  • 5′ @ 22
  • 5′ @ 20

Today’s Rowing WOD is a chance to work on Rhythm and Timing while building some aerobic endurance.  In long chippers rowing can be used as active recovery and a chance to catch your breath.  Try to find the efficient rhythm and consistent pressure you’ll need to recover mid WOD.  Every five minutes the rating will change to keep you focused.  Try to fix one part of your stroke each five minutes.  Your effort level on this should be such that you can get out sentences to a neighbor, but breathing is labored.  In the last five minutes keep your efficiency but really try to bring the split down as the stroke rating increases.  In the second 15 minutes the stroke rating is going to decrease.  Try to get ratio and keep the power up.  Don’t let the split jump up.  Focus on pushing the legs down faster and taking longer on the recovery.

Post your distance rowed each piece!

Rest Day 4/27/14: Go see a Regatta! Share your experience!

Rest Day:

Big Regattas coming up this month!  How many times will you race this weekend?

Big Regattas coming up this month! How many times will you race this weekend?

Go See a Regatta!

This weekend marks the beginning of the championship regatta season with many big regattas taking place around the country.  Find your nearest rowing center and see if there’s a race happening.  Set yourself up by the finish or start to see the best action.  Also check out the launching and landing areas to see the controlled chaos it takes to make a regatta happen.

Are you Ready to Race?

Share your experience!

Rowing WOD 4/26/14: 8 x 500m w/ 2min Rest – Post Splits and Focus

Rowing WOD:

8 x 500m w/ 2min Rest

1st/2nd – Like start of 2k

3rd/4th – Like 2nd 500 of 2k

5th/6th – Like 3rd 500 of 2k

7th/8th – Like finish of 2k

We’ve attacked this Rowing WOD a few times this winter.  Look back at your results and see if you’re ready to step it up another notch.  This is a great opportunity to focus on a few tactical aspects of the 2k and get in some solid race pace work.  Try to keep a consistent pace over all 8 or “negative split” toward the end if you’re feeling good.  Negative splitting means you pull a faster split than you did the previous piece.

As a quick review for novice rowers, race pace over 2,000m will be at a stroke rating of 28 − 32 strokes per minute and a consistent 500m split.  The lower the split the better.  Good things to focus on include breathing, getting the knees down, driving through the heels, quick hands, and being smooth.  I also like to coach a smile or grin 10 just to take yourself out of your body for a second, have some fun, and then refocus with a fresh mindset.  Focus on one positive thought for 10 consecutive strokes and you’ll be that much closer to your goal.

Post your split for each piece and share what you focused on!

Rowing WOD 4/23/14: AMRAP8 − 750m Row, 15 Plate Burpees – Post Score

Rowing WOD:

Putting Renegade Rowing to the test over 2k!

Putting Renegade Rowing to the test over 2k!

As Many Rounds As Possible in 8min …

750m Row (@2k Goal Pace)

15 Plate Burpees (Do a burpee and hop onto a 45 lb. Bumper Plate)

In competition and training there is usually a prescribed time domain whether it’s a Chipper, AMRAP, Distance, or RFT setup.  When you’re training for competition or focused on achieving a goal/standard it helps to know you’ll have the energy and mental toughness required to perform for that entire time domain.  A 2k requires full commitment both mentally and physically for 6 to 8 minutes depending on your ability.  In preparation for our next 2k test and other summer competitions, we will be training this time domain at least once a week to focus on the intensity and mentality needed on race day.

Today’s Rowing WOD should be performed at high intensity as if it were race day.  Be sure to get a good warmup in that includes a few bursts at race pace.  The first 750m should be completed as if it were a 2k race.  Get a good start, 7-10 high strokes, and settle to your goal 2k pace.  You should be focused on efficient rowing that allows you to hold one split and one stroke rating all the way through.  During the 15 burpees focus on breathing and resetting your mind for the next 750m.  The burpees should be a fun challenge because they require a little accuracy to hop onto the plate without missing it.  The plate will ensure you’re being consistent with the work you do each rep.  As you start the second 750m dig deep and be ready to fight mentally with positive self talk.  The second 750m should be performed like the third 500m of your 2k.  The third 500m of a 2k is your opportunity to reach your goal.  If you can crush your splits in the third 500m of a 2k you will crush your goal.

Reaching your 2k goal starts today.  Get after it!

Post the number of complete rounds plus additional meters/reps to comments!