Friday, December 10, 2010

Sunny Days Rowing on Water


Some afternoons of really sensational "winter" rowing weather. Sunny afternoons and warm temperatures make rowing feel really a beautiful and fluid sport.



RADAR Results -

Below is the calculated points from my results in the tests: Using the standards put forward for each event, my times were given respective points for each test: a Gold standard is 100 points. http://www.rowingcanada.org/sites/rowingcanada/files/rca_erg_targets_v2.pdf

Peak Power: (190) 696W, 1:19.5, 0 points
Peak Power: (120) 705W, 1:19.2, 21pts
1Min: 358m, 595W, 1:23.8, 35pts
2km: 6:30.2, 377W, 1:37.6, 53pts
6km 20:43.5, 315W, 1:43.6, 63pts
60min: 16407m, 265W, 1:49.7, 56pts

TOTAL: 228pts

RADAR Afterthoughts

Wow! I have to say, what a learning experience! I fully enjoyed every moment of this exhausting and challenging "test". I had some real good times sharing the motivation, successes and defeats of working to get a personal best.

This standardized testing really is a refreshing breath of air. A clear scientific method of using a very simple tool (the erg) to test a broad range of physiological markers. For example, with the Peak power 10 stroke test - straight Glycogen energy source and power output. Next, the 1 min test is the conversion of anaerobic to aerobic energy source within a test, and next the standard international 2km and 6km test. And to top it all off with a 60min mental-toughness aerobic threshold test.

What I take away from my performance: Simply and straight forward, I can do better in almost every test. Peak power: weight training with a strength coach. 1 min test: push lactate threshold with hill workouts 50sec pushes. 2km: tactics. 6km: tactics and technique. 60min: Back strong and no SI sprain.


Day 4 and 5

So, with the end of the week of testing. I was feeling very exhausted. More mentally than actual physically tired- but ready for a strong finish.

I had a few errands to do on the weekend, so I couldnt hold off and finish the 2km a few days later like Coach Doug recommended. So I just went ahead with regular schedule to complete the week.

2km: gold standard is 6:10, Nat. team standard is 6:15. I wanted to be around 6: 20. For some absolutely bizarre unknown reason, I started the first 1000m at a 1: 34 split avg.... I should be aiming for 1:36, but I just got cocky or something. After 1000m and the week of testing taking its toll - I blew up, just exploded and verbally called out to my coach and team mates "I can't do it, I can"t......." but, lucky Andy and Doug where there just to keep my moving, albeit slowly. Ended up Avg 1:37.2 with time of 6:28. With a 9 second PR I felt good... and with proper tactics (or just without a brain-fart) I would have finished up alright. With a better time. lessons learned!