Without sounding defeatist I knew this wasn’t going to be a blistering row. Missing a bit of confidence due to lack of training in the past few weeks and the emotional roller coaster of the past 8 days I wanted the following from this row.
- finish
- re gain some metal strength
- re store some confidence
- not completely bury myself to get there
I wasn’t interested in what I should or could row, I wanted a pace I could sustain to achieve the above. Because it is a funny distance and not a standard recognised piece I just wanted a decent row and take it as a training piece rather than a Time Trial.
Usual 5km warm up with some nice bursts in my cold damp garage facing the awful weather but protected from the rain I set off on 1.42 pace and aimed to hold it until 2km and then see what was left. To many 1.43’s in there for Q’s liking I think, but just tried to stay consistent.
HD demons appeared as expected but not particularly strong, just hovering around the 3km mark. Asked myself “do I want this?” The answer was “yes because I don’t want to do it again and I won’t have another opportunity”.
Rowed much of the last 2500m with eyes shut or looking down, vision completely blurred only looked at the screen every 5-6 strokes and that was just a distorted look at the split to make sure it was acceptable. I will be interested to see HR data – well over 180 for a long time (max is 193 although we didn’t quite hit that – 189 I think, will check tonight when I download it). Definitely working hard.
Began the push at 2km but wasn’t much and again at 1km, again not much happened! Reeled in the last 500m with some better pace just to bring the ave split down.
All in all that will do. If you asked me this morning or all week if I would take that, the answer would be yes. Will it be enough to take all 100 points this month in the league? Probably not – take it away Beowulf. (I know there are others too who are capable of putting in stonking middle distance rows in the 30-39 league).
We move on. Next stop Cardiff on Saturday.
Carley’s mum off critical care ward, even managed to speak briefly on the phone. Still a long road ahead but great news. Welcome back – it’s been a tough week! This one is for you.
Challenge Series 6344m
Time 21.25.7
Ave/500m 1.41.3