August 20 Min Test?

[[old] PeterD]

I just tried a 20 minute piece at 26 SPM to see where I am and give a bit of time to try again....(I do not know if theer is a suggested number of times to attempt the 20min). July was 5555meters (1:48.0), this time I got to 5592 (1:47.3). The 26 SPM seemed easier to carry more speed, as expected.<br /><br />Good to see I am not getting slower.<br /><br />Peter

[[old] dennish]

Peter, I did this morning at your lead. Well, sort of. As part of my work with Paul Smith I had a 6k at 1:50 scheduled. I had one last Tuesday as well and fairly well mucked it up. This one went well. The rate was unrestricted but came out at around 26.6. Total time was 21:58. Also this was strapless and at about 7800 feet. so it was a bit slower than the July test, but I had done that with the straps and with some ridiculous plan that I thought I could hold 1:46. (Well I had done that when I was 50 ) and a manic finish. Hope all is well in the Northeast Kingdom. Live well and strong. dennis

[[old] dadams]

6018m this month (1:39.7 avg). Pretty happy with this one. Will go for 1:38 avg for end of Sept.<br /><br />Dwayne

[[old] NavigationHazard]

Although I've felt crummy for the past couple of days, we're running out of August. Thus I decided to have a go at the 20' r26 test.<br /><br />Result: 5803m/ 1:43.4 pace @ 26.15 spm (523 strokes)<br /><br />splits:<br /><br />1k 3:27.9 <br />2k 3:27.0 (6:54.9 at the 2k)<br />3k 3:27.1 <br />4k 3:26.8<br />5k 3:27.2 (17:16 at the 5k)<br />803m 2:44.0 <br /><br />Like Peter, I guess I'm reasonably pleased. Earlier in the month I'd had dreams of holding 1:43 pace r26, had scaled that back as somewhat too optimistic, and sat down tonight planning to start out at 1:44 pace and see what happened. Considering my degree of leftover fatigue -- we'd had river cleanup day on Saturday on the Passaic, after which I'd sculled a PB head-race test -- maybe the distance isn't too bad. If I'm right in my supposition that these tests point to 80% of 2k wattage (or better), 5800m works out to about a 6:24. Still, one always dreams of going faster, farther, and/or more smoothly Moreover I had way too much left in the last 3 mins or so. I need to overcome my fear of 'blowing up' and start out more confidently <br /><br />While I have been doing somewhat more interval work lately than was the case earlier on, I haven't exactly been sharpening. It will be interesting to see what happens when we do.... <br /><br />

[[old] cem6k]

August 20 min. test:<br /><br />1:58.3 avg.<br /><br />5071m<br /><br />Stroke rate: 26<br /><br />Good luck everyone!<br /><br />Chrissie Monaghan<br />

[[old] Mary P.]

Did the 20 min at 26spm test this afternoon, logged it in with comment "TEST" as in July, and managed about 40m farther than the previous month's test at 24spm. Not a big jump, but 26 was considerably smoother than 24. The power workouts at 24 (1:30on/30s off) and 20 min test at 24 were quite jarring. On finishing those, I felt something strained in the middle of my quads. No pulled muscles at 26.<br />Good luck to all,<br />Mary P.

[[old] rspenger]

I seem to have missed this thread when I sent a message about the August test. In any case, my result, 4535 m (2:12.3 split average), doesn't look like much compared to the younger folks reports. However, as I indicated in that message, the numbers are encouraging enough to convince me that I have a possible shot at another WR. If not, I guess I will just have to hang on until 90 and try all over again.<br /><br />regards,<br /><br />Bob S.

[[old] libbypeters]

Well, there is nothing like "testing" on the dilapidated concept2 shoved in the corner of your local gym. It's *almost* enough to make me miss the erg room at school! Can't wait until Tuesday when team practices start up again... goodbye sweet summer. Okay, anyway...<br /><br />20' @ 26 spm<br />1:56.9 split = 5131 meters<br /><br />Kinda wanted to puke. I'm a little out of erging shape. Good luck!<br /><br />Best,<br />Libby

[[old] NavigationHazard]

<!--QuoteBegin-libbypeters+Aug 30 2005, 01:13 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(libbypeters @ Aug 30 2005, 01:13 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Well, there is nothing like "testing" on the dilapidated concept2 shoved in the corner of your local gym.  It's *almost* enough to make me miss the erg room at school!  Can't wait until Tuesday when team practices start up again... goodbye sweet summer.  Okay, anyway...<br /><br />20' @ 26 spm<br />1:56.9 split = 5131 meters<br /><br />Kinda wanted to puke.  I'm a little out of erging shape.  Good luck!<br /><br />Best,<br />Libby <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />Libby, if you're in NYC, you're welcome to do the test again on my apartment setup: Model C, P2, ErgMonitor if wanted, HR interface, scrupulously maintained chain, slide, etc.... <br /><br />Our apartment is just south of the Cloisters, off the 181st St stop on the A train, only about a mile or so from the Columbia boathouse.... <br />

[[old] PeterD]

I thought I would try again while still in August. This time a little better... 5607m 1:47.0 ave 26 SMP. I felt better prepared today, mostly due to a better breakfast and doing the piece a little earlier in the day (11:15am) I think the food thing is important to a good performance and something to keep in mind when figuring out a pre race stratagy. Eating to close is bad but I find I can also run out of gas if I am not careful. There might be something in our physiology that helps us with this on an actual RACE DAY.<br /><br />Peter D

[[old] carie]

Hello-I did my test yesterday at the boathouse and had the high (but it turned out unrealistic) goal of breaking 2:00 spilts for 20 minutes. I did the July piece with an average of 2:05.6 -which wasn't good but getting back into shape.<br /><br /> I've been working out consistently throughout August and was a bit disappointed to test for 20 minutes at a 2:02.6. On the other hand it was a very difficult piece for me -I went out too hard (in hindsight). I almost stopped twice or the thought crossed my mind that it could possibly happen. It was also very hot but I doubt it affects an erg test for a relatively short period of time. If so I'll be happily surprised by my September test.<br /><br />In fact I'm really looking forward to the September test. I enjoy having training goals.<br /><br />Carie<br /><br />

[[old] jim mcgoldrick]

Hey, these 20' restricted rate tests are hard!<br /><br />Did 1:46.0, 5659m yesterday. Thought I was rating 26 most of the way through, with an occasional dip to 25, and spike to 27. Actual rating ended up 25. (Way to go Chief, might as well make a hard piece even harder).<br /><br />Very pleased with the result. Peaked at 95% of MHR, same as the piece last month.<br /><br />Jim McGoldrick

[[old] PeterD]

Jim,<br />You have me by 52 meters..I will have to keep an eye on that!<br />Peter D

[[old] mag]

Conditions: very hot and humid thanks to Katrina but this is the last day of Aug so no waiting for better conditions. Unfortunately, we have an openair boathouse so no airconditioning. Although I am pleased with my results (+138 meters over July), I do think the heat impacted me. I will truly welcome the coolness that September promises.<br /><br />I felt less restricted by the 26SR and now that the fall Head season is here, these workouts are very much in sync with our on-the-water workouts. No more 38's on the water and 18's on the erg!

[[old] mag]

<!--QuoteBegin-PeterD+Aug 30 2005, 02:30 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(PeterD @ Aug 30 2005, 02:30 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I thought I would try again while still in August.  This time a little better... 5607m 1:47.0 ave 26 SMP.  I felt better prepared today, mostly due to a better breakfast and doing the piece a little earlier in the day (11:15am)  I think the food thing is important to a good performance and something to keep in mind when figuring out a pre race stratagy.  Eating to close is bad but I find I can also run out of gas if I am not careful.  There might be something in our physiology that helps us with this on an actual RACE DAY.<br /><br />Peter D <br /> </td></tr></table><br />Peter -<br /><br />I find that a pack of GU energy gel, eaten about 15 minutes prior to a race/hard workout provides good energy without any digestion problems.<br /><br />Mag