you just never know...

[MarkEg]

I've had a few of my PBs like this, maybe not quite as dramatic going that far down, but certainly some significant negatives splits. Of course, at that moment I'm sure I could have rowed slightly faster without negative splitting but that's the whole point of this this post, I think, that you never know when you'll feel that good. Maybe 9 times out of 10 (or 95 out of a 100) if he goes out at 1:55 he ends up dying because he just doesn't have it that day. Not sure how productive that would be. Negative splitting allows you to feel it out and go or the PB when you're ready. We're not all optimally tuned professional athletes, we have jobs, stress, irregular schedules, etc.

-Steve

You correctly identify the point: there was no plan. But it turned out to be the right moment to experiment and see what happened. As you say, I could get on the machine later today, sit at 1.55 and crumble. But having said that, in the the back of my mind will be this piece that I'm posting about and the knowledge that the capability is there. PS you are correct about external factors. For example, if there is something unresolved and work related on my mind, I find it hard to commit to a good rowing session.

[DavidA]

Interesting week of training I've had. I did two HMs earlier in the week -- nothing too ambitious, just somewhere steady between UT1 and UT2. Today, I felt very tired, but wanted to stretch by doing something light, which in my mind means no less than 10K, anything less than that (unless it's intervals or a time trial) makes me think I'm not putting in sufficient effort. So I got on there with a view to doing a low rate, steady 10K .But then gradually, feeling strong, I just kept squeezing the pace until I ended up with a PB out of nowhere. First time under 39 minutes, which, in the context of what I do, feels quite good. So, what I deduce from that is that (a) you just never know what you might feel like doing and (b) HMs are beneficial, from a psychological standpoint at least, for shorter distances like 10K. It makes a massive difference to know that you have only to sustain something for 40 + minutes than to do so for 1 hour +++. Anyone any thoughts?

That's a big reason I often prefer not to set a time ahead of time, as sometimes I will just feel 'in the groove' and will go longer/faster than I originally thought.

David

[Hillclimber]

I've had a few of my PBs like this, maybe not quite as dramatic going that far down, but certainly some significant negatives splits. Of course, at that moment I'm sure I could have rowed slightly faster without negative splitting but that's the whole point of this this post, I think, that you never know when you'll feel that good. Maybe 9 times out of 10 (or 95 out of a 100) if he goes out at 1:55 he ends up dying because he just doesn't have it that day. Not sure how productive that would be. Negative splitting allows you to feel it out and go or the PB when you're ready. We're not all optimally tuned professional athletes, we have jobs, stress, irregular schedules, etc.

-Steve

Steve, I strongly agree. Big fan of negative splits. With all of the uncontrollable factors in our days/lives, aiming for a "PR day" is not likely. At the same time, once you drill down to your potential PR zone, the negative splits, as Henry, wisely notes, should ideally be within a few seconds range.
Damien

[Edward4492]

This is what makes fast 2k's set at a venue so special. It's just so damn hard to peak at the right time and then perform under the pressure of a race. Damien and I are perfect examples, we both had our best times about a month before CRASH B's. In my case I peaked and came out flat and Damien was obviously ill. As a side note Damien nailed it perfect in 2015 with a silver medal. Some of my best PR's just happened on normal training days. It's also why I always set the monitor for an exact rank-able distance so if I nail a special row I can get a verification code; but to be honest that really only matters if your ranking exceptional times near the top in your category ( in my opinion of course). It's also what makes consistent performers in high level sports so special, it's a true art and science putting it all together at the right time.

[chaz]

Like that with bike racing also Ed, as you know. Especially as a Masters rider, trying to just peak right for an event is extremely difficult with other influences, life commitments, etc. Actually has helped to change the plan around peaking at different points in the year, enjoying the events and enjoying when the results do come in.