Concept2 Forum

In Sweden it seems to be the idea that on the weekend before the race weekend there should be some extremely hard training. I'm wondering how other competitive rowers and ergers prepare towards the goal race.

Should their be a "overload" one week before the race?

For example my training plan says:
saturday1 17hard/5easy (strokes) x 20 x 2set (this means in total 7k at 2k intensity)
one hour rest
saturday2 4x1000m races, all out every race

sunday1 6x500 all out every 500
one hour rest
sunday2 8x250m all out every interval

Supposedly this will toughen you up mentaly as well as quicken up the body's recovery pace between races on race weekend. After a weekend like this a one should feel physical nausea at the sight of a boat.

Is this common? What are your thoughts on the method?

This is the FISA suggestion:

sat1: 4-6x500m
sat2: 2-3x1000m
sun: 2-3x1000

Tough, but not that tough.

FISA Basic Training Methology, adobe reader page 28, printed page number 84

I'd go relatively hard, but you certainly don't want to get worn out or too tired.

It's important to be rested and fresh for a race.