Concept2 Forum

Hey, this is my first post on the c2 forums and I need some help relieving some stress.. so thanks

I am a high school heavy from the Boston area and I have been rowing since freshman year during spring seasons (with the exception of these past 12 months) and I have finally taken action and signed up for CRASH-B's. The only problem is that I am in the open category and I can be expected to be at the very end of the pack.
I pulled a 7:08 on January 6 and I dropped 11 seconds in 3 weeks down to a 6:57. I had a lot more energy than I should have (I was only trying to break 7) and I did so finishing off with a sprint at a split of 1:35-7. My goal is to finish off my winter training at a 6:45 and I don't know if I am expecting too much. I have never erged at a competition before and from what I hear it is intense and helps you become more motivated than doing it individually.
My worry is that I will be pulling a 1:41-2 and break down at the 1500m mark making me negative split. I think that it can be reached but I don't know how I should plan it. I have been freaking out for a few weeks and I don't know if what I am aiming for is too low or not. I feel like I can do it but I don't know if I can. This should be the case for everyone all the time but how should a person know how far they can go on a piece? normally I just have a goal I know I can reach easily but this time I want to push myself further but I don't know if I'm aiming to deep.

(sorry I am really flustered/nervous)...

Thank you very much.

I am by no means an expert and am terribly nervous about about doing the Bs myself. I think everyone who is doing it (this is my first time) has the jitters.

If you are really trying to go for a 6.45 (and have the indicators that you can hold that rate, for ex. a 4x1k 5'r or 6x500 1'r with a 1.41-1.42 at ave pace) then you want to pace the race starting slight slower than your target (some people would say from 500-800), middle be at your target (800-400), then sprint it out. (That is actually called negative splitting.) Others will explain pacing better.

As for the nerves, all I can say is go down fighting. If you leave anything on the table then will you satisfied? These are all questions/issues I am struggling with myself. We are all nervous. Isn't that the joy of the experience??

I was just as scared as you in my first race.Try and do the first 1k at 1:41-1:42 pace,your body will tell you what you have left in the tank.If it is going well then speed up abit,but dont let it all go until the last 300m.Then you can really let rip.You dont wont to set off to fast and die,and you dont want to walk away disapointed.
Just remember that there will be alot of adrenaline on the day,so try and channel it into the race positively.ie.dont shoot off at the start.and enjoy it and good luck.