Sudden increase in splits...

[Steph22]

Hey guys... I’m a female novice rower who recently has had a huge increase in split time. I’m not sure why this is as I’ve been feeling quite normal.
Ex. My 20 min average is 2:21 but now I can’t hold a 2:25 for three strokes- it’s jumper up about 20 splits
To make it worse, I have a competition this Saturday.

[Dangerscouse]

Hmmm, that's strange. Have you been training more for the competition? How does it feel when you struggle? More to do with breathing, lactic acid or something else?

I suspect that at least some of it is due to anxiety for the upcoming competition. Try to not let the negative thoughts cloud your feelings. You have rowed faster so you are clearly capable

[MPx]

Has someone messed with the drag factor? Sounds like you've been rowing normally and then gotten onto a machine with a DF significantly higher. Did someone clean the machines? Always check the drag factor before you start.

[jamesg]

It's possible that in view of your Saturday event, someone has nobbled your machine. Happens all the time.

Increased drag seems most likely. First thing to do is set the lever to zero, pull a few strokes and see how it feels. Then increase slightly if it's too light and quick.

It's also possible that the drag be already too low; in this case the pull will be very quick. Set the lever higher.

Failing both, try a different machine.

By pressing a few buttons, the machine can also show you the drag factor. Then on any other machine you can set it to the level you like. This is normal in racing, someone else has set the machine to his liking. If it was a gorilla, you may not have the same likes. Have fun anyway.

[Gammmmo]

Has someone messed with the drag factor? Sounds like you've been rowing normally and then gotten onto a machine with a DF significantly higher. Did someone clean the machines? Always check the drag factor before you start.

This. equipment issue, surely....I mean if u used to be able to hold 2:21 for 20mins even if u were exhausted from training you should be able to hold that for say 3-5mins easily. The body doesn't change rapidly*. Mentally all good? Apart from a bit of trepidation? One of the keys to overcoming race anxiety is to simply race more...accept some races will be good, some bad, most average. Make it habitual.

* you haven't given blood have you?

[nick rockliff]

Check for Anemia

[Gabe_G]

Curious - How did the competition go? Was the increase split an anomaly or did it follow through your race?