Training for a 500m Sprint...

General discussion on Training. How to get better on your erg, how to use your erg to get better at another sport, or anything else about improving your abilities.
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Elamonta
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Training for a 500m Sprint...

Post by Elamonta » June 30th, 2009, 4:29 pm

Hey there,

I recently graduated from my collegiate rowing program and am entering law school in the fall. I have no real interest in rowing 2k's anymore lol...but I have challenged all of the men at our school to beat me at a 500m sprint each year at the local erg sprints. For each guy that can beat me I will donate $50 to the university's rowing program. Now, I am not that rich, but in time I don't see an issue with donating such a lump each year to improve the program. Do you all have any workouts or tips that could help me really hone down my 500m time?

In college I was a lightweight rower and pulled a 1:29 at my final erg sprints. Closest guy on my team was 3 seconds back. My school's program is primarily lightweight men, which is why I was able to win the 500m sprint each year for the past three years. I have stayed in good shape...can still attain the low splits I once could, except I am sure my endurance times are lacking quite a bit at this point.

Any thoughts?

iain
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Post by iain » July 1st, 2009, 12:36 pm

Not very knowledgable or close to your league, but in the absence of anyone else chipping in...

To answer, I imagine people would need to know what exercise you are doing so additional suggestions can be blended in.

When this was asked before, I think consensus was that most improvement would come from strength and sprint training. So HIIT sessions such as: http://thepeteplan.wordpress.com/sprint-hiit/
Or for some endurance as well, perhaps 10x1'r1', potentially in batches (3x(4x1ir1')r4'? Off the erg, all the usual weight training that I know even less about.

However, I think the question was asked about sharpening for 500m off a "more normal" [there's a word for erg nuts :roll: ] 2k program. 500m is not solely anaerbic, so there would be some benefit from some endurance training. Swimmers do huge distances for 100 & 200m races, so I don't know whethere there is a distance its not worth going across, but the normal PP/WP short intervals (4x1k, 5x750 etc.) or some longer steady rows might be an idea.

Best of luck

- Iain
56, lightweight in pace and by gravity. Currently training 3-4 times a week after a break to slowly regain the pitiful fitness I achieved a few years ago. Free Spirit, come join us http://www.freespiritsrowing.com/forum/

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dingrr
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Post by dingrr » September 15th, 2009, 12:57 pm

You might try Tabata intervals.
8 x (:20 work + :10 rest)
Not sure how many times per week though.

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