When I get around to it, I'll want to rate 31 spm or so at AT (i.e., with a HR pushing up to 180 bpm).
Given my stroking power now, if I just hold my technique steady, that should be _very_ close to 10 MPS (1:37).
5K/6K and things like 4 x 2K are done at AT.
Then, in sharpening, I will want to push that rate to 34 spm over 2K by tuning up my anaerobic capacities with short intervals at 36-40 spm.
Anaerobic capacities contribute quite a bit to a quality 2K.
In a quality 2K, anaerobic energy pathways contribute 20-30% of the energy required.
Back in 2002-2003, I also did 4 x 2K, 5K/6K, etc., at in and around 31 spm (and then raced at 34-36 spm), but back then, rowing badly at max drag, I only pulled 10.5 SPI for these purposes.
Rowing well at low drag, I'll now pull 12.5 SPI, two SPI more.
I am now better at rowing.
My fitness is the same, but technically, I am now more effective and efficient.
In particular, I have now learned how to use the whole slide, good footwork, and the full use of my arms and legs, in good timing and sequencing with my back.
Back in 2002-2003, I pretty much just hauled the handle with my back, against high resistance, leveraging off the balls of my feet at the footplate, like a sprinter in running.
I short-slided, pulling with all of my levers at the catch (and throughout the drive), dragging my legs behind, both starting and finishing with my back, up on my toes the whole time, never setting my heels and therefore never rowing with my hams and gluts at all.
I didn't sequence my levers at all; I just pushed and pulled, heave-ho, with everything I could muster in terms of leveraging on each stroke.
I didn't know how to row.
When I tried to row this way in my 1x, I just fell right out of the boat--repeatedly.
Back then, in my OTW sessions, I usually got in a lot of nice swimming, but not much rowing.
Training isn't a race/performance.
It is an opportunity to get better.
Over the last few years, I have used my training time well.
In recent times, besides me, no male WR-holder, 40-70, has ever gotten any better--at all.
They have just gotten worse and worse.
ranger
Rich Cureton M 72 5'11" 165 lbs. 2K pbs: 6:27.5 (hwt), 6:28 (lwt)