New Personal Best! Brag About That New Pb!

[KeithT]

New 2K PB at 6:27.8

As promised, I tested my 2K today and I got a PB by 1.6 seconds. I am happy to get a PB especially since my 2K time hadn't changed much from 2019, it was 6:29.9 in March of 2019, and 6:29.4 in March of 2020 and then today - I have only tested it like a couple times other than these (the 6:29s PBs were at comps). So, while happy, I feel like I was in better position to be even lower back in March when I got my 1K PB and was feeling good. I keep battling Father Time but at times I worry improvements may come to an end.

The row today went very close to plan. The idea was to try and average 1:37 pace and go out with some hard pulls and then settle on 1:38 thru about 800m then move to 1:36/1:37 for next 800 and then see what I had left - I was hurting early on (more than expected) but was able to stick to plan well until 400m to go when I thought I could go faster and even if I faded I would still PB - well, I did go faster for a few strokes but then I started feeling like I was freezing up and it turned out to be a hang on the best I could effort instead of a sprint in the end - the last 400m was like 1:33, 1:37, 1:39, 1:40. I should have just stayed steady where I was until 200 or 100 to go like I usually do. When done I was in as bad as shape as I have ever been - completely crushed - absolute max effort. One last note - my SPM was higher than ever for a 2K TT, interestingly the fastest split the SPM was a little lower but I am usually right at 30 SPM for a 2K.

Time/Mtrs/Pace/SPM
6:27.8/2000/1:36.9/32

1:17.6/400/1:37.0/33
1:18.2/800/1:37.7/32
1:17.2/1200/1:36.5/33
1:17.0/1600/1:36.2/29
1:17.9/2000/1:37.3/32

Just saw your post, very well done, 1.6'' is a great improvement! And great write-up as always
What's your next target?

Thanks Martin. Not sure of next target, just plan to keep working on 2K. There was a time I was dreaming of getting into mid 6:20s now and then maybe low 6:20s or even sub 6:20 by the 2023 WRIC when I move to next age category. However, while it's good to have big goals I also know the reality is I keep getting older and my rowing along with weight strength and everything else is a fight to keep from decreasing let alone making big improvements.

[KeithT]

New 2K PB at 6:27.8

As promised, I tested my 2K today and I got a PB by 1.6 seconds. I am happy to get a PB especially since my 2K time hadn't changed much from 2019, it was 6:29.9 in March of 2019, and 6:29.4 in March of 2020 and then today - I have only tested it like a couple times other than these (the 6:29s PBs were at comps). So, while happy, I feel like I was in better position to be even lower back in March when I got my 1K PB and was feeling good. I keep battling Father Time but at times I worry improvements may come to an end.

The row today went very close to plan. The idea was to try and average 1:37 pace and go out with some hard pulls and then settle on 1:38 thru about 800m then move to 1:36/1:37 for next 800 and then see what I had left - I was hurting early on (more than expected) but was able to stick to plan well until 400m to go when I thought I could go faster and even if I faded I would still PB - well, I did go faster for a few strokes but then I started feeling like I was freezing up and it turned out to be a hang on the best I could effort instead of a sprint in the end - the last 400m was like 1:33, 1:37, 1:39, 1:40. I should have just stayed steady where I was until 200 or 100 to go like I usually do. When done I was in as bad as shape as I have ever been - completely crushed - absolute max effort. One last note - my SPM was higher than ever for a 2K TT, interestingly the fastest split the SPM was a little lower but I am usually right at 30 SPM for a 2K.

Time/Mtrs/Pace/SPM
6:27.8/2000/1:36.9/32

1:17.6/400/1:37.0/33
1:18.2/800/1:37.7/32
1:17.2/1200/1:36.5/33
1:17.0/1600/1:36.2/29
1:17.9/2000/1:37.3/32

Congrats! pacing says it all. Maybe you are not in your absolute best form anymore? But nomatter, strong row, strong season, well done

Thanks Henry! It was a good row and I did have a lot of good PBs in the last year, so I can't complain but of course I will at times I have been feeling my age more recently so it is a battle.

[Dutch]

My head is minced at the moment with far too much work stress, so I almost didn't do anything at all, as I was full of excuses.

I backed off fairly early on as it didn't feel right, and as I didn't know what my 30 mins PB was, I was rowing in blissful ignorance. Happy with the result, but I know I can do quite a bit more on a better day

Nice distance danger, have you got fans though ?

[Dino]

New 2K PB at 6:27.8

As promised, I tested my 2K today and I got a PB by 1.6 seconds.

Time/Mtrs/Pace/SPM
6:27.8/2000/1:36.9/32

My head is minced at the moment with far too much work stress, so I almost didn't do anything at all, as I was full of excuses.

I backed off fairly early on as it didn't feel right, and as I didn't know what my 30 mins PB was, I was rowing in blissful ignorance. Happy with the result, but I know I can do quite a bit more on a better day

Well done chaps!
6:27! Thats mega Keith age defying - getting quicker not slower!
Stuart - huge distance for 30 mins and not even planned. Those are the best ones

[KeithT]

New 2K PB at 6:27.8

As promised, I tested my 2K today and I got a PB by 1.6 seconds.

Time/Mtrs/Pace/SPM
6:27.8/2000/1:36.9/32

My head is minced at the moment with far too much work stress, so I almost didn't do anything at all, as I was full of excuses.

I backed off fairly early on as it didn't feel right, and as I didn't know what my 30 mins PB was, I was rowing in blissful ignorance. Happy with the result, but I know I can do quite a bit more on a better day

Well done chaps!
6:27! Thats mega Keith age defying - getting quicker not slower!
Stuart - huge distance for 30 mins and not even planned. Those are the best ones

Thanks Dino. Father Time has been fighting me hard but still win some battles.

[Dangerscouse]

Nice distance danger, have you got fans though ?

Thanks mate. I've got a 20 inch that helps, but it still doesn't make enough of a difference

Stuart - huge distance for 30 mins and not even planned. Those are the best ones

Thanks Dino. The unexpected ones are always that little bit sweeter

[winniewinser]

New 2K PB at 6:27.8

As promised, I tested my 2K today and I got a PB by 1.6 seconds. I am happy to get a PB especially since my 2K time hadn't changed much from 2019, it was 6:29.9 in March of 2019, and 6:29.4 in March of 2020 and then today - I have only tested it like a couple times other than these (the 6:29s PBs were at comps). So, while happy, I feel like I was in better position to be even lower back in March when I got my 1K PB and was feeling good. I keep battling Father Time but at times I worry improvements may come to an end.

The row today went very close to plan. The idea was to try and average 1:37 pace and go out with some hard pulls and then settle on 1:38 thru about 800m then move to 1:36/1:37 for next 800 and then see what I had left - I was hurting early on (more than expected) but was able to stick to plan well until 400m to go when I thought I could go faster and even if I faded I would still PB - well, I did go faster for a few strokes but then I started feeling like I was freezing up and it turned out to be a hang on the best I could effort instead of a sprint in the end - the last 400m was like 1:33, 1:37, 1:39, 1:40. I should have just stayed steady where I was until 200 or 100 to go like I usually do. When done I was in as bad as shape as I have ever been - completely crushed - absolute max effort. One last note - my SPM was higher than ever for a 2K TT, interestingly the fastest split the SPM was a little lower but I am usually right at 30 SPM for a 2K.

Time/Mtrs/Pace/SPM
6:27.8/2000/1:36.9/32

1:17.6/400/1:37.0/33
1:18.2/800/1:37.7/32
1:17.2/1200/1:36.5/33
1:17.0/1600/1:36.2/29
1:17.9/2000/1:37.3/32

Missed this holy grail PB.....great work Keith!

[faach1]

New 2K PB at 6:27.8

As promised, I tested my 2K today and I got a PB by 1.6 seconds. I am happy to get a PB especially since my 2K time hadn't changed much from 2019, it was 6:29.9 in March of 2019, and 6:29.4 in March of 2020 and then today - I have only tested it like a couple times other than these (the 6:29s PBs were at comps). So, while happy, I feel like I was in better position to be even lower back in March when I got my 1K PB and was feeling good. I keep battling Father Time but at times I worry improvements may come to an end.

The row today went very close to plan. The idea was to try and average 1:37 pace and go out with some hard pulls and then settle on 1:38 thru about 800m then move to 1:36/1:37 for next 800 and then see what I had left - I was hurting early on (more than expected) but was able to stick to plan well until 400m to go when I thought I could go faster and even if I faded I would still PB - well, I did go faster for a few strokes but then I started feeling like I was freezing up and it turned out to be a hang on the best I could effort instead of a sprint in the end - the last 400m was like 1:33, 1:37, 1:39, 1:40. I should have just stayed steady where I was until 200 or 100 to go like I usually do. When done I was in as bad as shape as I have ever been - completely crushed - absolute max effort. One last note - my SPM was higher than ever for a 2K TT, interestingly the fastest split the SPM was a little lower but I am usually right at 30 SPM for a 2K.

Time/Mtrs/Pace/SPM
6:27.8/2000/1:36.9/32

1:17.6/400/1:37.0/33
1:18.2/800/1:37.7/32
1:17.2/1200/1:36.5/33
1:17.0/1600/1:36.2/29
1:17.9/2000/1:37.3/32

Just saw this, nice one Keith! Pacing shows that this is max effort or very close to. Interesting how the fastest split was @ your lowest rating of 29.

[KeithT]

New 2K PB at 6:27.8

As promised, I tested my 2K today and I got a PB by 1.6 seconds. I am happy to get a PB especially since my 2K time hadn't changed much from 2019, it was 6:29.9 in March of 2019, and 6:29.4 in March of 2020 and then today - I have only tested it like a couple times other than these (the 6:29s PBs were at comps). So, while happy, I feel like I was in better position to be even lower back in March when I got my 1K PB and was feeling good. I keep battling Father Time but at times I worry improvements may come to an end.

The row today went very close to plan. The idea was to try and average 1:37 pace and go out with some hard pulls and then settle on 1:38 thru about 800m then move to 1:36/1:37 for next 800 and then see what I had left - I was hurting early on (more than expected) but was able to stick to plan well until 400m to go when I thought I could go faster and even if I faded I would still PB - well, I did go faster for a few strokes but then I started feeling like I was freezing up and it turned out to be a hang on the best I could effort instead of a sprint in the end - the last 400m was like 1:33, 1:37, 1:39, 1:40. I should have just stayed steady where I was until 200 or 100 to go like I usually do. When done I was in as bad as shape as I have ever been - completely crushed - absolute max effort. One last note - my SPM was higher than ever for a 2K TT, interestingly the fastest split the SPM was a little lower but I am usually right at 30 SPM for a 2K.

Time/Mtrs/Pace/SPM
6:27.8/2000/1:36.9/32

1:17.6/400/1:37.0/33
1:18.2/800/1:37.7/32
1:17.2/1200/1:36.5/33
1:17.0/1600/1:36.2/29
1:17.9/2000/1:37.3/32

Missed this holy grail PB.....great work Keith!

Thanks Alex!

[KeithT]

New 2K PB at 6:27.8

As promised, I tested my 2K today and I got a PB by 1.6 seconds. I am happy to get a PB especially since my 2K time hadn't changed much from 2019, it was 6:29.9 in March of 2019, and 6:29.4 in March of 2020 and then today - I have only tested it like a couple times other than these (the 6:29s PBs were at comps). So, while happy, I feel like I was in better position to be even lower back in March when I got my 1K PB and was feeling good. I keep battling Father Time but at times I worry improvements may come to an end.

The row today went very close to plan. The idea was to try and average 1:37 pace and go out with some hard pulls and then settle on 1:38 thru about 800m then move to 1:36/1:37 for next 800 and then see what I had left - I was hurting early on (more than expected) but was able to stick to plan well until 400m to go when I thought I could go faster and even if I faded I would still PB - well, I did go faster for a few strokes but then I started feeling like I was freezing up and it turned out to be a hang on the best I could effort instead of a sprint in the end - the last 400m was like 1:33, 1:37, 1:39, 1:40. I should have just stayed steady where I was until 200 or 100 to go like I usually do. When done I was in as bad as shape as I have ever been - completely crushed - absolute max effort. One last note - my SPM was higher than ever for a 2K TT, interestingly the fastest split the SPM was a little lower but I am usually right at 30 SPM for a 2K.

Time/Mtrs/Pace/SPM
6:27.8/2000/1:36.9/32

1:17.6/400/1:37.0/33
1:18.2/800/1:37.7/32
1:17.2/1200/1:36.5/33
1:17.0/1600/1:36.2/29
1:17.9/2000/1:37.3/32

Just saw this, nice one Keith! Pacing shows that this is max effort or very close to. Interesting how the fastest split was @ your lowest rating of 29.

Yeah I think I sort of lengthened the stroke at that point but wasn't really a conscious thing.

[Dutch]

Been considering going for a 1hr tt for about 5 days, so thought I would have a go at it today.

My previous best and only other time I have done the 1hr time was back in March. 12754m, 125 watts, ave 2.21.1, df 110, hr 124.

I did expect to do better than last time, but was not sure If I could make 14k.

Time dist watts ave spm df hr
1hr 13854 160 2.09.9 23 112 132
10m 2276 153 2.11.8 22
20 2315 161 2.09.5 22
30 2316 161 2.09.5 22
40 2297 157 2.10.6 24
50 2316 161 2.09.5 25
60 2336 165 2.08.5 27

At 40 mins I decided to get some banana and a drink, but kept rowing as I was having it.

I did discover a funny thing with the rower as well. At about 35 mins I put the handle vertical just to activate my forearms a bit and stretch my back as I was going forward on the recovery, well when I put the handle straight and pulled back my time average time dropped from 2.09.5 to about 2.04. I did for about 5 times and kept the handle straight for the next few strokes then did it again a couple of mins later when feeling sluggish and again it dropped about the same amount, from 2.09 to 2.04.
So I did it one way, left over right and then then the other way right over left a few more times and noticed that when I did this I seem to be activating the muscles in the whole body and push with a fresh vigour. It defo gives the legs some extra zest. I think the body must slump into a cramped position and loses some power on longer rows somehow, or just bad form from me as I am not conditioned enough yet.
Overall happy though, considering its only my second 1hr ever.
I have just thought, twisting the handle probably lengthens the stroke, hence why the time dropped?

[Dangerscouse]

Been considering going for a 1hr tt for about 5 days, so thought I would have a go at it today.

My previous best and only other time I have done the 1hr time was back in March. 12754m, 125 watts, ave 2.21.1, df 110, hr 124.

I did expect to do better than last time, but was not sure If I could make 14k.

Time dist watts ave spm df hr
1hr 13854 160 2.09.9 23 112 132
10m 2276 153 2.11.8 22
20 2315 161 2.09.5 22
30 2316 161 2.09.5 22
40 2297 157 2.10.6 24
50 2316 161 2.09.5 25
60 2336 165 2.08.5 27

At 40 mins I decided to get some banana and a drink, but kept rowing as I was having it.

I did discover a funny thing with the rower as well. At about 35 mins I put the handle vertical just to activate my forearms a bit and stretch my back as I was going forward on the recovery, well when I put the handle straight and pulled back my time average time dropped from 2.09.5 to about 2.04. I did for about 5 times and kept the handle straight for the next few strokes then did it again a couple of mins later when feeling sluggish and again it dropped about the same amount, from 2.09 to 2.04.
So I did it one way, left over right and then then the other way right over left a few more times and noticed that when I did this I seem to be activating the muscles in the whole body and push with a fresh vigour. It defo gives the legs some extra zest. I think the body must slump into a cramped position and loses some power on longer rows somehow, or just bad form from me as I am not conditioned enough yet.
Overall happy though, considering its only my second 1hr ever.
I have just thought, twisting the handle probably lengthens the stroke, hence why the time dropped?

Well done Dutch. The longer distances are a real effort to start with, but they do get easier.

I have no idea why the pace dropped, but if you're getting tired there is a tendency to slump especially if you have weaker core muscles. I'd guess there is a natural requirement to sit up taller if it was vertical.

[Dutch]

Thanks danger. I find the first 15 mins the worst on longer distances, then I settle in mentally.
I think you are right with the weaker core, that is part of the slumping. It will come along in time though, I just need to form good habits.

[KeithT]

Been considering going for a 1hr tt for about 5 days, so thought I would have a go at it today.

My previous best and only other time I have done the 1hr time was back in March. 12754m, 125 watts, ave 2.21.1, df 110, hr 124.

I did expect to do better than last time, but was not sure If I could make 14k.

Time dist watts ave spm df hr
1hr 13854 160 2.09.9 23 112 132
10m 2276 153 2.11.8 22
20 2315 161 2.09.5 22
30 2316 161 2.09.5 22
40 2297 157 2.10.6 24
50 2316 161 2.09.5 25
60 2336 165 2.08.5 27

At 40 mins I decided to get some banana and a drink, but kept rowing as I was having it.

I did discover a funny thing with the rower as well. At about 35 mins I put the handle vertical just to activate my forearms a bit and stretch my back as I was going forward on the recovery, well when I put the handle straight and pulled back my time average time dropped from 2.09.5 to about 2.04. I did for about 5 times and kept the handle straight for the next few strokes then did it again a couple of mins later when feeling sluggish and again it dropped about the same amount, from 2.09 to 2.04.
So I did it one way, left over right and then then the other way right over left a few more times and noticed that when I did this I seem to be activating the muscles in the whole body and push with a fresh vigour. It defo gives the legs some extra zest. I think the body must slump into a cramped position and loses some power on longer rows somehow, or just bad form from me as I am not conditioned enough yet.
Overall happy though, considering its only my second 1hr ever.
I have just thought, twisting the handle probably lengthens the stroke, hence why the time dropped?

Solid row! I think you definitely have 14K in you and as you get used to longer rows you can make big gains. The handle thing - I think it is probably a bot of stretching/lengthening and also just something different. I find on longer rows if I change or focus on anything different for a few strokes the pace will come down.

[Dutch]

Thanks Keith. Just need a few 10ks and I reckon a 2.05 pace is not far off.
As you say and as I am finding, the longer rows make good gains for the mind and body.

I am even visioning a half marathon by October! Currently reckon about 1hr 40m with breaks.