help wanted with WP L2 math

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Olde School
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help wanted with WP L2 math

Post by Olde School » January 30th, 2025, 6:17 pm

Hello, everyone.

I've done a pretty good search and am not finding a conclusive answer to this question:

My current 2K time was 7:38, yielding a 1:54 split.
For my next L2 workout I don't know whether to use 90% of the watts of the 2K split (233.8W) (this yields a 1:59 split or 210W), or to multiply the time of the 2K split by 1.08 (this yields a 2:04 split).
The difference in the 2 possible L2 paces is significant.

So, do I go by watts or pace?

Thanks :-)

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Citroen
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Re: help wanted with WP L2 math

Post by Citroen » January 30th, 2025, 6:48 pm

Use pace for everything. Most folks on here use that, it's easier to read from the PM2, PM3, PM4 or PM5 than watts.

You program in a distance then measure the pace & time to complete it.

jamesg
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Re: help wanted with WP L2 math

Post by jamesg » January 31st, 2025, 2:25 am

For my next L2 workout
The basic rule of rowing is go as fast as possible, at the set rating.

Using PM numbers and ergdata, we can know not only what we're doing, but also how, avoiding the non-linearity of Speed - Power (W=kV³). This using stroke quality control via W/kg and W/Rating.
08-1940, 179cm, 83kg.

iain
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Re: help wanted with WP L2 math

Post by iain » January 31st, 2025, 5:48 am

Olde School wrote:
January 30th, 2025, 6:17 pm
Hello, everyone.

I've done a pretty good search and am not finding a conclusive answer to this question:

My current 2K time was 7:38, yielding a 1:54 split.
For my next L2 workout I don't know whether to use 90% of the watts of the 2K split (233.8W) (this yields a 1:59 split or 210W), or to multiply the time of the 2K split by 1.08 (this yields a 2:04 split).
The difference in the 2 possible L2 paces is significant.

So, do I go by watts or pace?

Thanks :-)
While the more data oriented (myself included) don't like it, there is no set relationship between distances that applies to all or even to any person through different fitness levels. Any of the guides is just that and a coach will look at performance on several metrics as well as the timing of a session relative to goals / whether intended over reach week or easier week etc. to set the appropriate pace. Also I am currently unclear on whether doing L2s close to maximum is optimal as the intention is to get used to rowing around and a bit above threshold and that last push takes you well above threshold (so encroaching on L1 territory). As I get older 2 full on sessions take their toll and cannot be done week in week out, so if targetting 2k you need to prioritise L1 and L2 can be at 95% max.

I would expect max to be close to 5k pace. So for a "sprinter" this would be 2:04 and for an endurance specialist 1:58. So what fits with you and what are you trying to achieve with the session?
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/

MPx
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Re: help wanted with WP L2 math

Post by MPx » January 31st, 2025, 7:11 am

Olde School wrote:
January 30th, 2025, 6:17 pm
Hello, everyone.

I've done a pretty good search and am not finding a conclusive answer to this question:

My current 2K time was 7:38, yielding a 1:54 split.
For my next L2 workout I don't know whether to use 90% of the watts of the 2K split (233.8W) (this yields a 1:59 split or 210W), or to multiply the time of the 2K split by 1.08 (this yields a 2:04 split).
The difference in the 2 possible L2 paces is significant.

So, do I go by watts or pace?

Thanks :-)
As pointed out above the difference is due to the Cube relationship between Watts and Pace. So you need to understand (perhaps from the context of the guidance) weather the % is meant to apply to Watts or Pace - I'm guessing pace.
Mike - 67 HWT 183

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Dangerscouse
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Re: help wanted with WP L2 math

Post by Dangerscouse » January 31st, 2025, 11:03 am

What's an L2 workout, and more importantly how long in distance or time is it? Is it intervals or a single piece?
51 HWT; 6' 4"; 1k= 3:09; 2k= 6:36; 5k= 17:19; 6k= 20:47; 10k= 35:46 30mins= 8,488m 60mins= 16,618m HM= 1:16.47; FM= 2:40:41; 50k= 3:16:09; 100k= 7:52:44; 12hrs = 153km

"You reap what you row"

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MPx
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Re: help wanted with WP L2 math

Post by MPx » January 31st, 2025, 7:49 pm

Dangerscouse wrote:
January 31st, 2025, 11:03 am
What's an L2 workout...
At the risk of ire from Mike C for getting it all wrong, I offer this Stu:

I observe people, who I know follow the plan, doing
L1 sessions which tend to be full on short interval repeats - only scheduled on the run up to competition phase not in general training
L2 also a hard session but longer intervals - in all phases.
L3 longer again (12k) but lower threshold training - appears to be written as steady state, but looks grey zone to me.
L4 plays with rate quite a bit but is otherwise closest to what I call steady state

Despite these differences, all levels look challenging to me with pace guidance based on targeted 2k time. Results can't be argued with however - not only the successful teams they were designed for but also independent followers winning competitions and setting records.

Edit to answer your Q directly ...three L2s I know are:
5x1.5k, rest isn't really rest its 1.5k light rowing
4x2k, 1.5k r
3k/2.5k/2k, 1.5k/2k/1.5k r
Mike - 67 HWT 183

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Re: help wanted with WP L2 math

Post by H2O » January 31st, 2025, 8:43 pm

Similar age here (66). 4 x 2K rest 4 mins, pace 2K+8 is not unpleasant and is in the middle of the AT band, pace 2K+5 is in low end TR territory and would be very hard. if the 1.5K is recovery pace (like 2:20) you could shoot for a 2:01 split.

Dangerscouse
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Re: help wanted with WP L2 math

Post by Dangerscouse » February 1st, 2025, 3:32 am

MPx wrote:
January 31st, 2025, 7:49 pm
Dangerscouse wrote:
January 31st, 2025, 11:03 am
What's an L2 workout...
At the risk of ire from Mike C for getting it all wrong, I offer this Stu:

I observe people, who I know follow the plan, doing
L1 sessions which tend to be full on short interval repeats - only scheduled on the run up to competition phase not in general training
L2 also a hard session but longer intervals - in all phases.
L3 longer again (12k) but lower threshold training - appears to be written as steady state, but looks grey zone to me.
L4 plays with rate quite a bit but is otherwise closest to what I call steady state

Despite these differences, all levels look challenging to me with pace guidance based on targeted 2k time. Results can't be argued with however - not only the successful teams they were designed for but also independent followers winning competitions and setting records.

Edit to answer your Q directly ...three L2s I know are:
5x1.5k, rest isn't really rest its 1.5k light rowing
4x2k, 1.5k r
3k/2.5k/2k, 1.5k/2k/1.5k r
Thanks Mike. I'd struggle with 2k + 5 for those type of sessions, and +8 is where I'd aim for, possibly increasing to +7 / 7.5
51 HWT; 6' 4"; 1k= 3:09; 2k= 6:36; 5k= 17:19; 6k= 20:47; 10k= 35:46 30mins= 8,488m 60mins= 16,618m HM= 1:16.47; FM= 2:40:41; 50k= 3:16:09; 100k= 7:52:44; 12hrs = 153km

"You reap what you row"

Instagram: stuwenman

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