Sunday, 29 May 2011

May PB's

I have started the new rowing season in style by achieving two personal best times in the last two weeks.

The first PB of the month was on the 14th May when I pulled in a really powerful time for the half marathon (21,097 metres). I tried a different strategy to my last attempt in 2009 by fueling up appropriately with a massive bowl of slow roasted sweet potatoes and lots of liquid before the row.
I had glasses of water ready at the side of the C2 and a little bowl of dark chocolate squares (just in case of energy loss). About 10k into the row I decided to have a nibble at the chocolate and it certainly helped me cruise the last 11k with 'reasonable' comfort. I finished the row in 1:49:56.1 with a pace of 2:36 throughout the row.
I am currently ranked 4th out of 7 on the world C2 rankings.

My second PB happened today after rowing another 1,000 metres for the May Cross Team Challenge. I took 9 seconds off my previous attempt and pulled in a time of 4:12.2. My stroke rate was 2:06.1 - which is the fastest I have ever pulled for longer than a minute. It looks promising for a 2k improvement this rowing season.
I am currently ranked as number one in the C2 world rankings! I suspect that won't last very long so I will enjoy it whilst it lasts.

Over the 2011/2012 rowing season I am going to attempt all the rank-able rows which include:
  • 500 metres = 2:14.8 (can definitely be improved considering my recent 1k)
  • 1,000 metres = 4:12.2 = 2:06.1
  • 2,000 metres
  • 5,000 metres
  • 6,000 metres
  • 10,000 metres
  • 21,097 metres = 1:49:56.1 =2:36.3
  • 42,195 metres
  • 100,000 metres
  • 4 minutes
  • 30 minutes
  • 60 minutes
I have rowed the ones in bold over the last few weeks - my only concern would be the full marathon and 100,000 metres because it would mean being on the C2 for a loooong time.

I also managed a cycling PB last week as well. On Saturday 21st May I cycled the Richmond Park loop twice in my best ever time - just under an hour. I felt very strong on both circuits and I know I can improve on the time over the summer. I have just got to keep cycling.

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