2k Execution. Second 1k FASTER than First 1k.

What’s up Everyone!

Hope all is well as you maximize your winter and get as fast as possible on the erg! Training is in FULL SWING, and yesterday I had the opportunity to watch dozens of ATT Athletes go to the “line” and race 2k at the Main Line Slide (indoor 2000m race outside Philly)!

I had an absolute blast watching so many current and past ATT Athletes compete, plus the ATT Winter Training athletes who went straight from the garage on Saturday, to crushing their 2k’s on Sunday!

And for EVERY athlete I talked to, whether they were an ATT Athlete or just someone looking for some guidance, my 2k advice was simple…

Second Half Faster Than First Half.

2k’s… especially one’s propped up on the pedestal of an “Ergatta” carry a lot of mental weight. And we… or others… put so much pressure on ourselves to perform on the day, that we end up psyching ourselves out of the race before it even begins. 2k’s are already hard enough.

And with that, my goal with every conversation was to get athletes to remember… 2k execution is no different than any other piece.

You “get off the line”, settle early into a stroke rate and pace that is 99% sustainable to establish your rhythm, then once you get to the “top of the first mountain” (the first 1000 meters), you begin to “race” and attack the second half.

That first 1000 meter mountain should ALWAYS be achievable. But often times we let the mental weight take us away from executing that “first climb”.

With that, my advice is always the same.

First half is “Training”. Second half is “Racing”. If we treat the first half like “racing” we oftentimes lose the choice to attack the second half (because of a “fly and die” or a “mental barrier”).

We want to collect momentum in the first half… not take ourselves out of the “fight” before the battle even begins.

And as you get more and more experienced, that first climb can get a little more aggressive.

But always reminding ourselves that that first half is still “training”, we are now provided the choice to attack the second half and finish strong.

And for many athletes… that’s exactly what they did!

And for those who may have misfired or let the moment win “today”… the beautiful thing about rowing is that there will always be a next one!

P.S. If you’re looking for your next 2k opportunity… register for the Philadelphia Indoor Classic by Philadelphia City Rowing! Support an incredible organization and help grow Philly rowing! I’ll see you there!

In closing, seek momentum, embrace your training, and let’s keep moving forward!

Kevin