30000 meters of pain…
6 Apr
Well ok, not all 30000 were painful, just the last 6-8k. Completed in a time of 1.58.36 which is well within my target time of under 3hrs for the full distance. Actually my real target is to row the complete distance in under 2min/500m pace which would bring me in at 2.48.38 (1.59.9/500). I’m pretty confident I can do it but the last 12-15k is going to need some serious planning and support:
Been experimenting with fluid/food and concluded that best to sip throughout – every 2k is good at the start maybe every 1k for the last 10k? This is more a mental thing really as it will give me something to aim for. I might have water to hand too although the isotonic mix is working pretty well for me right now. Fow energy I’ve been trying glucose tablets and small slabs of kendal mint cake – yes, pure sugar!!
The idea is that I slot a small slab in to my mouth and then let it dissolve slowly over 500 – 1000meters, then I ‘reward’ myself with some fluid either immediately or on the next 1000 mark. It depends where I am in the race. I started to take the sugar after about 5k, not because I needed it then but I figured it could take 20mins to take affect by which time I would be at 10k ish. So for every 2k after that I would be benefiting from a little sugar rush which had been administered 20 mins prior – get it?
Well, I’ll try again later this week although the distance will be less, probably 20 -25k, but going through the complete start up procedure:
Check and clean machine
Connect to PC (if using RowPro, haven’t decided yet)
Put out extra chair(s) for moral supporters to drop in
Lay towels underneath (sweat catchers)
Make up and lay out drinks and sweets
Fold underlay and towels for seat and test
2 extra towels for drying throughout race (1 on left, 1 on right)
Tape up fingers
Adjust HRM
Check drag factor
Warm up – off and on machine – min 5mins really easy row
Set machine at 42195meters @ 1.59.5 pace
Start
Might have forgotten something – I’ll add it in later if I have. Better go now, I need to rest!
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