Racing and Pacing

On Saturday, April 23rd, we were fortunate enough to piece with Loyola University Maryland's men's team. It was a gray and early morning when we met their two 4+s in the basin to run seven minute pieces towards the Baltimore Harbor. We capped the rates for the first six minutes, three minutes at a 30, three minutes at a 32, and then open rate for the last minute.

We had no idea what to expect and so we tried to push the pace from the start. We managed to create some separation from the crews within the first few minutes and push away from both crews, who appeared evenly matched. We completed the piece by bumping the rate a few beats and tried to stay clean while increasing the pressure, extending the margin.

Thanks to the Loyola men and Al for making the scrimmage happen!

It was a treat to finally race against another crew, as watching a clock quickly becomes monotonous day after day. A few things have helped break up the consistency: we obtained the 4-, we're still tweaking the line up to find the optimal arrangement, and we now have to watch out for other boats on the water now that the BRC competitive program is rowing full time. I have actually woken up with a sore neck from whipping my head around checking for other boats in the dark.

Now for the fun stuff. A clip of us rowing at pressure near the end of a workout. Rob and I have no idea how the heavies could go shirts off in that temperature. It must be the height.