Are you taking on the Rowing For A Cause 10K this weekend?
We’re SO pumped to see everyone coming together to raise money for Bright Pink and to see you join the #10000Club.
So, in order to celebrate this big milestone, our instructors have come together to give everyone taking on the challenge a little bit of advice for you to keep in mind as you tackle the 10,000 meters.
Carly: The 10k was more mind over matter, and telling yourself that you are stronger than the rower. I watched the screen to keep my pace, and split time, in check and had a goal in mind. This helped me stay motivated and determined to finish. During the 10K, I was able to really focus on my form and breathing and in turn, felt every muscle working. The glute cramp came to me halfway through, but worked its way out. Keep that grip loose and that goal in mind! YOU. CAN. DO. IT!
Jayne: When the going gets tough, just remember what you are working towards. Visualize the goal you have set for yourself, remind yourself that change happens when you get out of your comfort zone, and think about how BAD ASS you will feel walking out those doors after hitting 10,000M.
Michelle: I would try to find a split time that feels good – not too fast and one that you can hopefully hold for a while. Once I found that pace, I covered the monitor. I felt like seeing the distance only messed with my head, and made me feel like I was never going to make it. Your legs are probably going to be the first that want to quit – but as long as you can keep them moving you can push through! I kept wanting to quit – and doing it alone definitely did not help – but on Sunday there will be an amazing group there pushing and motivating everyone. You got this, crew!
Kayla: Cover your monitor and go in knowing you will finish. Self talk is super important during these longer stretches, so tell yourself that you are a bad ass who will crush this row. You will finish, so it’s time to get the job done!
Elise: Surprise, surprise – I looked at the 10k as a challenge for myself. I set a goal, and knew what I would need to get my split time at in order to get it. That gave me a focus for the entire 40 minute push. No matter if your goal is 35 minutes or 55 minutes, set a goal time. For me rowing with a purpose makes it a lot more manageable and fun. Also instead of fast strokes, I really focused on a long strong strokes. My strokes per minute was not in the 30s! Since you are going to be on the rower for a long time, you want your form to stay solid. I wanted to waste less energy by getting the most out of each stroke. It’s a marathon not a sprint – remember DO NOT come out of the gates too quick!
Gio: Pacing seems like the most obvious thing here, so use the music as a way to pump you up & get things rolling. Listen, row, and enjoy. Also pre-row nutrition… make sure you hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Amanda: Pro tip – wear shoes with a THICKER sole, your heels will be stomping the rower for a much longer time. For the first 5 minutes, I focused on my breath and finding a pace that I could hold for myself. I then threw my towel over the monitor and told myself that I would row by feeling. Sometimes, it isn’t about the numbers. In order to keep my breathing steady, I found myself “singing” along to some of the music (singing = mouthing or just saying the words). It was something I used to do on long runs to help me focus on my breathing. Just take it one stroke at a time and have a blast! Always remember the reason WHY you are rowing on Sunday.
Kerri: Mind over matter. Coach yourself into a fluid and steady rhythm; LEGS-CORE-ARMS-ARMS-CORE-LEGS. All you have to do then is row on with consistency.
Jackie: The hardest part of the entire 10k was getting on the rower. Once you believe that you can start and finish, you 100% can and will. It is all mental, your body is there to help you and can make it through. You will get butt cramps, your hands may start to hurt, but you can do it! Channel the dedication you show day every day and prove to yourself that you are stronger than any distance thrown at you. Set goals such as “take a water break once I have 8k left”, “quick stretch when you see 5k”, anything to get your mind to a milestone helps! Talk to yourself, you are your best coach. Once it is over, you will be so proud, I promise!