Woohoo, this is my all-time PR and I am elated!

Two weeks of anxiety leading up to the test, followed by a breeze.

Plan:
0–500m: 1:51 @ 26
500–1000m: 1:50 @ 28
1000–1500m: 1:49 @ 29
1500–2000m: 1:48 @ 32
Planned total time: 7:18.

I based this on my prev 2K, which was also a PR and the first 2K where I did not fly and die. This was a conservative plan, intending to shave off less than two seconds from the total time.

Deep within me, I felt I could do a bit better than that plan.

The previous day, I saw David C’s splits. He went at a much higher rate, ranging from 32 to 36. Sure, he is a runner, while I am not. I’ve done a lot of cycling lately, though not a lot of erging. Seeing his high rate, allowed by his good aerobic base, gave me a bit more confidence to push my rate too.

Once I started the test, I felt too good and confident to stay at the planned split and rate, so I pushed it up. That was a gamble that worked out for me this time.

After the first quarter, I dropped my split by one second as planned. As I started pushing a tad harder, I reminded myself that I do NOT have to lower my split or raise my rate any more — I could stay right here in this comfort zone, and be just slightly off my PR. (Thanks, modest expectations and negative splitting!) That affirmation helped me to relax.

At the halfway mark, I told myself, “ok, now you are starting a 1K test — no problem!” And it flew by.

Overall, there was no panic. No flying and dying. I executed my plan, plus went a bit beyond, as much as I felt comfortable.

I am becoming an experienced rower, and I am thrilled.