Never listen to your own advice…..!!

Never listen to your own advice…..

My advice to people is to always concentrate on your own rowing and training, and if you maximise yourself you stand the best chance of being competitive with those around you and the rest takes care of itself. There will always be exceptions of course, but I think this is sound advice.

Today rowing was not in my schedule as I had done a weights session this morning, but events transpired to give me a chance to have a second shot at this month’s CTC (www.c2ctc.com). For those of you not familiar with it, it is a friendly, lighthearted but competitive online monthly competition (individual and team elements) for all ages and abilities. It has great participation, but if you are after joining in then there are many teams you can join….including Fitness Matters!! This month’s challenge was as follows….

500m (rest 1m)
400m (rest 1m)
300m (rest 1m)
200m (rest 1m)
100m (rest 2m)
2000m.

This month’s challenge.

As a rule I do the CTC only once per month as it can be so painful lol.

Well this month I broke this rule and ignored my own advice!! My first CTC attempt a few days ago was indeed very hard, but I finished it believing there was a tiny bit more in the tank. The fact that I had no further opportunity (or desire for the pain!) to do it was immaterial, but definitely good for the confidence. Tough rows followed Wednesday and Thursday and I had a decent weights session today. Then came an opportunity with a late client cancellation. So this is where I ignored my advice! I went at it again and I targeted Dave Marshall’s top time as we were so close after he edged past me yesterday on his second attempt.

My targets today. Thanks Dave!

On this occasion breaking the rules, although painful, moved me on and you consciously have to do this. It doesn’t just happen. My game plan was to go harder on the sprints and I was backing my recovery to hang on to a semi decent 2km at the end.  It definitely hurt more and was closer to my limit. I fought off being sick 500-600m to go, but gained 5s overall. Done for another day and more metres and experience in the bank. Do as I say, not as I do!!

CTC attempt 2.

CTC attempt 2.