I’m so stressed out ALL the time, but when I get to crew, I feel like a massive weight has been lifted. I love it so much, when I’m not rowing, I feel like shit. But then 2k’s come around and it’s just paralyzing, I have no clue how to do a 2k, having come off of an injury and I don’t want to do poorly and I’m just scared?
Don’t be scared. Way easier said than done, I know, but honestly, that really does make it worse. Coming off an injury you’re not expected to pull some miraculous 2k that blows everyone’s minds. That’s what we tell ourselves we have to do but no one actually expects that of us. (And if you’re coach does, perhaps someone should direct him to the “priority” entry in the dictionary and remind him that this shouldn’t be one of them.) 2ks coming off an injury are just the same as any other 2k minus the goal of PR’ing (assuming that’s what you’re goal is each time you 2k). Just go out and do the best you can. As your injury heals more and you regain your strength, your 2ks will improve a lot.
It’s literally seven and a half to eight minutes of your entire day. That’s something like 0.005%. Are you really going to let something that takes up that little amount of time screw with your head?
Related: 2k test strategy
Have a plan. Get on the erg, close your eyes, deep breath, strap in, deep breath again, remind yourself you can do this, and then go do it. You can think when you’re done.