The Jigsaw Pieces Are Dropping Into Place

I think I can see it coming together now.

It’s been a fairly quiet week on the rowing front. I did a big row at the weekend and then kept things calmer through the week — a few walks, nothing massively strenuous.

Yesterday I went for my second bike fitting and it was a great afternoon. BikeFit Barry did a brilliant job as always. It’s nice to feel the cycling side getting dialled in again too.

Then today, WHOOP had my recovery in the yellow. A “go” day, but not a flat-out day.

Coach GPT put 5x 500-metre intervals into the plan at a target pace of 1:52/500m and a stroke rate of 24–26. My first reaction when I saw it was: that’s a bit much.

But I’ve just completed it.

I did the five 500s and it felt good. It felt strong. More importantly, it felt like these are the pieces that begin to sew the whole Sub-7 thing together. I’ve still got a fair way to go, but I can see how the jigsaw is starting to make a picture.

What struck me today is that the speed and power were controlled. Rhythmic. Consistent. Sustained. A while back that kind of pace would have been something I’d either dream about or attempt while flailing around. Today it was work, but it was managed work.

I even did a sixth 500m a bit faster, and yes, it was still controlled.

So, it’s coming together. I can see it now. Maybe six to nine months away, but the direction is right: more gym work, more strength work, and more controlled rowing at the speeds that matter.

Right. Time to go and do some work.

This is The Sub-7 Experiment — and I can see it now.