Last Tuesday the Junior Rowing Novice Girls completed their first ever 5k! Their Coach, Cierra Bird, explains all about these 5k erg races below.
“Rowers spend the fall racing longer distances—typically 5 kilometers. This part of the year is sometimes overlooked, but it’s absolutely essential for developing athletes at every level, especially novices just starting out. The whole team will typically do a 5k test on the rowing machine (erg) about once a month in the fall and winter.
The 5K season develops the aerobic base athletes need to power through spring sprints. Training and racing over longer distances teaches rowers how to pace themselves, sustain pressure, and stay technically sharp over 20+ minutes of effort. Rowing a long race requires athletes to commit fully to their crew, stay internal, and keep rhythm together. This shared challenge helps new teams bond, laying the groundwork for a strong spring season both on and off the water. The 5k season is the backbone of a rower’s development. It shapes fitness, sharpens technique, and builds the mental toughness needed to thrive in the sport. For novices, it’s their first step into racing and the start of their journey as a rower.”
Coach Cierra Bird
The Novice Girls happy & sweaty after their first ever 5k!