4 Weeks to Prepare for a 2K Race

So you’ve just watched The Boys in the Boat and you really want to try rowing! You’ve heard about indoor rowing, and that seems like a great place to start. Indeed, if you learn the rowing stroke on an indoor rower like the Concept2 RowErg, it will be much easier to make the transition to rowing on the water.

The standard Olympic race distance for rowing is 2000 meters, also known as 2k. An Olympic eight-oared shell can cover this distance in less than five and a half minutes in fast conditions. For most of us, it will take a lot longer. But no matter how long it takes you, it’s a great distance to get comfortable with. 

For high school rowers, a fast 2k time can be a ticket to getting recruited to row in college. For college athletes, it can earn you an invitation to a selection camp and even catch the eye of a national rowing team coach. 

Because it’s such a standard distance, the 2k is featured in most all the indoor rowing competitions around the US and the world—and there are a lot of them!  Anyone can race—even you! Check out our race calendar and find a race near you. A 2k race makes a great training goal and is a good way to get introduced to the world of rowing.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started and preparing for a 2k race: 

1. Find a RowErg Near You. Perhaps a friend has one? Or a local school or fitness center? Concept2 provides an online RowErg Finder which may help you locate a RowErg near you.
2. Check Your Technique. Ask a friend or gym staff to take a bit of video of you rowing so you can compare with our technique video.
3. Start Training! Here’s our 4-week training plan designed to get you ready for a 2k race.

Good luck as you start your training journey. If you're looking for more training plans, check out our website.