As a rower, there are very few workouts that will make me more nervous than having to take a 2k test. I haven't decided if it's better to be given short notice or know well in advance. If you're given short notice then it makes it harder to over think it, but it also doesn't give you as much time to make sure that you are hydrated. If your coaches tell you a week in advance then you will definitely have time to make sure that you are hydrated and physically prepared. However, I have found that time and overthinking go hand in hand. If you have never taken a 2k or are all too familiar with them here is the emotional rollercoaster they bring as told through gifs.
1. *Waiting to start* "It's only 2k meters. It will be over before I know it."
2. When you realize that you're only 500 meters in, but it feels like you have been rowing for AT LEAST twenty minutes.
3. The second wind that you get as you cross the halfway point.
4. When you want to cry from the pain building up in your legs, but you can't because your coach will judge you too hard.
5. When you realize you just blacked out the entire third 500 and it's almost time to start your sprint
