What’s up, fellow Obsessives?

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there! I see you out there in the studios, creating an hour for yourself among everything else you have to do. But investing that time is not only a gift for yourself, it’s a gift for your family that’s getting a mom with more strength, energy and confidence. Setting that example for your children will go farther than you know.

Enjoy your day!

Is there a trickier benchmark than the 1,000 meter row?

It’s definitely not a sprint and yet it’s not the slog that’s made the 2,000 meter row persona non grata among many Orangetheory members.

The 1,000 meter row sits somewhere in the awkward middle where pacing and having a gameplan going in is everything.

A few tips to help you crush it on Thursday.

Start controlled. A lot of people want to go out hot. Don’t do that. The first 200 meters should feel like a hard effort in push territory, not an all-out. You don’t want to be gasping for air after your first 300 meters. It won’t be a good day.

Find your stroke rate. Then make the most of each stroke. You’re better off with more power per stroke than a bunch of strokes that aren’t doing as much. There’s definitely a “just looking busy” component to rowing.

Drive through your legs. Not your arms. Plus, thinking about your form takes your mind off any fatigue or doubts that might be setting in.

The middle 400 is where it's won or lost. Everyone can look good at the start and finds something at the finish. What’s going to get you your PR is what you do in the middle. Pay attention to your split times and don’t wander too far off from them.

Save something for the last 200. If you've managed your pace well, you’ll always have a little more left. Empty the tank

Whatever your PR is, the benchmark is really just you vs. you. Pick a time you have in mind, tell yourself how you’re going to achieve and go out and get it!

• Congrats to Diana L., who just hit class 1,400 after 10 years at OTF! Crushing it!

Have a milestone or PR you want to celebrate? Email me [email protected] to let me know for next week’s newsletter! (Photos also always encouraged!)

OTF Obsessed is getting bigger and bigger! You can help this community grow by forwarding this newsletter to your favorite OTF friend!

Did you get this email forwarded to you? Join our list here!

Note: OTF Obsessed is an independent fan-created newsletter and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially associated with Orangetheory Fitness.