Testing Limits:
How Feedback and Metrics Fuel Our Ocean Row
On July 16th, Sophie and I took a bold first step on our journey to set a new World Record to row the Atlantic in 2026.
Not (yet) into the waves, but into the gym at Kent University—where we (or more accurately, I) began an intense science-driven assessment designed to build the strongest, most resilient versions of ourselves.
One of the biggest tests for Sophie right now is that she is still recovering from fracturing her collarbone. I was so grateful to her for being there (and delighted that she could participate a little) but also very aware that she was dealing with huge amounts of FOMO throughout the day.
We kept reminding ourselves that this was simply adding more layers to her already impressive foundation of resilience – and that I got the benefit of her brilliant cheerleading.
Collarbones and philosophical perspectives aside, our campaign and our whole approach is way more than training—it’s about democratising high performance. We want to show that the path to peak achievement isn’t reserved for elite athletes. Every body, fueled by knowledge and curiosity (and in spite of unexpected setbacks), can move towards its own extraordinary. Our science-based approach to physical training is a great example of that.
Breaking Down the Testing Battery
The Strength and Fatiguability Tests in Kent’s Strength and Conditioning gym were the heart of the session. Pushing, pulling, squeezing, and holding, not just to gauge limits, but to learn and apply them to the specifics of ocean rowing.
The mid-thigh pull simulates the coordinated, full-body force needed to drive an oar through choppy Atlantic waters. Jump and hamstring squeeze assessments measured the explosive power and durability in my legs—the engine room for a 3,000-mile row.
Core holds—suspending ourselves off the edge of a bench—proved just how crucial a robust core will be for staying efficient through relentless, rolling waves. And, of course, the good old press-ups to fatigue, revealing how our upper bodies respond when exhaustion looms.
Next came Aerobic Tests. Here, technology measured how efficiently our bodies use oxygen, mapping out our fitness zones—the effort intensities where we best convert breath into propulsion. The more we can achieve while staying aerobic, the better our chances of going further, faster before fatiguing.
The Power of Periodic Testing
We’ll be revisiting these tests many times in the next 16 months.
Why?
They give us baseline data and, crucially, a way to see real world progress. Repeating the tests lets us adjust our training, target weaknesses, and track how we adapt. It’s like a “feedback loop” for performance.
High Performance for Everyone
But Sophie and I are determined to show that you don’t have to row the Atlantic, or have a team of experts behind you to benefit from this approach. Any “everyday” athlete can start by getting to know their own capabilities—whether it’s through affordable technology, wearables, or structured self-assessment methods.
Understanding your fitness zones and baseline strength means you can set realistic goals, train smarter, and get the most from every session – or just from every day life.
Sophie and I both wear a Whoop to track key metrics like HRV, RHR (resting heart rate) sleep, strain, recovery etc., but Oura is also a great option. Even free apps such as Strava or Training Peaks can help you structure workouts, and track trends and form over time.
Simple performance tests such as timed runs, max jumps, reps of key exercises, or agility drills are great starting points for power analysis. Even manually tracking your RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) for repeat sessions will give you a helpful baseline to monitor.
Tracking discrepancies between limbs or sides can help identify imbalances that could lead to injury or inefficiency.
Building data into your journey transforms guesswork into growth. Whether your Everest is the Atlantic, a parkrun PB, or playing with your kids pain-free, taking a ‘scientific’ approach is for everyone.
We want to redefine what high performance means. We believe that simply starts with knowledge. And with that knowledge, anything is possible…
Vicki Anstey
Vicki Anstey is a 2 x world record holder, adventurer, coach, TEDx speaker, and entrepreneur. After a decade running a successful fitness business, she turned to extreme endurance — rowing the mid-Pacific, cycling 3,000 miles across America, and completing ultra-distance foot races in the Arctic and Kenya. A UK ambassador for Inspiring Girls, Vicki is passionate about emotional endurance and empowering the next generation to thrive under pressure.