how fast can you row 2000 metres ?

[clonmult]

Robbo66 said:

Just back into it, as can't run due to impact on knee.
19:40 for 5k, 10 years ago pulled low 19's so some work to do.

Personal best for 2000 was 6:59, 15 years ago in BIRC....that will take some repeating.

49 now....mmmmm.

Edited by Robbo66 on Friday 9th January 19:01

I think you'd be surprised; I was sub 6:30 back in my late 20s, now I'm back to 6:57. If I can give up smoking, reckon that 6:30 would be possible. I'm now 45.

Found out that Graham Benton is racing (ie. not "just taking part") in the BRIC next month. Whilst awesome, that means that I'm in a "race" with a world record holder. And for the record, his current time is 5:52.4. Looks like he's coming into form these last few days, there's a chance that he could be getting another record.

Knew that I was effectively paying to sit on an erg and spectate, it'll be awesome to see if he can get another record.

[VerbalKint]

SpydieNut said:

nicely done

done that for you - just hit 'update' and then ammend the details, then save.

Thank you SpydieNut for that. I only went and pulled 19.44 for the 5k last night, looks like another amendment I think!!

Edit to add that I updated myself without messing it up

Edited by VerbalKint on Friday 9th January 22:17

[Robbo66]

clonmult said:

Robbo66 said:

Just back into it, as can't run due to impact on knee.
19:40 for 5k, 10 years ago pulled low 19's so some work to do.

Personal best for 2000 was 6:59, 15 years ago in BIRC....that will take some repeating.

49 now....mmmmm.

Edited by Robbo66 on Friday 9th January 19:01

I think you'd be surprised; I was sub 6:30 back in my late 20s, now I'm back to 6:57. If I can give up smoking, reckon that 6:30 would be possible. I'm now 45.

Found out that Graham Benton is racing (ie. not "just taking part") in the BRIC next month. Whilst awesome, that means that I'm in a "race" with a world record holder. And for the record, his current time is 5:52.4. Looks like he's coming into form these last few days, there's a chance that he could be getting another record.

Knew that I was effectively paying to sit on an erg and spectate, it'll be awesome to see if he can get another record.

That will be great.
raced against Big Bird before in 2k....stuffed all age categories out of site regularly with constant sub 6's.....odd fellow though.

[clonmult]

Robbo66 said:

clonmult said:

Robbo66 said:

Just back into it, as can't run due to impact on knee.
19:40 for 5k, 10 years ago pulled low 19's so some work to do.

Personal best for 2000 was 6:59, 15 years ago in BIRC....that will take some repeating.

49 now....mmmmm.

Edited by Robbo66 on Friday 9th January 19:01

I think you'd be surprised; I was sub 6:30 back in my late 20s, now I'm back to 6:57. If I can give up smoking, reckon that 6:30 would be possible. I'm now 45.

Found out that Graham Benton is racing (ie. not "just taking part") in the BRIC next month. Whilst awesome, that means that I'm in a "race" with a world record holder. And for the record, his current time is 5:52.4. Looks like he's coming into form these last few days, there's a chance that he could be getting another record.

Knew that I was effectively paying to sit on an erg and spectate, it'll be awesome to see if he can get another record.

That will be great.
raced against Big Bird before in 2k....stuffed all age categories out of site regularly with constant sub 6's.....odd fellow though.

Only know of him from a facebook group, he comes across as a decent fella. But then that can be said about most of those I know in the on-line rowing community - regardless of speed, everyone is equally supportive.

GB did a 4x1k yesterday. Says he didn't push it. Average time was 3:01. Final set was 2:59. I can keep that pace up ... for 125 ....

I wonder if Paul Buchanan and Sam Blythe will be attending; they're both at around 6:02, although its only Paul who is in the same age/weight category.

[MacGee]

I know Paul is going to Euros in Amsterdam.

[neenaw]

Slightly off topic question here but has anyone used a coach for learning proper rowing technique?
If so, was it worth it?

The reason I ask is that we picked up a Concept 2 rower a few months back and it was getting a bit if use to start with. The problem began the last couple of times I used the rower I ended up with quite a bit of lower back pain the following days. I'm not sure that it was down to the rower and my poor technique but I thought that it might be worth doing a session with someone to learn how to row correctly so I don't end up injuring myself.
I've tried using the videos on the Concept website but thought a coach might be a better idea.

[dirty doug]

Mild improvement to my 30 mins distance to 7033 m.
Very nice even pace throughout & prob a bit more in the tank TBH - wiki updated.

Half marathon still on cards just for the hell of it soon...

[clonmult]

neenaw said:

Slightly off topic question here but has anyone used a coach for learning proper rowing technique?
If so, was it worth it?

The reason I ask is that we picked up a Concept 2 rower a few months back and it was getting a bit if use to start with. The problem began the last couple of times I used the rower I ended up with quite a bit of lower back pain the following days. I'm not sure that it was down to the rower and my poor technique but I thought that it might be worth doing a session with someone to learn how to row correctly so I don't end up injuring myself.
I've tried using the videos on the Concept website but thought a coach might be a better idea.

I was originally edumified on technique by a gym manager around 18 years back. For the most part what he taught me has stuck, but there are always improvements that can be made.

Try to find a local rowing club, that'll be a great source of advice.

With less than a week until the BRIC, I decided to look over my technique after seeing a video on shoulder usage. Relax them when you go for the initial grab and then bring them in as you pull. I always had them relatively tight. It seemed to have made the sessions I've done this week seem a little easier (did a brilliant 10x200m that averaged 1:34.3 - considerably faster than I've ever gone over such intervals).

Although I am mildly irritated by the scheduling on the BRIC. HWT 40-49 is scheduled to start at 9am. And we were informed last night that registration is to be 75 minutes before the start. It is impractical for me to even get into waterloo before 8am ....

[Mr Obertshaw]

Whats the key to improving your 2k time then? My dad (56) messaged me to say he had broken 19 mins for 5k (18m 53s to be accurate). His fastest 2k time however is around 7m 29s and he is adamant he cant better this.

By my reckoning he should be able to easily beat it, I've suggested trying some interval training, but I think he's worried his heart my explode!

So any tips?

[rhinochopig]

Mr Obertshaw said:

Whats the key to improving your 2k time then? My dad (56) messaged me to say he had broken 19 mins for 5k (18m 53s to be accurate). His fastest 2k time however is around 7m 29s and he is adamant he cant better this.

By my reckoning he should be able to easily beat it, I've suggested trying some interval training, but I think he's worried his heart my explode!

So any tips?

Speaking as an ex-rower...these would be my tips starting from the catch position.

• shoulders should be rollwed forward as far as possible - not square. If they're square the moment you take the catch they roll forward and you lose a couple of inches of stroke length. Arms should be straight too.

• arms should be in-line with the chain, i.e. chain and arms should be level where practical. if it isn't it snaps straight on the catch and again you lose length.

• Back should be straight but pivoted fwd from the hips. Chin should be up.

• Power comes from the legs, not the arms. So you extend your legs and over the course of the stroke you back should pivot back from the hips to slightly behind vertical. As your back passes vertical you should start to bring your arms into play.

• Once you've reached the finish of the stroke you then need to push your hands away very fast and then slowly roll back up the slide - the faster the hands, the longer you get to roll and to breath.

• at the end of the roll your legs should be just off vertical and your upper body as described in bullet one.

In terms of 2k tactics it is best - IME - to...

• First few strokes are short to get the fan moving.

• First 30 secs to a minute so should be at a higher rating and you should then gradually lengthen your stroke and slow down to race pace.

• Consider planning in some pushes through the race, i.e. 10 strokes at a higher rating / harder pressure.

• 1-2 minutes from the end - depending on your anaerobic threshold - start to build for the finish. Gradually start to pick the rating and then it's a question of how long you can hang on for. Importantly though KEEP THE TECHNIQUE TIDY as if not you fatique much faster.

And make sure you have the fan set at a resistance that suits your strength / aerobic fitness. I always used to use quite a high stroke rate so would use 4 or 5 on the fan. My best for 2k was circa 6:15.

HTH.

[MacGee]

http://youtu.be/eqVmMd7FdAA

[clonmult]

Mr Obertshaw said:

Whats the key to improving your 2k time then? My dad (56) messaged me to say he had broken 19 mins for 5k (18m 53s to be accurate). His fastest 2k time however is around 7m 29s and he is adamant he cant better this.

By my reckoning he should be able to easily beat it, I've suggested trying some interval training, but I think he's worried his heart my explode!

So any tips?

If he hasn't, invest in a HRM. No need for anything fancy, just a £40 polar.

My PB on 2k is 6:57.9, never truly pushed it on anything further, my 5k is only 19:20 - your dad can definitely go faster, its just a case of training and confidence. The HRM has been invaluable for me in seeing how my body has been reacting to the varying degrees of training. I've loved lower intensity target heart rate work, trying to keep the rate at any given value is quite challenging.

[Mr Obertshaw]

Thanks all, I'll pass this on to him. He did a 7:14 tonight so clearly did have room to go, I reckon he can improve further though. He also has a HRM which he uses, he's regularly hitting 175-180 bpm towards the end of his rows, but he has 165 in his mind as his max safe level which I'm guessing doesn't suit him. I'll send him on that youtube video and see how it turns out.

[clonmult]

Mr Obertshaw said:

Thanks all, I'll pass this on to him. He did a 7:14 tonight so clearly did have room to go, I reckon he can improve further though. He also has a HRM which he uses, he's regularly hitting 175-180 bpm towards the end of his rows, but he has 165 in his mind as his max safe level which I'm guessing doesn't suit him. I'll send him on that youtube video and see how it turns out.

I've found the constant HR training and interval work has dropped my typical maximum HR on any given piece.

7:14 is pretty good, he should have entered the BRIC on Sunday

[dirty doug]

Decent improvement to my 15k PB time to 69:24

I'm still planning a half marathon soon so feeling very positive at the moment.

My 2k time is not in the same sport let alone league as you tall speed merchants though...

But in Swiss Tony style...

Rowing 2k is like making love to a beautiful woman.

You've got to have a firm grip. You're action has got to be smooth & powerful. You've got to save something for the end & then bask in the afterglow of a new best result!

[rhinochopig]

dirty doug said:

Decent improvement to my 15k PB time to 69:24

I'm still planning a half marathon soon so feeling very positive at the moment.

My 2k time is not in the same sport let alone league as you tall speed merchants though...

But in Swiss Tony style...

Rowing 2k is like making love to a beautiful woman.

You've got to have a firm grip. You're action has got to be smooth & powerful. You've got to save something for the end & then bask in the afterglow of a new best result!

I've never vomited over said women after a session though. If the visual tunnel isn't narrowing and your stomach isn't rising then you've kept something back

[johnxjsc1985]

rhinochopig said:

I've never vomited over said women after a session though. If the visual tunnel isn't narrowing and your stomach isn't rising then you've kept something back

its been a while but at the end of a 2k all I can focus on is getting my feet out the straps its like a 1000 volts surging through my calfs and although its maybe only a few seconds from the end of the row it feels like an age.
I used to do a lot of my 2k's with my eyes closed so as to focus on the pain.

[clonmult]

johnxjsc1985 said:

rhinochopig said:

I've never vomited over said women after a session though. If the visual tunnel isn't narrowing and your stomach isn't rising then you've kept something back

its been a while but at the end of a 2k all I can focus on is getting my feet out the straps its like a 1000 volts surging through my calfs and although its maybe only a few seconds from the end of the row it feels like an age.
I used to do a lot of my 2k's with my eyes closed so as to focus on the pain.

I did an 8x500 (3:30 rest) last week, target pace was 1:41.5. Wasn't sure I could do it, but ... I did. From the third break onwards I had that feeling of just wanting to get my feet out of the straps. Utterly, utterly horrible. Average pace was 1:41.4. Which was a huge surprise.

A 2k sprint almost feels easy in comparison to that.

But my question for the day. I've got my 2k down to 6:57.9. But I can't get my 500m under 1:31. Got a reasonable amount of leg strength (140kg deadlift). So what the fark do I need to do to get an improvement in my 500m?

Tried a different gym yesterday with a friend, she's been saying since then that I should be able to pull down to about 1:20 (!!!!).

[johnxjsc1985]

clonmult said:

I did an 8x500 (3:30 rest) last week, target pace was 1:41.5. Wasn't sure I could do it, but ... I did. From the third break onwards I had that feeling of just wanting to get my feet out of the straps. Utterly, utterly horrible. Average pace was 1:41.4. Which was a huge surprise.

A 2k sprint almost feels easy in comparison to that.

But my question for the day. I've got my 2k down to 6:57.9. But I can't get my 500m under 1:31. Got a reasonable amount of leg strength (140kg deadlift). So what the fark do I need to do to get an improvement in my 500m?

Tried a different gym yesterday with a friend, she's been saying since then that I should be able to pull down to about 1:20 (!!!!).

make sure you have a sound technique. You can throw a lot of power at an Erg and get nowhere fast.

[clonmult]

johnxjsc1985 said:

clonmult said:

I did an 8x500 (3:30 rest) last week, target pace was 1:41.5. Wasn't sure I could do it, but ... I did. From the third break onwards I had that feeling of just wanting to get my feet out of the straps. Utterly, utterly horrible. Average pace was 1:41.4. Which was a huge surprise.

A 2k sprint almost feels easy in comparison to that.

But my question for the day. I've got my 2k down to 6:57.9. But I can't get my 500m under 1:31. Got a reasonable amount of leg strength (140kg deadlift). So what the fark do I need to do to get an improvement in my 500m?

Tried a different gym yesterday with a friend, she's been saying since then that I should be able to pull down to about 1:20 (!!!!).

make sure you have a sound technique. You can throw a lot of power at an Erg and get nowhere fast.

Technique is (apparently) fine - I spent a bit of time a few weeks back using the power graph display option on the PM, the transition from legs to arms is smooth, I was pleasantly surprised ... Could be something simple, just not driving hard/explosive enough.