how fast can you row 2000 metres ?
Discussion
Finally put the 1 Million Challenge to bed 
Did 188,229 metres in November to help set me up for an early finish but then I had a nasty chest infection for a couple of weeks so it was on hold.
Did 1 full marathon & 7 half marathons during the year.
FM PB - 3 26' 37.6" HM PB - 1 33' 53.5"
Congrats to all who have finished & get a move on to those who haven't...
To anyone thinking of doing this in the future, it's a pretty big drain on your training time so think carefully before starting.
You get in the mindset of you must get some big metres under your belt every week and that really gets in the way of other things to do weights, running etc.
On the plus side I'm contemplating doing some triathlons next year - if the swimming comes up to scratch over the winter - & rowing sure helps your base fitness.
Did 188,229 metres in November to help set me up for an early finish but then I had a nasty chest infection for a couple of weeks so it was on hold.
Did 1 full marathon & 7 half marathons during the year.
FM PB - 3 26' 37.6" HM PB - 1 33' 53.5"
Congrats to all who have finished & get a move on to those who haven't...
To anyone thinking of doing this in the future, it's a pretty big drain on your training time so think carefully before starting.
You get in the mindset of you must get some big metres under your belt every week and that really gets in the way of other things to do weights, running etc.
On the plus side I'm contemplating doing some triathlons next year - if the swimming comes up to scratch over the winter - & rowing sure helps your base fitness.
dirty doug said:
13m said:
I haven't rowed for weeks but thought I'd do a cheeky 2k yesterday.
At 600m I was set for a 6:30 or a blow up.
So I stopped.
600m in or 600m to go?At 600m I was set for a 6:30 or a blow up.
So I stopped.
The difficulty is, I've been sprinting most of the year. 7:30 pace feels far too slow at the outset, 6:15 feels about right, but I cannot keep that pace for the full 2k.
And blowing up is physically and psychologically bad.
13m said:
600m, 1400 to go.
The difficulty is, I've been sprinting most of the year. 7:30 pace feels far too slow at the outset, 6:15 feels about right, but I cannot keep that pace for the full 2k.
And blowing up is physically and psychologically bad.
& that is why this thread is 146 pages long! It's not easy at all or at all pleasant when done to your max...The difficulty is, I've been sprinting most of the year. 7:30 pace feels far too slow at the outset, 6:15 feels about right, but I cannot keep that pace for the full 2k.
And blowing up is physically and psychologically bad.
A human being can't sprint for 6+ minutes so it's all about the pace.
It sounds like sprint intervals is what would help you - 1 minute fast 1 minute recover/slow. Not trying to teach you how to suck eggs though.
For the 2k though, I tend to have the pace I need in my head, then do the 1st 500m at that pace so for you 7:30 finish = 1:52 split roughly.
I will then slow slightly for the middle section - 1:55 ish - & then 'try' to up the pace for a finish.
Then you try & explain to concerned onlookers that you don't need medical attention but you're doing it 'for fun'...
dirty doug said:
13m said:
600m, 1400 to go.
The difficulty is, I've been sprinting most of the year. 7:30 pace feels far too slow at the outset, 6:15 feels about right, but I cannot keep that pace for the full 2k.
And blowing up is physically and psychologically bad.
& that is why this thread is 146 pages long! It's not easy at all or at all pleasant when done to your max...The difficulty is, I've been sprinting most of the year. 7:30 pace feels far too slow at the outset, 6:15 feels about right, but I cannot keep that pace for the full 2k.
And blowing up is physically and psychologically bad.
A human being can't sprint for 6+ minutes so it's all about the pace.
It sounds like sprint intervals is what would help you - 1 minute fast 1 minute recover/slow. Not trying to teach you how to suck eggs though.
For the 2k though, I tend to have the pace I need in my head, then do the 1st 500m at that pace so for you 7:30 finish = 1:52 split roughly.
I will then slow slightly for the middle section - 1:55 ish - & then 'try' to up the pace for a finish.
Then you try & explain to concerned onlookers that you don't need medical attention but you're doing it 'for fun'...
I think I can do 2k in about 7:15, though my PB is 7:31 because I haven't pushed myself over 2k. 7:31 was a fairly relaxed affair, and I was focusing on form as opposed to time. Stroke rate was circa 20.
7:00 was the target for this year, but clearly I will fail.
I normally stick to running marathons but this thread is appealing for one reason or another. Would anyone know the answer to the following questions:
1) Is running a marathon harder than using a rowing machine?
2) Which muscle groups does it use?
3) I did 2k on it a few weeks ago but then found my glutes were hurting, something i did not expect!
4) What is the average HR for a marathon on a rower?
5) I do find it boring, what ways are they to reduce this?
Thanks.
1) Is running a marathon harder than using a rowing machine?
2) Which muscle groups does it use?
3) I did 2k on it a few weeks ago but then found my glutes were hurting, something i did not expect!
4) What is the average HR for a marathon on a rower?
5) I do find it boring, what ways are they to reduce this?
Thanks.
AndStilliRise said:
I normally stick to running marathons but this thread is appealing for one reason or another. Would anyone know the answer to the following questions:
1) Is running a marathon harder than using a rowing machine?
2) Which muscle groups does it use?
3) I did 2k on it a few weeks ago but then found my glutes were hurting, something i did not expect!
4) What is the average HR for a marathon on a rower?
5) I do find it boring, what ways are they to reduce this?
Thanks.
Hi I did a marathon a few weeks back so I'll try to answer some of your q's.1) Is running a marathon harder than using a rowing machine?
2) Which muscle groups does it use?
3) I did 2k on it a few weeks ago but then found my glutes were hurting, something i did not expect!
4) What is the average HR for a marathon on a rower?
5) I do find it boring, what ways are they to reduce this?
Thanks.
Harder than running? Probably not but different muscles used - see below - but less stress on joints as no impacts. However it is not a walk in the park.
Muscles used are more than running. Quads, hams, glutes, upper & lower back, core & biceps all to a point contribute.
Glutes hurting? Sit on a towel & get used to it!
You're using your muscles differently to running, it takes a bit of getting used to.Average HR - I've not measured myself on the rower during but when measuring HR 30 secs after finishing I'm about the 150 bpm mark. That is after an attempt at a sprint finish though.
If you can run a marathon, you know your pacing/HR pretty well. You will be sat down rowing for 3+ hours , you don't want to go mad.
I try to do a slow stroke rate of 17-18/minute for the bulk of the distance. Increase it towards the finish.
Boring? iPod/iPhone/TV. I tend to just think about 'stuff'.
The Performance Monitor is also your constant (nagging) companion which like Arnie The Terminator will not let you let up.
The Performance Monitor breaks the distance down into blocks so you have your instant speed, interval average speed & overall average speed to view with an estimated finish time as well.
If you have a finish time in mind, thats a fair bit to think about as it is. Especially when your finish time drifts away...
I also change my hand position every 5 minutes so you always have something to think about.
I also like to 'view the scenery' in my gym!
HTH
13m said:
It's sprint intervals I have been doing. 30 seconds on, 30 off, keeping each row sub-140/500. That's each interval from a standing start therefore. I can do 10 usually. If one interval falls outside the 140 I have failed.
I think I can do 2k in about 7:15, though my PB is 7:31 because I haven't pushed myself over 2k. 7:31 was a fairly relaxed affair, and I was focusing on form as opposed to time. Stroke rate was circa 20.
7:00 was the target for this year, but clearly I will fail.
I'm not an expert at all just a keen user but I think that's your answer there. You're going too hard/fast in the intervals especially from a standing start. You only do 1 standing start in the 2k.I think I can do 2k in about 7:15, though my PB is 7:31 because I haven't pushed myself over 2k. 7:31 was a fairly relaxed affair, and I was focusing on form as opposed to time. Stroke rate was circa 20.
7:00 was the target for this year, but clearly I will fail.
I think you need to increase your sprint times more than 30 seconds & do more than 10 intervals. That will mean you won't be pulling as fast per 500m but forcing you to row slightly slower but more in line with what you can keep at.
Remember a 400m runner CAN'T run flat out for 1 lap
I do 30 minutes of 1 minute fast 1 minute slow. And that is a slow recovery minute not a stop minute. From minute 29-30 my fast speed is not what I started at...
& that I think gives you a clue what you can actually do for 2k.
After that it's probably just practice enjoying the pain...
dirty doug said:
13m said:
It's sprint intervals I have been doing. 30 seconds on, 30 off, keeping each row sub-140/500. That's each interval from a standing start therefore. I can do 10 usually. If one interval falls outside the 140 I have failed.
I think I can do 2k in about 7:15, though my PB is 7:31 because I haven't pushed myself over 2k. 7:31 was a fairly relaxed affair, and I was focusing on form as opposed to time. Stroke rate was circa 20.
7:00 was the target for this year, but clearly I will fail.
I'm not an expert at all just a keen user but I think that's your answer there. You're going too hard/fast in the intervals especially from a standing start. You only do 1 standing start in the 2k.I think I can do 2k in about 7:15, though my PB is 7:31 because I haven't pushed myself over 2k. 7:31 was a fairly relaxed affair, and I was focusing on form as opposed to time. Stroke rate was circa 20.
7:00 was the target for this year, but clearly I will fail.
I think you need to increase your sprint times more than 30 seconds & do more than 10 intervals. That will mean you won't be pulling as fast per 500m but forcing you to row slightly slower but more in line with what you can keep at.
Remember a 400m runner CAN'T run flat out for 1 lap
I do 30 minutes of 1 minute fast 1 minute slow. And that is a slow recovery minute not a stop minute. From minute 29-30 my fast speed is not what I started at...
& that I think gives you a clue what you can actually do for 2k.
After that it's probably just practice enjoying the pain...
I haven't tried 2k this year really, but I have done a few "by accident" when practising technique.
13m said:
Sorry, should probably have explained. I don't do intervals to improve 2k times. I do intervals because it's a very effective and fast method of getting some cardio in.
I haven't tried 2k this year really, but I have done a few "by accident" when practising technique.
No probs. Yes intervals work you v hard v quick & if time is short then they fit the bill.I haven't tried 2k this year really, but I have done a few "by accident" when practising technique.
Now I've got this 1millionmetrewhatthef
kwasithinking out of the way, I'll be cracking on with normal rowing including some 2k'sHaving watched my daughter on the erg at home, and then at her club it seems having someone on a machine next to you is a great motivator.
Whilst at her age they don't really do 2k's - more so timed pieces (18' x 2 seem flavour of the month at the mo) even she says that it's so much better when doing it at the club.
Her splits are much better when there's ten of them lined up together, and her distances in the time are increasing.
13m - you need to get that muscular monster Phooey on the erg next to you....
Doug - congrats on million.... I've only just hit 400k and wanted to be done by next April. Won't happen now.
Whilst at her age they don't really do 2k's - more so timed pieces (18' x 2 seem flavour of the month at the mo) even she says that it's so much better when doing it at the club.
Her splits are much better when there's ten of them lined up together, and her distances in the time are increasing.
13m - you need to get that muscular monster Phooey on the erg next to you....
Doug - congrats on million.... I've only just hit 400k and wanted to be done by next April. Won't happen now.
Jesus said:
Having watched my daughter on the erg at home, and then at her club it seems having someone on a machine next to you is a great motivator.
Whilst at her age they don't really do 2k's - more so timed pieces (18' x 2 seem flavour of the month at the mo) even she says that it's so much better when doing it at the club.
Her splits are much better when there's ten of them lined up together, and her distances in the time are increasing.
13m - you need to get that muscular monster Phooey on the erg next to you....
Doug - congrats on million.... I've only just hit 400k and wanted to be done by next April. Won't happen now.
Ty Whilst at her age they don't really do 2k's - more so timed pieces (18' x 2 seem flavour of the month at the mo) even she says that it's so much better when doing it at the club.
Her splits are much better when there's ten of them lined up together, and her distances in the time are increasing.
13m - you need to get that muscular monster Phooey on the erg next to you....
Doug - congrats on million.... I've only just hit 400k and wanted to be done by next April. Won't happen now.
I've now got Gandalf from Lord of the Rings in my head on the bridge with the devil like creature in front of him, & saying 'YOU SHALL NOT PASS!'
Thats what erging next to other people is like!
Distance pieces are all in the head IMO, having the right mental strength to follow through with what you want to achieve. Congrats to your daughter
Edited by dirty doug on Wednesday 21st December 16:26
Well done Doug, that makes 2 of us I think, possibly 3 if MacGee polished off that 45k. I'm not going to count clon unless he's done 3mil in a year 
Erging next to someone can help if they're of similar build and technique/rhythm from water work. But if you're a 65kg midget next to an 85kg ape doing a fixed distance piece and they finish several minutes before you..... not so much.
As for running vs erging... I'd say biggest difference is the fact ergs are weight bearing. Those with a marathon runner's build will probably be rowing at a slower pace than the 'powerfully built' types despite their fitness advantage - especially if vertically challenged. Less strain on your knees is probably countered by more strain on your back (unless you do the marathon on water).
Next year... will probably still do a couple of ergs a week, UT2, won't try to do 1MC unless the mileage comes naturally ie can do 16k in an hour at UT2 (unlikely for me lol). Rest of the time couple of weights sessions and a couple of circuits. Goal being to bring that 2k time down... If I can break 7' I'll be happy.
Erging next to someone can help if they're of similar build and technique/rhythm from water work. But if you're a 65kg midget next to an 85kg ape doing a fixed distance piece and they finish several minutes before you..... not so much.
As for running vs erging... I'd say biggest difference is the fact ergs are weight bearing. Those with a marathon runner's build will probably be rowing at a slower pace than the 'powerfully built' types despite their fitness advantage - especially if vertically challenged. Less strain on your knees is probably countered by more strain on your back (unless you do the marathon on water).
Next year... will probably still do a couple of ergs a week, UT2, won't try to do 1MC unless the mileage comes naturally ie can do 16k in an hour at UT2 (unlikely for me lol). Rest of the time couple of weights sessions and a couple of circuits. Goal being to bring that 2k time down... If I can break 7' I'll be happy.
Well, our gym has been running a 2k challenge over the past few weeks. I was reasonably confident I could beat the fastest time posted, but couldn't be arsed hurting myself so close to Christmas.
I note today that someone has posted a 7:00.8, which I definitely could not better so I shan't now bother. I would be pissed if I'd gone to the trouble of competing and then he'd beaten me.
Which further vindicates my philiosophy that laziness generally pays off.
13m said:
Well, our gym has been running a 2k challenge over the past few weeks. I was reasonably confident I could beat the fastest time posted, but couldn't be arsed hurting myself so close to Christmas.
I note today that someone has posted a 7:00.8, which I definitely could not better so I shan't now bother. I would be pissed if I'd gone to the trouble of competing and then he'd beaten me.
Which further vindicates my philiosophy that laziness generally pays off.
If you are intending to try the 2k at some point, a couple of sessions to try for pacing.I note today that someone has posted a 7:00.8, which I definitely could not better so I shan't now bother. I would be pissed if I'd gone to the trouble of competing and then he'd beaten me.
Which further vindicates my philiosophy that laziness generally pays off.
10x1 minute, 1 minute rest.
8x500m, 3m30 rest
6x500m, 2m rest.
In each case, the target pace is 2k-5 seconds. So a 2k of 7 minutes would be 1:45, so the pace on the above would be 1:40.
I'm going to be at the EIRC in february, so really need to get back into training. I should be at around 7:20 right now, if I can get a month of good training in I should be back under 7 minutes, but have a feeling that work will get in the way. And weather - we have the ergs in the shed at home, where it is rather chilly at the moment.
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