PM5 Data logging, difference between Interval and Recovery

[VIVID]

Hi,

Could someone tell me all the data that the PM5 collects during a non-rest interval, and is there a difference between what is collected in a recovery period vs and active period?

I did a custom workout programmed on the PM5, and synced via ergdata of 4min ON, 2min OFF or recovery. When I look at the stats for the workout in the logbook I see no stats for the OFF intervals apart from distance rowed. So I am wondering how I see the stats for the entire workout or are they logged at all?

[Citroen]

During a rep the PM5 with Ergdata collects stroke by stroke data, pace, SPM, duration and HR if you have a HR belt sync'd with your PM5.

During an interval the PM5 ONLY collects metres rowed (to add to your lifetime total) nothing more.

[VIVID]

Thank you for that. Do you know why that is? Or any theories as to why?

I understand that looking at the ON data is the most important data, but the Recovery Data also has value and I am trying to understand why C2 has opted not to give that to us.

For example

1. recovery should be active (IE there is still movement to clear lactic acid), and it should also be at Z1. Seeing/recording your data ensures you are staying in that zone.

2. since there is still work being done during recovery (admittedly very little), then there is still a load on your system and counts towards your overall workout effort or TTS for the workout and should be included in your training stats and plan.

3. Interval training is generally considered a more effective way to train, but you might set time or distance goals as part of your training or at least a measured metric. Ignoring recovery does not allow all of your work to be counted.

Maybe I just like looking at data too much, but I don't understand why C2 would limit our data access.

[sander]

You can use Painsled, it does record the rest period data. Using rowsandall.com in addition to the concept 2 logbook, you can see your rest period data as well (it’s easy to sync to both logbooks from painsled).

Recording and analyzing rest data is important to determine the training stress score and other training load related metrics.

[Citroen]

thank you for that. Do you know why that is? Or any theories as to why?

It's always been that way and Concept2 want all of their monitors to work in the same way. It won't change on current models. It probably won't change on any future performance monitor. Folks didn't train in the same way when the PM3 was new. If you're using the ergo as training for a boat, you, probably, don't care about the rest between intervals, you're only interested in the hard parts of your training. Does it really matter if your goal is a sub six minute 2K or a 16 minute Head of the Thames?

They're just logging metres for the metre monkeys who like to get the biggest possible lifetime totals.

If you need other data, use another method of recording it.

[VIVID]

You can use Painsled, it does record the rest period data. Using rowsandall.com in addition to the concept 2 logbook, you can see your rest period data as well (it’s easy to sync to both logbooks from painsled).

Recording and analyzing rest data is important to determine the training stress score and other training load related metrics.

I totally agree and it was a critical part of my cycling training. The recovery TTS is minimal compared to the ON period, but it is still a load and still should be considered.

Thank you for the links above. Unfortunately, Painsled is not available on Android yet. If C2 feels that most of their customers do not want the recovery data then they could record it but not display it on the PM, ErgData or Logbook, but then when people like you and I want to export to Row and All, training peaks or others, then that data would be available for use.

[sander]

I believe BoatCoach (by the developer of ErgData) does export rest period correctly and it’s an Android app.

What I often do is row “just row” and then use rowsandall.com internal editor to add the intervals into to the data.

Disclaimer: I am the rowsandall.com guy.

[sander]

Another reason to consider rest intervals is when analyzing efforts to try and determine someone's critical power. A 4x500m workout with 1 minute rests should be interpreted entirely differently than a continuous 2k effort at the same power. There are ways to do this, but if the rest data is thrown away, it's hard to use those data.

[bfg]

I have missed this as well, mostly because I want to make sure I keep the intended intensity between intervals. Now I look at avg force and stroke length, which can be displayed in Ergdata.

The data are recorded, as they are included when I export to Strava from the Concept2 web page (automatic). In Strava the workout is displayed as one continuous session and all of it counts for the "Relative Effort" (TSS).

How is this handled in Rowpro?