What's the Watts?
Posted: June 15th, 2011, 9:30 pm
Greetings,
I usually row on different Models C, D or E at different gyms, but I have a serviceable old Model B here at home. I was feeling good this evening, wanted to pull a 1000m piece right around 3:30, having done 3:32.7 recently. I was using the heaviest (open) damper setting, went through 500m right on pace, 1:44, but the rower moved a bit, something that's never really happened before, edging closer to a filing cabinet, which made it feel like an easier damper setting - and I know that would be normal, as gym rowers set closer to walls row easier, less drag.
The movement forced me to row longer pulls, but I was actually able to pick up the pace w/the lighter resistance before dying a good bit at the end. Still, I registered a 3:26.0, a bit better than my best expectations. The Watts, however, were significantly lower, 283.2 vs. 291 for the 3:32.7. Is it possible that the machine movement gave me a false reading on the meter countdown, or could the 'inadvertent coaching' - the serendipitous re-set of the damper - allowed me to get more bang for the buck and a legitimately good time?
Thanks,
Stan
I usually row on different Models C, D or E at different gyms, but I have a serviceable old Model B here at home. I was feeling good this evening, wanted to pull a 1000m piece right around 3:30, having done 3:32.7 recently. I was using the heaviest (open) damper setting, went through 500m right on pace, 1:44, but the rower moved a bit, something that's never really happened before, edging closer to a filing cabinet, which made it feel like an easier damper setting - and I know that would be normal, as gym rowers set closer to walls row easier, less drag.
The movement forced me to row longer pulls, but I was actually able to pick up the pace w/the lighter resistance before dying a good bit at the end. Still, I registered a 3:26.0, a bit better than my best expectations. The Watts, however, were significantly lower, 283.2 vs. 291 for the 3:32.7. Is it possible that the machine movement gave me a false reading on the meter countdown, or could the 'inadvertent coaching' - the serendipitous re-set of the damper - allowed me to get more bang for the buck and a legitimately good time?
Thanks,
Stan