How to get good (national level) fast?

[KeenBean]

Hi everyone, first time posting here.
Some information about me: F, 19, 165cm/5'5, 61kg/135 lbs so definitely going for lighweight.

Basically I started rowing 9 months ago at university and I've fallen in love with it. I'm currently training 10-12 times per week, ~6 sessions OTW (mainly sweep but also sculling), 1-2 weights, 1 sprint type erg and lots of UT erging or cycling.

My 2k PB is 7.38.0 (set in March after 6 months rowing with no sporting background) but I'm aiming for the low 7.30s by September this year.

October 2018 is my last chance to trial for team GB as a U23 so I was wondering what sort of erg times I should be aiming for by then to have a chance? I don't want to go to the Olympics or anything, just represent GB at any level. Obviously ergs don't float, but the U23 cutoff is 7.38 but I assume the actual standard is much higher than this?

I know I have a long way to go but hopefully with another 15 months of training I'll progress in the right direction.
Also I have unlimited time to train over the summer so any advice on how to improve would be welcome

[Gammmmo]

choose your parents carefully

[jackarabit]

Below confirms 7:38/2k "mimimum qualifying standard" for F LWT U23 for GB national team selection. Why would there be another? A double standard: one for the yokels and another for the legacies? Groomed prospects fast on water slow on erg?




--from The Indoor Rowing Guide, Flood and Simpson. P. 118 (2014 reprint)

[jackarabit]

Should the moderating "team" happen to pass this way, please move this thread to OTW subforum. Ex-collegiate rowers have the required balance of fellow feeling and firsthand knowledge to offer better advice and experience than is available from "Gammmo" and self. Thank you ever so much.

[H2O]

Why do you not want to go to the olympics?
I can understand the 2020 olympics (a bit radioactive) but given your age you could aim for the
2024 olympics.
Your program looks like what rowers at national level do and is beyond what most board members have any idea of. Trust your coach. GB is a great rowing nation.

[jamesg]

Talk to Sir Steve next week at Henley. Lots of others will show up too.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/get-inspired/23161470

[robhen]

I have been sculling for 30 years, or more, there are no shortcuts or ways to wave a magic wand...Unless, you have some physiological gifts...

Your program is about right, maybe you should make sure you are doing 2 or 3 weights a week, anything less is waste of time. Look up zercher squats on the web, its one of better lifting exercises. You say you are about to have limited time - getting out on the water is the main priority.

On the water, always try and row alongside someone. This ensures you never have a bad day. Maybe you can invest in a go pro to film yourself. Look up an app called Rowing in Motion. Get yourself an Australian rowing coach.

I did Iyengar yoga for the mental side - be prepared a lot of tough sessions....Iyengar teaches u to focus on breathing when you are in a difficult pose...