Beat up runner asks: Can rowing replace running?

[Tomx]

I'm 52 and have been running pretty much since high school. I'm running 50-60 miles/week. (6', 150) I'm getting really beat up and trying to figure out if rowing could take the place of running.

For background, I run outside, usually before work in the dark. Miles are between 8:00 to 8:30, depending on the day. My left knee is jacked up and right knee hurts and my hip is killing me.

My wife thinks I'll be too bored on a rower. I don't do any strength training so I like that rowing uses pretty much everything. Considering the Concept2 Model D.
Anyone made the switch?

[hjs]

You can rent one first. Rowing is much less hard on the body, except the back.

But given the way you post I fear you are in a tough place. Rowing is much more strenghtbased, which I think is atm certainly not your strenght.

A big plus could be, its fully new and you can improve a lot from here. And boring? If you are a numbers man the erg is fun, the screen gives lots of info, you can row online, etc...

There are more runners/cyclists here. They will respond.

[Rod]

Hi Tomx, I too have been a runner all my life, I used to be a sprinter in my younger days but moved up to longer stuff at 40 which is almost 20 years ago.

I'm currently training hard to compete at the 800 and 1500 in the local veterans league as well as road and cross country races from 5k up to Half Marathon.

I found the erg just over 10 years ago and have enjoyed both sports ever since so am sure you can too if you want to.

There is plenty of competition on the erg which I'll be happy to guide you through so you can enjoy training to improve your times....yes...plenty of PB's to look forward to!

50-60 miles a week is a heck of a lot so if you start erging you could still run quite well on half of that if your beaten up old body will allow?

First thing is to get on the erg and row some metres, come back and let us know what you thought and we can take it from there.

The Model 'D' is the right one and I'd suggest getting it direct from C2, I've alway's found them very good to deal with.

There are plenty of instructional videos on ''Youtube'' so I'd advise looking at some, here's some info that will help with getting started, good luck with it;

http://www.concept2.co.uk/indoor-rowers ... etting-101
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wuyp0sGYBlA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTXV3W3_Nig

[Gammmmo]

Hi Tom, I have done quite a bit of running and rowing (and rather more cycling!) over the years. At 52 I think it would be a positive switch for general health if you incorporate some strength training too e.g. good for bones if you've now cut out all impact related sport. "Real" rowing may help replicate that feeling of "getting away from it all" and being outdoors that you get from running, and if you like numbers/performance then the erg offers all that just like running.

[sjors]

Hi Tomx,

Runner #.... I have run all my life as well and love to run outside. Feel the nature, the open space. Wonderfull. You will not have that experience in rowing. That's for sure. Like Henry is mentioning, if you love numbers, that could be the substitute.
I started rowing 1 year ago, because of light injuries that came back if I get into shape of running again. Frustrating. So, I needed an alternative. Rowing is a great one for me. My weight and length are an advantage in rowing in stead of a disadvantage. One warning, if your knees are already an problem, you might have to stop running for a while, because rowing will add some extra stress to your knees. At least I had to. Rowing itself is fine, but then trying to run as well, was/is not possible without pain. I hope this will in future solve, when my knees are used to the new stress-level rowing gives.
Btw. Be able to improve yourself with rowing is a great motivation as well. Every time a reach a next PB, feels great.

Cheers. Siebe

[Carl Watts]

Well for starters you have to be honest, it is really boring. The music and the numbers last for so long but then you need something to keep your brain going during the row so you need something interactive like RowPro. Nothing quite like rowing live with other people and its been the ONLY thing that has kept me going for this the 8th season using it.

Your certainly doing the miles but your also really light because of it and the issue is the rower is a power/endurance sport. You potentially will be great at the longer distance stuff once you get some upper body strength.

Its very common here for both rowers and cyclists to make the transition to the rower and the numbers really kick in from age 40 onwards as the rower is a zero impact exercise.

Personally I think rowing is a better exercise than running as it uses a bigger variety of muscles in the body, but then at like 225lbs I totally suck at running.

[Cyclingman1]

Several thoughts since I have/had decades in cycling and running and now six years in erging.

First, all endurance activities are repetitive and pretty boring. Many site boredom in running, in particular.

Your pains seem to dictate rehab of some sort. Cycling is by far the best for that. It was cycling that cured my basketball knees years ago. The hip thing worries me. It was a hip that stopped my running. It had to be replaced. I doubt if erging will add to your joint woes.

Lack of upper body strength may make erging seem pretty onerous. But then again there is the chance for improvement. I guess it depends on what feeling wins out. Of the three, IMO erging is the most boring. But it also is the most safe. Hard to get run over in a club or garage.

[jamesg]

trying to figure out if rowing could take the place of running

Certainly can, but maybe more to the point, what else could be so effective with so little impact? Kayak, freestyle, climbing, cycling are all great fun and all fine in the great outdoors if it's not raining or icy; and the erg will keep you fit for all of them.

Given your height, it will help if you keep an eye on technique, as shown here: http://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/t ... que-videos

[lwtguy]

Rowing can definitely replace running. There have been a lot of competitive rowers that I know that switched sports due to an injury. If you have any doubts about it, look up Kim Crow. Shes the Olympic Champion in the Women's Single Sculls. She picked put rowing at age 19 after having a career ending running injury. Rowing can be easier on your joints, and as long as you maintain proper form and flexibility, it won't hurt your back.

I agree that the numbers can get pretty boring just from staring at the screen, but if you find that's becoming the case you can always look into actual on the water rowing. Most clubs are not that expensive to join and a lot of them have learn to row classes.

[mdpfirrman]

I started running (after many years break) in my mid 40s'. Ran up to around 35 MPW (not too serious but consistent enough). I liked trail running (I'm better at climbing than flat out speed). Like you, I started feeling banged up. Had chronic runner's knee. Did absolutely everything you're supposed to do to get it better and it kept on flaring up over and over. I started running to lose weight. I've gone from 245 down to at my lowest around 167. When running, I had a BF % of around 17%. I started rowing (and biking) to help the knee. Gradually as the knee got better, I found I liked the indoor rower better. Found the forum and started getting involved with that. I'm not a fantastic rower (even worse runner - my times were roughly 9 minute miles) but I enjoy it. What others have said is true - can be boring. I'd look into RowPro, LiveRowing or OTW (over the water) if you end up liking the erg.

One thing, though, the rower will pack muscle on you if you eat. I went from 167 up to 192 currently (two or three pounds of Winter fat that I get every year). I'm still under 20% body fat. Now, this is also because I've been lifting heavy weight for five years consistently too, but as a former fat guy, I know what BF looks like (I was over 40 something % at my worst). I'm 52 and wish I had this body when I was in my 20s and 30s. My wife also really likes the difference in my rowing body versus my running body! Rowing works about everything except for chest and the front of the shoulders. I still lift but rowing does take care of quite a bit of the lifting part.

[Rowan McSheen]

And another long-time runner here ...

Instead of replacing running, you can use rowing to complement it. For the past decade I've been running and rowing on alternate days, 6 days a week. Lack of upper body muscle may not be an issue because rowing should be 60% legs and the rest split evenly between trunk/back and arms/shoulders. And it's non-impact of course. Running race times have remained constant, allowing for age-related decline, despite the reduced mileage.

You will probably need some kind of mental stimulation if you get into longer rowing sessions. RowPro is good for motivation and progress tracking but is an additional expense. Loud music does it for me.

[Anth_F]

Well for starters you have to be honest, it is really boring. The music and the numbers last for so long but then you need something to keep your brain going during the row so you need something interactive like RowPro.

I always scratch my head when i see this erg is boring mentioned by people. I really must be in the minority of people who actually find every rowing session interesting. I don't even need music on most of the time! Happy enough just flowing along to the sound of the fan whoosh. I don't even use RowPro either.

Like Henry said, if you're a numbers guy then you should enjoy it.

From my experience, it knocks spots off running, thats for sure.

[Steve W]

I'm 52 and have been running pretty much since high school. I'm running 50-60 miles/week. (6', 150) I'm getting really beat up and trying to figure out if rowing could take the place of running.

For background, I run outside, usually before work in the dark. Miles are between 8:00 to 8:30, depending on the day. My left knee is jacked up and right knee hurts and my hip is killing me.

My wife thinks I'll be too bored on a rower. I don't do any strength training so I like that rowing uses pretty much everything. Considering the Concept2 Model D.
Anyone made the switch?

Welcome Tom,

Made the switch but still running shorter distances, typically between 5-10k, less frequently. Early 60's, marathon type runner build because I've run 89 marathon distance and longer so far, 1979-2016. Goal is to hit 100. Actually think rowing will help get me there. Currently at 2.8 million meters for the season so many rowers with more, some with less.

Enjoy rowing and skierging, have not put on a pound and have not 'muscled up' in spite of hoping to do so. Comparing skierg vs rower, the rower is the better full body workout, both great cardio workouts. Typically row or skierg five days a week, run on the days not on the rower, still running several days and also Pilates for flexibility / core strength a couple of days per week. In season, distance canoe paddling & racing. One difference...primarily use the C2 Dynamlc rower rather than model D. Either rower will provide an excellent workout. Would encourage a model D if you're unsure.

You've mastered the loneliness of the long distance runner. High likelihood that you can master this.

[nysaag]

Hi Tom,

Your background is very similar to mine about 15 years ago. I purchased an erg because I felt that I lacked any upper body strength and I was approaching the age where you start to lose muscle mass. I have continued to run but generally limit myself to 30'. I have not found the erg to be boring perhaps because I am a numbers guy. For many years I erged almost daily, usually for 30-40'. My times were not great but not bad either.
Three years ago I joined a masters, on the water, program and really love it. We erg in the winter (I live in Buffalo NY) and our coach has us doing various "pieces" and all times are recorded. It becomes quite competitive both in the erg room and on the water.

Good luck!

PAUL

P.S. I am 67 years old, 5'10", 160 lbs, and can do a 2k in just under8'. Again, not bad, not great.

[aussieluke]

Well for starters you have to be honest, it is really boring. The music and the numbers last for so long but then you need something to keep your brain going during the row so you need something interactive like RowPro.

I always scratch my head when i see this erg is boring mentioned by people. I really must be in the minority of people who actually find every rowing session interesting. I don't even need music on most of the time! Happy enough just flowing along to the sound of the fan whoosh. I don't even use RowPro either.

Like Henry said, if you're a numbers guy then you should enjoy it.

From my experience, it knocks spots off running, thats for sure.

I think we all felt like that to start with. See if you feel the same in another six months. Eventually the numbers stop getting lower and you start to realise you're just pulling on a chain lol