Struggling with my leg drive!!

[Minty]

Hi, I am a 23 year old female who started rowing for my uni club in October. I have noticed recently that I am finding it difficult to get power out my legs. I am struggling to feel a connection, for example, I did a session tonight 2x4ks (should’ve been rate 26 but more like 27/28) at a split of 2:04 for both. It felt comfortable, as in my breathing/heart rate felt good-I’ve been doing a lot of endurance work recently. But my legs weren’t hurting and I felt little ‘tension’, like I wasn’t pushing anything! Why is this? Or is there anything I can actively think about doing to try and fix this! I am actually quite powerful and do have strong legs compared to the other novice girls in my club/boat.

Im 5ft 5/6in weigh about 70kg and have 2k time of 7:38.1. In case you need things to help answer my query!!

Thank you!!

[G-dub]

What DF?

[Minty]

What DF?

About 115 is what I’m told to put it at

[jamesg]

But my legs weren’t hurting and I felt little ‘tension’, like I wasn’t pushing anything!

If your screen said 2:04 (184 W) that's what you were doing, albeit at 27-28 (too high). Well done, make sure you can do it afloat too.

Due to your high rating, your average average handle force was only about 45 kg, so peak stretcher force maybe 60 kg. You don't feel much, because it's divided between two legs. There's room to work them harder, via technique and lower ratings.

Your coach knows what she's doing asking for 26. Obey!

[hjs]

If you do endurance work, your legs should not be hurting. That for fast short work where you are going anaerobe and getting high lactate concentration in the working muscle.
For leg drive, try to push hard from the start of the stroke, set your back, keep your arms long, and let the legs start, not the hands.
For the rest don,t worry to much, the upperbody also does a lot in rowing, certainly the back.

[Dangerscouse]

My legs only ever hurt when I'm doing short distance intervals or a PB paced TT.

For a 2 x 4k at a comfortable pace I wouldn't expect much, if any, leg pain unless you feel like it was due to using too much upper body in the stroke?

[mitchel674]

I think this is a good time to have the monitor display the force curve as you row. Make an effort to have the first part of that curve rise quickly with your leg drive. This will keep you engaged with each stroke and give immediate feedback on your technique.