Another major milestone reached here - excellent work! I love that you start thinking to go even faster.Dutch wrote: ↑June 1st, 2021, 1:14 pmWell i have finally broken 20 mins for 5k, some of you may remember last month on the 8th and 10th I tried but it was hd both times. My previous best was 20.23.
This time was meant to be just a 5k training and turned into a tt. Was a near perfect row for me. its near 28 degrees as well. I got off in not too bad a shape, I was not a heaving wreck.
I think the difference from the last attempts has been the getting a bike erg and some 10k cycles, heavier weight training, the fan is a big must and a strategic approach to the tt. So thanks everyone. 19 mins here I come lol![]()
Dist time watts spm av/500 df hr
5k 19.55.6 205 23 1.59.6 130 156
1k 3.58.6 206 21 1.59.3
2k 4.02.0 198 21 2.01.0
3k 4.01.9 198 23 2.00.9
4k 3.59.5 204 23 1.59.7
5k 3.56.6 220 27 1.56.6
New Personal Best! Brag About That New Pb!
Re: New Personal Best! Brag About That New Pb!
56 yo, 6'3" 205# PBs (all since turning 50):
1 min - 376m, 500m - 1:21.3, 1K - 2:57.2, 4 min - 1305m, 2K - 6:27.8, 5K - 17:23, 30 min - 8444m, 10K - 35:54, 60 min - 16110, HM - 1:19:19, FM - 2:45:41
1 min - 376m, 500m - 1:21.3, 1K - 2:57.2, 4 min - 1305m, 2K - 6:27.8, 5K - 17:23, 30 min - 8444m, 10K - 35:54, 60 min - 16110, HM - 1:19:19, FM - 2:45:41
Re: New Personal Best! Brag About That New Pb!
If I was a second faster for every time that I had deferred a 4x1k I would be sub-6!
56, lightweight in pace and by gravity. Currently training 3-4 times a week after a break to slowly regain the pitiful fitness I achieved a few years ago. Free Spirit, come join us http://www.freespiritsrowing.com/forum/
Re: New Personal Best! Brag About That New Pb!
Thanks danger, max and keith. I defo have more in the tank, only need 5 secs per 500 off and there is the sub 19 already with some structured training as has been said.
I think the strength is still building in me and fitness levels are rising. Alot more in there yet to wean out.
Just lots of ss work needed.
I think the strength is still building in me and fitness levels are rising. Alot more in there yet to wean out.
Just lots of ss work needed.
Age 55, 186cm 84kg
- max_ratcliffe
- 10k Poster
- Posts: 1970
- Joined: May 2nd, 2019, 11:01 pm
Re: New Personal Best! Brag About That New Pb!
Training piece, all pretty comfortable.
L4-style, 276-270-276-270-270-270
Overstroked and sped up a bit as I fatigued, but 24m further than my previous furthest.
New headband made a huge difference in how much sweat got in my eyes
1:00:00.0 13,358m 2:14.7 143 792 28
10:00.0 2,229m 2:14.5 144 794 28
20:00.0 2,218m 2:15.2 141 786 27
30:00.0 2,228m 2:14.6 143 793 28
40:00.0 2,216m 2:15.3 141 785 28
50:00.0 2,228m 2:14.6 143 793 29
1:00:00.0 2,240m 2:13.9 146 801 29
L4-style, 276-270-276-270-270-270
Overstroked and sped up a bit as I fatigued, but 24m further than my previous furthest.
New headband made a huge difference in how much sweat got in my eyes

1:00:00.0 13,358m 2:14.7 143 792 28
10:00.0 2,229m 2:14.5 144 794 28
20:00.0 2,218m 2:15.2 141 786 27
30:00.0 2,228m 2:14.6 143 793 28
40:00.0 2,216m 2:15.3 141 785 28
50:00.0 2,228m 2:14.6 143 793 29
1:00:00.0 2,240m 2:13.9 146 801 29
51 HWT
PBs:
Rower 1'=329m; 500m=1:34.0; 1k=3:25:1; 2k=7:16.5; 5k=19:44; 6k=23:24; 30'=7582m; 10k=40.28; 60'=14621m; HM=1:27:46
SkiErg 1'=309m; 500m=1:40.3; 1k=3:35.3; 2k=7:35.5; 5k=20:18; 6k=24:35; 30'=7239m; 10k=42:09; 60'=14209m; HM=1:32:24
PBs:
Rower 1'=329m; 500m=1:34.0; 1k=3:25:1; 2k=7:16.5; 5k=19:44; 6k=23:24; 30'=7582m; 10k=40.28; 60'=14621m; HM=1:27:46
SkiErg 1'=309m; 500m=1:40.3; 1k=3:35.3; 2k=7:35.5; 5k=20:18; 6k=24:35; 30'=7239m; 10k=42:09; 60'=14209m; HM=1:32:24
Re: New Personal Best! Brag About That New Pb!
You got a PB in a "comfortable" training piece! Nice work. Now you are set for your real hour pb! It has, at least in 2021, become my favorite distance, so I wish you well! Good luck and keep us posted!max_ratcliffe wrote: ↑June 8th, 2021, 9:08 amTraining piece, all pretty comfortable.
New headband made a huge difference in how much sweat got in my eyes
1:00:00.0 13,358m 2:14.7 143 792 28
p.s. And of course the headband matters!

48 years, 6'0 & 170 lbs. | 2km - 6:59.2 / 5km - 18:13.7 / 30 min - 8085m / 10km - 37:12.5 / Hour Best - 15,823m
Re: New Personal Best! Brag About That New Pb!
Well done max, glad the sweat band works.
Age 55, 186cm 84kg
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- Joined: April 27th, 2014, 11:11 am
- Location: Liverpool, England
Re: New Personal Best! Brag About That New Pb!
Well done Max. Headbands are essential for me, but it's fair to say they don't look greatmax_ratcliffe wrote: ↑June 8th, 2021, 9:08 amTraining piece, all pretty comfortable.
L4-style, 276-270-276-270-270-270
Overstroked and sped up a bit as I fatigued, but 24m further than my previous furthest.
New headband made a huge difference in how much sweat got in my eyes
1:00:00.0 13,358m 2:14.7 143 792 28
10:00.0 2,229m 2:14.5 144 794 28
20:00.0 2,218m 2:15.2 141 786 27
30:00.0 2,228m 2:14.6 143 793 28
40:00.0 2,216m 2:15.3 141 785 28
50:00.0 2,228m 2:14.6 143 793 29
1:00:00.0 2,240m 2:13.9 146 801 29
51 HWT; 6' 4"; 1k= 3:09; 2k= 6:36; 5k= 17:19; 6k= 20:47; 10k= 35:46 30mins= 8,488m 60mins= 16,618m HM= 1:16.47; FM= 2:40:41; 50k= 3:16:09; 100k= 7:52:44; 12hrs = 153km
"You reap what you row"
Instagram: stuwenman
"You reap what you row"
Instagram: stuwenman
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- Half Marathon Poster
- Posts: 3921
- Joined: August 9th, 2019, 9:35 am
- Location: England
Re: New Personal Best! Brag About That New Pb!
Well done Max.....that is Skierg presumably yes? Low SR.max_ratcliffe wrote: ↑June 8th, 2021, 9:08 amTraining piece, all pretty comfortable.
L4-style, 276-270-276-270-270-270
Overstroked and sped up a bit as I fatigued, but 24m further than my previous furthest.
New headband made a huge difference in how much sweat got in my eyes
1:00:00.0 13,358m 2:14.7 143 792 28
10:00.0 2,229m 2:14.5 144 794 28
20:00.0 2,218m 2:15.2 141 786 27
30:00.0 2,228m 2:14.6 143 793 28
40:00.0 2,216m 2:15.3 141 785 28
50:00.0 2,228m 2:14.6 143 793 29
1:00:00.0 2,240m 2:13.9 146 801 29
6'2" 52yo
Alex
Recent 2k - 7:19
All time 2k - 6:50.2 (LW)
Alex
Recent 2k - 7:19
All time 2k - 6:50.2 (LW)
- max_ratcliffe
- 10k Poster
- Posts: 1970
- Joined: May 2nd, 2019, 11:01 pm
Re: New Personal Best! Brag About That New Pb!
OregonERG wrote: ↑June 8th, 2021, 10:50 am<>
You got a PB in a "comfortable" training piece! Nice work. Now you are set for your real hour pb! It has, at least in 2021, become my favorite distance, so I wish you well! Good luck and keep us posted!
p.s. And of course the headband matters!I could not row for an hour without a headband and wrist bands. I would slosh off the erg without them...
Dangerscouse wrote: ↑June 8th, 2021, 4:15 pm<>
Well done Max. Headbands are essential for me, but it's fair to say they don't look great
Thanks all,winniewinser wrote: ↑June 9th, 2021, 10:08 am<>
Well done Max.....that is Skierg presumably yes? Low SR.
Yes - SkiErg.
Once you've done one TT at a distance/time, then these training PBs become more or less impossible. Trying very hard not to do any TTs until this current training schedule has taken me as far as it can. Another month or so I hope (and a few more of these incremental PB improvements). As I suffer from severe training ADD, I tend to flip flop trying to find that mythical "perfect" workout, so will probably end up tinkering with something and wavering from the plan.
I've been through more headbands than Italy's had governments, but I keep losing them. The current model is a mid-blue, which I hope will be harder to lose, but makes me look even more of a tool. I can more or less do without them on the rower, but on the SkiErg, the forward trunk position at the end of the drive just directs all the perspiration into my eyes.
51 HWT
PBs:
Rower 1'=329m; 500m=1:34.0; 1k=3:25:1; 2k=7:16.5; 5k=19:44; 6k=23:24; 30'=7582m; 10k=40.28; 60'=14621m; HM=1:27:46
SkiErg 1'=309m; 500m=1:40.3; 1k=3:35.3; 2k=7:35.5; 5k=20:18; 6k=24:35; 30'=7239m; 10k=42:09; 60'=14209m; HM=1:32:24
PBs:
Rower 1'=329m; 500m=1:34.0; 1k=3:25:1; 2k=7:16.5; 5k=19:44; 6k=23:24; 30'=7582m; 10k=40.28; 60'=14621m; HM=1:27:46
SkiErg 1'=309m; 500m=1:40.3; 1k=3:35.3; 2k=7:35.5; 5k=20:18; 6k=24:35; 30'=7239m; 10k=42:09; 60'=14209m; HM=1:32:24
Re: New Personal Best! Brag About That New Pb!
I never thought I would be the guy wearing sweatbands on my wrists and head but I have to. Without them I am sloshing off the erg onto the floor...max_ratcliffe wrote: ↑June 10th, 2021, 2:37 amI've been through more headbands than Italy's had governments, but I keep losing them. The current model is a mid-blue, which I hope will be harder to lose, but makes me look even more of a tool. I can more or less do without them on the rower, but on the SkiErg, the forward trunk position at the end of the drive just directs all the perspiration into my eyes.
48 years, 6'0 & 170 lbs. | 2km - 6:59.2 / 5km - 18:13.7 / 30 min - 8085m / 10km - 37:12.5 / Hour Best - 15,823m
Re: New Personal Best! Brag About That New Pb!
Well done Max... I cant imagine doing an hour on that torture device! I have only tried one a couple of times when the club gym had one on loan.. I thought my shoulders were going to drop off!max_ratcliffe wrote: ↑June 8th, 2021, 9:08 amTraining piece, all pretty comfortable.
L4-style, 276-270-276-270-270-270
Overstroked and sped up a bit as I fatigued, but 24m further than my previous furthest.
New headband made a huge difference in how much sweat got in my eyes
Sweatbands are a must. I use some wide no name ones for the wrists that are towelling type, for a headband I have some thin modern material. I was dubious to start with that they wouldnt work too well as very thin, but they are very good for long distance stuff - comfortable and do the job. (these ones).
56M HWT
50+PB 1m 326m, 500m 1:38,7, 1k 3:31.6, 2k 7:16.8, 5k 19:06.6, 6k 23:26.0, 30m 7730m, 10k 39:26.1, 60m 15025m, HM 1:25:04.7, FM 2:59:26.0, 50k 3:49:17.3, 34.2k OTW 3:52:57
A long way away from any of these PBs now!!
50+PB 1m 326m, 500m 1:38,7, 1k 3:31.6, 2k 7:16.8, 5k 19:06.6, 6k 23:26.0, 30m 7730m, 10k 39:26.1, 60m 15025m, HM 1:25:04.7, FM 2:59:26.0, 50k 3:49:17.3, 34.2k OTW 3:52:57
A long way away from any of these PBs now!!
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Re: New Personal Best! Brag About That New Pb!
congrats Max! Great result and plenty more to come by the looks of it!max_ratcliffe wrote: ↑June 8th, 2021, 9:08 amTraining piece, all pretty comfortable.
L4-style, 276-270-276-270-270-270
Overstroked and sped up a bit as I fatigued, but 24m further than my previous furthest.
New headband made a huge difference in how much sweat got in my eyes
1:00:00.0 13,358m 2:14.7 143 792 28
10:00.0 2,229m 2:14.5 144 794 28
20:00.0 2,218m 2:15.2 141 786 27
30:00.0 2,228m 2:14.6 143 793 28
40:00.0 2,216m 2:15.3 141 785 28
50:00.0 2,228m 2:14.6 143 793 29
1:00:00.0 2,240m 2:13.9 146 801 29
182cm; 89kg; 1km = 2.57.5; 2km = 6.19; 4mins = 1296; 5km = 16.49; 6km = 20.24; 30mins = 8605; 10km= 35.31; 60 minutes = 16205 HM = 1:18.50
Erging since May 2020
Erging since May 2020
- max_ratcliffe
- 10k Poster
- Posts: 1970
- Joined: May 2nd, 2019, 11:01 pm
Re: New Personal Best! Brag About That New Pb!
Dino wrote: ↑June 10th, 2021, 6:43 pmWell done Max... I cant imagine doing an hour on that torture device! I have only tried one a couple of times when the club gym had one on loan.. I thought my shoulders were going to drop off!max_ratcliffe wrote: ↑June 8th, 2021, 9:08 amTraining piece, all pretty comfortable.
L4-style, 276-270-276-270-270-270
Overstroked and sped up a bit as I fatigued, but 24m further than my previous furthest.
New headband made a huge difference in how much sweat got in my eyes
Sweatbands are a must. I use some wide no name ones for the wrists that are towelling type, for a headband I have some thin modern material. I was dubious to start with that they wouldnt work too well as very thin, but they are very good for long distance stuff - comfortable and do the job. (these ones).
Thanks gents,iangallagher wrote: ↑June 10th, 2021, 8:56 pm
<>
congrats Max! Great result and plenty more to come by the looks of it!
At some point I need to do an hour tt. But I'm also toying with the idea of an hm on 21st. Half as far again still seems like a preposterously long way.
Dino, building up the distance is a bit like when you start on the rower. A two-minute thrash at high rate and you've coughed up a lung. I do wp l4-style pieces but at 1.5 x the original wp rates. Henry says it's too low a rate and I'm sure he's right but it's been very helpful to me as I've increased the volume.
Are you back to fitness and back on the erg now?
51 HWT
PBs:
Rower 1'=329m; 500m=1:34.0; 1k=3:25:1; 2k=7:16.5; 5k=19:44; 6k=23:24; 30'=7582m; 10k=40.28; 60'=14621m; HM=1:27:46
SkiErg 1'=309m; 500m=1:40.3; 1k=3:35.3; 2k=7:35.5; 5k=20:18; 6k=24:35; 30'=7239m; 10k=42:09; 60'=14209m; HM=1:32:24
PBs:
Rower 1'=329m; 500m=1:34.0; 1k=3:25:1; 2k=7:16.5; 5k=19:44; 6k=23:24; 30'=7582m; 10k=40.28; 60'=14621m; HM=1:27:46
SkiErg 1'=309m; 500m=1:40.3; 1k=3:35.3; 2k=7:35.5; 5k=20:18; 6k=24:35; 30'=7239m; 10k=42:09; 60'=14209m; HM=1:32:24
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Re: New Personal Best! Brag About That New Pb!
Managed to get over a nice benchmark today. First time sub 1:30 for 500m. Wasn’t even planning on trying but didn’t know what else to do on my lunch break! Felt ok doing a warm up with some quick bursts so gave it a go after a few stretches. 1.8s off my previous best. Actually feel like a could go a bit quicker if my legs were fresh and not aching from squats.


M35 / 177cm / 76kg
PBs: 500m = 1:28.8 June 21 / 1km = 3:16.2 June 19 / 2km = 6:57.7 March 21 / 5km = 18:39.8 April 21 / 10km = 39:46.8 July 21 / 1 min = 343m June 21 / 30 min = 7731m March 21
PBs: 500m = 1:28.8 June 21 / 1km = 3:16.2 June 19 / 2km = 6:57.7 March 21 / 5km = 18:39.8 April 21 / 10km = 39:46.8 July 21 / 1 min = 343m June 21 / 30 min = 7731m March 21
Re: New Personal Best! Brag About That New Pb!
Nice one dave, that is one of my aims. Really nice to dip below 1.30 I bet. What was your drag?
Age 55, 186cm 84kg