When to take plunge with Marathon row??

[Dangerscouse]

Makes me feel like maybe I’m trying to go too big too soon. I do a lot of long distance running/cycling though so do think some of that will be transferable.

Just looking to finish first time out. Gives me that benchmark to try to beat next time out.

I don't think you're going too big too soon. Having the mindset to complete long distance running / cycling is a very valuable component. Your mind is too often your worst enemy when it gets rough, so keeping that under control could be the difference... but you already know this.

Just finishing is a good idea, as you'll then feel confident enough to do it again, rather than feeling like it was torture.

As for hydration, I've never done it without drinking, but I don't drink for anything under 32k, so it might be fine but I'm not willing to risk it. I always have 50/50 diluted fruit juice, with a big pinch of salt and some sugar (glucose is absorbed quicker than fructose), as well as plain water and an energy gel just before starting. I probably drink about a litre, but I do drink a lot regularly every day, so hydration isn't an issue for me.

[mitchel674]

Just finishing your fist FM should be your goal.

No amount of 10k training will prepare you for the final 10k of a FM. Willpower was then only thing that kept me going after 32k my first FM.

[penkethj]

I don't think you're going too big too soon. Having the mindset to complete long distance running / cycling is a very valuable component. Your mind is too often your worst enemy when it gets rough, so keeping that under control could be the difference... but you already know this.

Just finishing is a good idea, as you'll then feel confident enough to do it again, rather than feeling like it was torture.

As for hydration, I've never done it without drinking, but I don't drink for anything under 32k, so it might be fine but I'm not willing to risk it. I always have 50/50 diluted fruit juice, with a big pinch of salt and some sugar (glucose is absorbed quicker than fructose), as well as plain water and an energy gel just before starting. I probably drink about a litre, but I do drink a lot regularly every day, so hydration isn't an issue for me.

Yeah agree mindset is a massive part of endurance pieces. I would def say my mindset is usually a positive for me. I suppose the only difference with rowing for me compared to running/cycling is the unknown of how it feels at x km in to a certain long distance effort. However I’ve put myself in positions on long runs before where I’ve felt like I’ve not had much left to give with an awful long way left to go. And have experience dragging myself through those low moments. Should come in handy.

Yeah just finishing is def the aim. Going to complete a HM at pretty much max effort in the build up. Then maybe set my FM pace at about 10 seconds above that pace. You think that sounds about right?

As far as hydration/nutrition I think I’m fairly confident there. Just going to transfer what I use in my long runs really. Use High5 energy source powder in half my fluid and usually will have a couple gels towards the end of a 3 hour effort. So will do something similar when I attempt the FM.

[penkethj]

Just finishing your fist FM should be your goal.

No amount of 10k training will prepare you for the final 10k of a FM. Willpower was then only thing that kept me going after 32k my first FM.

Yep totally agree with that, just finishing is def my aim for the first one. I’ve done HM distance a couple of times and will be doing a couple more before I attempt the FM. Also gonna do a 25km and a 30km effort in the build up too. Hopefully that will be enough.

[Dangerscouse]

Yeah agree mindset is a massive part of endurance pieces. I would def say my mindset is usually a positive for me. I suppose the only difference with rowing for me compared to running/cycling is the unknown of how it feels at x km in to a certain long distance effort. However I’ve put myself in positions on long runs before where I’ve felt like I’ve not had much left to give with an awful long way left to go. And have experience dragging myself through those low moments. Should come in handy.

Yeah just finishing is def the aim. Going to complete a HM at pretty much max effort in the build up. Then maybe set my FM pace at about 10 seconds above that pace. You think that sounds about right?

As far as hydration/nutrition I think I’m fairly confident there. Just going to transfer what I use in my long runs really. Use High5 energy source powder in half my fluid and usually will have a couple gels towards the end of a 3 hour effort. So will do something similar when I attempt the FM.

IIRC, my first FM and HM PB were about ten seconds difference, maybe nine, so that sounds good to me.

I always have High5 gels, so it's good you've got something that you know works for you. SIS gels give me stomach aches which I found out early on in my training and thoroughly regretted it

[penkethj]

IIRC, my first FM and HM PB were about ten seconds difference, maybe nine, so that sounds good to me.

I always have High5 gels, so it's good you've got something that you know works for you. SIS gels give me stomach aches which I found out early on in my training and thoroughly regretted it

That’s good to know as that’s kinda the pace I was thinking of going for.

Yeah strangely I’m exactly the same with SIS products. Never got on with them. But have been using high5 stuff for 10+ years now and seems to agree with me well.

[penkethj]

3:14:20.2 42,195m 2:18.1 133 756 20 146
38:07.7 8,500m 2:14.5 144 794 20 137
39:19.4 17,000m 2:18.7 131 750 19 138
39:14.8 25,500m 2:18.5 132 753 20 143
40:25.4 34,000m 2:22.6 121 714 21 156
37:12.9 42,195m 2:16.2 138 776 24 159

Got the marathon row done today. Bang on the pace I planned/expected. Rowed about 2:15 pace and allowed myself to take nutrition/hydration at planned times to come under 2:20 pace overall.

Thanks for all your advice. Gave me the confidence I was ready to complete the distance.