declining or is this normal?

[Dangerscouse]

Remember that most of the people on the forum with great times have been erging for years and years, and have also had numerous setbacks and frustrations along the way.

Very true. I have had many ups and downs and it wasn't at all easy to start with. I still struggle on occasions and form can be very cyclical on micro and macro cycles. This seems to happen to everyone I know and I can't seem to figure out why or when it will happen.

The only reason I have achieved what I have done is that I have persevered and embraced the good and the bad and focused on the bigger picture rather than the detail of any given day. I obviously really enjoy the PBs and the good days, but I see the bad days as a learning experience and fuel for when I am able to push on.

It takes 21 days to build a habit and 90 days to build a lifestyle. Within that timeframe you will have doubts and setbacks but if you keep motivated you will eventually train through it.

[winniewinser]

Hi,

I am also following the BPP and have just completed week 4. The problem I have is pacing and knowing what I should be attempting to hit. That part if not obvious in the notes section of the plan. Also for the longer pieces, if you are not used to them from previous rowing they can become mind numbingly boring/challenging. I have reverted to using them to concentrate on technique, breathing and setting some smaller goals such as hitting the same stroke rate each 500m piece.

I do also watch something on my Ipad on occasion to stop my mind wanting to give in. Dexter series 3 currently

Keep at it and the longer pieces do get easier. You may just be at your current threshold and you need to push through that to get comfortable again.

Message me if you want to compare notes on the plan but the guys on here have been really helpful when asked.

Cheers
Alex

[FurianXO]

Thursday I did another 6500 meters, but it was a full 40 second slower than the last one. I hear folks talking about lactic acid build up, but I dont seem to have that issue later in the row. For me, it's more like the drag factor was turned up and everything just slows down.

Good news is I'm not demotivated by any setbacks. Heck, now I'm trying to figure out how I can juggle some mountain biking into my routine, then snow boarding this winter. I suppose these are good problems to have!

[Dangerscouse]

Thursday I did another 6500 meters, but it was a full 40 second slower than the last one. I hear folks talking about lactic acid build up, but I dont seem to have that issue later in the row. For me, it's more like the drag factor was turned up and everything just slows down.

Good news is I'm not demotivated by any setbacks. Heck, now I'm trying to figure out how I can juggle some mountain biking into my routine, then snow boarding this winter. I suppose these are good problems to have!

Lactic will only really be an issue for 2k and under, I do suffer with these distances, but not really for any other distances. For a 6.5k it will only be breathing that will be my limiting factor

[FurianXO]

7k today and a little better. I tried to figure out what is giving first, and for me, it seems to be more general fatigue before breath.

[mitchel674]

7k today and a little better. I tried to figure out what is giving first, and for me, it seems to be more general fatigue before breath.

Nice job. I doubt you are having lactic acid build up on these rows. Your fatigue is due to your level of anaerobic fitness. This will improve as you advance through the BPP. Keep at it.

[winniewinser]

7k today and a little better. I tried to figure out what is giving first, and for me, it seems to be more general fatigue before breath.

Well done!

[FurianXO]

Had my wife record me at various intervals of my 7500m today and they made me cringe, especially later in the row. I'm starting to dread the distance increases... which is somewhat demotivating. After watching the videos, its clear my form is holding me back.

I seriously want to get my form corrected, but don't want to do it over the internet. Would joining a local rowing club be an option just to learn properly? I live in the Colorado Springs area if anyone is around here is a member, or if they know any local coaches that are willing give private lessons. I already tried to search on the concept2 website and found none.

[Dangerscouse]

Had my wife record me at various intervals of my 7500m today and they made me cringe, especially later in the row. I'm starting to dread the distance increases... which is somewhat demotivating. After watching the videos, its clear my form is holding me back.

I seriously want to get my form corrected, but don't want to do it over the internet. Would joining a local rowing club be an option just to learn properly? I live in the Colorado Springs area if anyone is around here is a member, or if they know any local coaches that are willing give private lessons. I already tried to search on the concept2 website and found none.

First of all, try lowering the drag a little and working on your fitness with intervals instead of 7.5k straight through. It sounds to me like your form is suffering because you're getting tired and your fitness isn't where it needs to be just yet.

There is no shame in regressing to eventually progress, otherwise you may end up with an injury or loss of motivation. Any plan is just a guide and needs to be adapted to suit.

Assess and adapt is a vital part of rowing at any stage of ability.

[FurianXO]

Makes sense, I do tend to look forward to the intervals more, and it seems easier to focus on form. On the longer ones, i tend to focus when will this end!

[Robcunliffe]

How about changing the units of measure of training to time..instead of miles.
I'm always suspicious of plans indicating miles/kms as the important unit is time at the right intensity?

[Erik A]

How about changing the units of measure of training to time..instead of miles.
I'm always suspicious of plans indicating miles/kms as the important unit is time at the right intensity?

i much prefer the time sessions rather than meters. put in a 30 min, 40 min etc etc seems to affect me less seeing a clock wind down rather than meters wind down

[hobbit]

My 2 cents: I've got into mental burnout, so now, as others have suggested, I do time-based intervals: 10min blocks with a free rest (about 3min) to swig water, change music, stretch limbs, rest mind. Can manage at least 3 of those before going "sod it". I really cannot imagine how I did an HM last year and last spring .

[max_ratcliffe]

How about changing the units of measure of training to time..instead of miles.
I'm always suspicious of plans indicating miles/kms as the important unit is time at the right intensity?

i much prefer the time sessions rather than meters. put in a 30 min, 40 min etc etc seems to affect me less seeing a clock wind down rather than meters wind down

When I'm doing a long training piece, I often speed (and rate) up towards the end due to fatigue, lack of discipline and wanting to get to the end.
Of course that wouldn't work on a timed piece.

Which would be good.
And bad.

[FurianXO]

Tried to focus more on intervals the last couple of weeks. I threw in one long row, just to be sure I was still able to do it. I'm seeing some improvement time wise, but I'm thinking I'm putting forth much more effort as I am teetering out sooner. The one I did today left me feeling like I wasn't getting enough oxygen on the last couple of intervals (could be too, since im at 8000+ ft!).



I haven't tried twitching to time, but I'll certainly give it a go.