Rowing is really hard! - first timer

[bama]

I am also pretty new to this and have just started trying to find the right drag factor. my question is will it help any to train at the drag on 10 and get to where you can long distance cause it seems like it would build the rowing strength up since it is definately harder to pull the chain on 10 than say 4 then come test time back it off or do you just train at what you race on. I am at 7:25 on a 2 k and for now am just trying to get under 7:20 then train for 7.

[deathrow]

Impressive! I can't tell the difference between 4 and 10? I just do where ever it's set when I get on. I seem to notice after I strap myself in! When I was a real athlete in my former life, I would do over-distance training to make the shorter events seem like a breeze. So, if I were a professional rower, I would train for 3k events even though 2k was the goal. I know it's not conventional wisdom. I would also use extra resistance in training so I felt lighter and faster in the race. I bet I can get below 7:20 before you ; )

I am also pretty new to this and have just started trying to find the right drag factor. my question is will it help any to train at the drag on 10 and get to where you can long distance cause it seems like it would build the rowing strength up since it is definately harder to pull the chain on 10 than say 4 then come test time back it off or do you just train at what you race on. I am at 7:25 on a 2 k and for now am just trying to get under 7:20 then train for 7.

[iain]

...will it help any to train at the drag on 10 and get to where you can long distance cause it seems like it would build the rowing strength up since it is definately harder to pull the chain on 10 than say 4 then come test time back it off or do you just train at what you race on. I am at 7:25 on a 2 k and for now am just trying to get under 7:20 then...

Most people train at their 2k racing DF. Changing drag changes the feel of the stroke as high drag requires a slower drive it puts more load on the upper body than at lower drag. Some people use this to increase upper body stength, but weights is a better way of achieving this if you have access. Upping the drag is not upping the resistance. The resistance increases with the handle pace and so at the same pace the resistance is broadly the same on all drag settings. Training at high drag can lead to you getting sluggish at the catch that will slow you down more at lower drag settings.

- Iain

[bama]

my next 2k test wont be for another 5 weeks. trying the ip plan on the uk website and trying to stick with pretty close. have to admit the ut2 workouts are the hardest (seems like your doing nothing and you just want to go faster) pretty much through with them now and getting in to the at workouts (them will make you beathe harder, more like gasping)

[bloomp]

my next 2k test wont be for another 5 weeks. trying the ip plan on the uk website and trying to stick with pretty close. have to admit the ut2 workouts are the hardest (seems like your doing nothing and you just want to go faster) pretty much through with them now and getting in to the at workouts (them will make you beathe harder, more like gasping)

go look at the general forum

[deathrow]

I used level 10 tonight and went the quickest yet! 2k in 7:34!!! Got some coaching tips to bring the handle down low on the return, brushing my knees. Able to use my legs more. Still had plenty left in the tank by the end. Better technique is paying dividends! Going to shoot the video tomorrow or next Wednesday. Going for a new PR Next Friday. I honestly can't feel any difference between 4 and 10. Also going to use a heart rate monitor. I know running or cycling, my threshold is around 168-172, have no idea what I'm at rowing as the sensations are so different.

...will it help any to train at the drag on 10 and get to where you can long distance cause it seems like it would build the rowing strength up since it is definately harder to pull the chain on 10 than say 4 then come test time back it off or do you just train at what you race on. I am at 7:25 on a 2 k and for now am just trying to get under 7:20 then...

Most people train at their 2k racing DF. Changing drag changes the feel of the stroke as high drag requires a slower drive it puts more load on the upper body than at lower drag. Some people use this to increase upper body stength, but weights is a better way of achieving this if you have access. Upping the drag is not upping the resistance. The resistance increases with the handle pace and so at the same pace the resistance is broadly the same on all drag settings. Training at high drag can lead to you getting sluggish at the catch that will slow you down more at lower drag settings.

- Iain

[KevJGK]

I honestly can't feel any difference between 4 and 10.

Congratulations on your latest 2K pb of 7:34; as you say it won't be long before you go under 07:30 and then even faster.

I’m intrigued that you can’t feel a difference between a setting of 4 & 10 as it should be quite pronounced. I wonder if your machine is clogged with dust?

You can check the drag factor for your machine at different settings. There are different methods for older machines but for the D & E models from the Main Menu go to Other Options then Display Drag Factor. For a clean machine it will range from something like 100 at level 1 to 220 at level 10. I have been on a gym machine that was so clogged the drag was around 70 irrespective of the lever setting. If your machine is a C model there is another method to check the DF.

Have a look at this

http://concept2.co.uk/training/guide?ar ... mper_lever

[deathrow]

Thanks! I will check the drag settings. They have 2 machines and they are well-used and not well maintained. They seem old, I bet model "C" machines. I'm still intrigued by the physical sensations I have when I end my workout. The legs are not even affected but my shoulders and traps(?) are really screaming. Weak spot is definitely my upper body. Knocking off these world records like throwing rocks at beer cans on a fence. Mies Bernelot Moens, the Dutch women's indoor world record holder 60-64 age group is in trouble next time I hit that machine..!

I honestly can't feel any difference between 4 and 10.

Congratulations on your latest 2K pb of 7:34; as you say it won't be long before you go under 07:30 and then even faster.

I’m intrigued that you can’t feel a difference between a setting of 4 & 10 as it should be quite pronounced. I wonder if your machine is clogged with dust?

You can check the drag factor for your machine at different settings. There are different methods for older machines but for the D & E models from the Main Menu go to Other Options then Display Drag Factor. For a clean machine it will range from something like 100 at level 1 to 220 at level 10. I have been on a gym machine that was so clogged the drag was around 70 irrespective of the lever setting. If your machine is a C model there is another method to check the DF.

Have a look at this

http://concept2.co.uk/training/guide?ar ... mper_lever

[bama]

gotcha dude 7:16.6

[michaelb]

If you can't feel the difference between 4 and 10, just humor us and row at 3 from now on (or check the drag as noted above). Your description of what you feel like sure sounds like you are underusing your legs and over pulling with the arms. It would really help you if you sorted your technique out.

You say you can row 2:00 pace for 8 mins. Have you done a 5k or a 10k yet? I would like to see a hard 5k before you try the 2k again, and ideally for you to hit the 5k at 2:00 pace, or sub 20 minutes. Don't just race the 2ks, focus on all the distances, since each one is brutally hard in its own way.

[Carl Watts]

Too many people talk about pace but forget to mention the all important rating or strokes per minute (SPM). Kind of like talking about speed without the rpm's.

Damper setting of 4 is pretty low, what drag factor are you getting ?