Concept2 Forum

Hi,

I am a 34 yo man, 5'7", 152 lbs.

I used to row in a club when I was a teenager so I assume I have a correct technique.

I have started to run 10 months ago and I have achieved a decent level (1h30 for the semi-marathon).

I have started a month ago to row, and I have been practicing 4 times a week.
I have tested my 2k, and I have done 7:18.

I am wondering which goal would be realistic for me to set in the future (would 7 mins be realistic ? maybe even less ?)

Thanks

Hhmm, there's a school of thought that you'll struggle to get to seven mins, or less, due to your height and weight, but I love being sceptical of assumptions.

You've got a great engine to get to a 90 min half marathon, albeit running isn't directly comparable and usually there's a bad correlation between them (there certainly is with me anyway).

You've managed to get to 7:18 with circa 16 sessions, so this is very promising as you're still very much in newbie territory. I'd guess you're capable of a seven min 2k, and maybe, just maybe sub seven but it's very hard to know for certain.

Whatever happens I'll be very interested to see you giving it your best shot, as you'll definitely be an outlier in terms of performance if you are capable of achieving it. Best of luck

7 minutes is hard but doable from 7:20 I reckon
My friend Rod Stewart went sub7 at 70 years of age as a lwt several times and that has been beaten now I think.

casu_rower wrote: ↑

January 3rd, 2025, 12:58 pm

Hi,

I am a 34 yo man, 5'7", 152 lbs.

I used to row in a club when I was a teenager so I assume I have a correct technique.

I have started to run 10 months ago and I have achieved a decent level (1h30 for the semi-marathon).

I have started a month ago to row, and I have been practicing 4 times a week.
I have tested my 2k, and I have done 7:18.

I am wondering which goal would be realistic for me to set in the future (would 7 mins be realistic ? maybe even less ?)

Thanks

Sub-7 is definitely doable, but won't be easy of course.
You should set it as a goal, and work diligently at it.

David

At age 34 you at or near the best age for strength/endurance activity. Your height may be a slight disadvantage, but is minimal compared to other attributes. First, you need to be fairly strong, especially legs. Cardio vascular fitness is an absolute must. And then there is rowing style. I would think that higher SPM would be best. Stroke length is important. That is why tall people do well. But plenty of shorter people have the flexibility to have a longish stroke length. So, if you are fit, strong, have good stroke rate, and maximize stroke length, 7:00 is hardly a limiting time. I'd be aiming for much lower.