1st Month Progress From Ground Zero

[milansanremo]

I would like to express my gratitude for the constructive
advice that I received from members of this forum when I started on the Concept 2 several weeks ago.
I have used all of your suggestions in expediting my progression in this new endeavor. I am certain I wouldn't be where I am without you folks.

https://log.concept2.com/share/2503523/97617487

Sincerely,
John

[Ombrax]

Good job - congratulations!

[Dangerscouse]

Good to hear John, but don't underestimate how your progress is down to your hard work and also aptitude to listen to the advice. I've seen plenty of people over the years who have done neither of those.

[Dangerscouse]

I'd also suggest that you need to try to understand where your tension points are.

These could be hunched shoulders, too tight a grip, shallower breathing, pulling more rather than pushing, not grounding yourself properly, over compressing at the catch, etc. There's quite a lot, and we probably all display different combinations of them, but they ideally all need to be addressed to make you more efficient.

[milansanremo]

I'd also suggest that you need to try to understand where your tension points are.

These could be hunched shoulders, too tight a grip, shallower breathing, pulling more rather than pushing, not grounding yourself properly, over compressing at the catch, etc. There's quite a lot, and we probably all display different combinations of them, but they ideally all need to be addressed to make you more efficient.

Thanks for reinforcing those issues which I believe are absolutely correct. During my AM 5k warmup session I try to focus on those properties of the row.
The breathing remains an issue, I am only truly comfortable if I stay below 22 strokes.
Being a newbie, I have been surprised at the difference it makes for me in using different types of material between the foot and the footrest along with the position of the footrest. I have found what I think works best for me. I have large feet (300mm long) and position #5 seems optimal for me.