Concept2 Forum

Hi!

I want to start rowing in college next year, and I have to turn in a 2k erg time for a recruitment form. I have no experience with rowing or erging. I am 18, female, 5'6'', 125 pounds, and in good shape.

I tried rowing on an erg machine and it took 8:40. I'm pretty sure this is embarrassingly slow, but I know nothing about what I should be shooting for, how to pace, or form. Any suggestions for any of this, or how to improve, would be greatly appreciated. I train a lot and work hard.

Thank you veryvery much!
Emily

It sounds as if there is no need to suggest remaining enthusiastic, so I'll get right to the tough stuff.

Start with a target of doing 6k steady at a 2:20 pace, if you manage that without too much trouble, make the next 6k (next day perhaps) target 2:19 steady. And so on. When you max out on your ability to finish the 6k on the target pace, let us know and we will go from there.

If you have access to a rowing coach from a local Rowing club or college, get in touch with them to get the basics on technique sorted out ASAP, it beats breaking bad habits later. At least give C2 a call and get the technique video from them (they will send it to you free), watch it before every other session and focus on the points it makes.

Any chance of a late growth spurt coming your way?

Thank you so much, and I will! I'm afraid not so much on the growth spurt... what's the ideal size for lightweight?

Thanks again!
Emily

emily wrote:Thank you so much, and I will! I'm afraid not so much on the growth spurt... what's the ideal size for lightweight?

Thanks again!
Emily

While you might be able to pack a few more inches of height into the lwt 125lbs, you are probably as close as it gets while not having to engage in practices that could be unhealthy. If you are fortunate enough to have long limbs, relative to your height, simply maintaining your current build and increasing fitness will go a long way. We had several Junior gals from our club that were similar in size go right into University programs, so you definitely have a shot. Have you been athletically inclined and involved in other school sports?

I don't really have long limbs, but I run track, cross-country, and marathons, and play soccer. I could probably lose a few pounds, but not too much because I work out a lot and only have about 12% body fat... so my guess is that losing more than 5-10 pounds would be kind of bad.

Thank you so much for your advice and encouragement!

You won't have to lose any weight to row lightweight. The maximum for an international lightweight female is 59 kgs or 130 pounds. At 5'6" you're also not at a big disadvantage with height. The average lightweight female would not be much taller.

At 12% body fat you must be in pretty amazing shape. In New Zealand a female lightweight would have to pull a 7min5s 2k for a national trial. Anything under 8min is handy, sub 7min30s you'd be a big deal.

emily wrote:Hi!

I want to start rowing in college next year, and I have to turn in a 2k erg time for a recruitment form. I have no experience with rowing or erging. I am 18, female, 5'6'', 125 pounds, and in good shape.

I tried rowing on an erg machine and it took 8:40. I'm pretty sure this is embarrassingly slow, but I know nothing about what I should be shooting for, how to pace, or form. Any suggestions for any of this, or how to improve, would be greatly appreciated. I train a lot and work hard.

Thank you veryvery much!
Emily

http://www.invernessrowingclub.co.uk/pe ... o_erg.html

http://www.concept2.co.uk/guide/downloads.php