Concept2 Forum

All my life I competed in elite competitive sports, such as track & field, cycling, triathlon, and now indoor rowing. I was introduced to rowing in 2017 as part of my fitness training program. I got my rowing degree from YouTube University. I have no access to rowing coaches, so I have to figure things out on my own.

My first indoor rowing competitions was in 2018 at the Erg Sprint World Indoor Championships where I placed first in the 50-59 PR3 visually impaired category, setting a new World Record with the time of 3:27.2. As of today, I hold 15 World Records. I would like to compete in the 2021 Erg Sprint 2018 World Rowing Virtual Indoor Championships this February. As a blind athlete, I need guidance from the rowing community. Currently, I’m participating in the Virtual Challenge with team Adaptive ParaRowers.
https://log.concept2.com/team/15076/vtc/2021

I was born with a hereditary condition called Familial Exudative Vitreo-Retinopathy, also known as  FEVR. FEVR is a slowly progressive disease in which the retina is stretch away from the wall which causes bleeding in back of the eye. After an emergency surgical procedure in 1997, to secure my retina from detaching, my vision is now stabilized, for now.

My goal is to continue competing in competitions, helping to assist other with technical issues, and inspire and motivate others.

According to this https://log.concept2.com/challenges/indoor-sprints you have until March 16 next to enter your time in your logbook, so almost two months.

Rowing is a nice mix of endurance and technique, as you'll know, including for 1k distance. Two months training suggests one month relatively low rate technique and endurance work with longish pieces using full strokes as to length and force, and one month sharpening at higher ratings in short pieces.

The Interactive plans are highly progressive, being designed for racing on a known date. There are about 200 so plenty of choice, but five days per week will likely be sufficient while avoiding overtraining:
http://3.8.144.21/training/interactive

I survived a severe motorcycle accident in 2007. Ironically, it happened when I wasn't even moving. Years later I struggle with constant pain as my body slowly fuses vertebrae, and compresses nerves.
Rowing for me is a fantastic cardio exercise that I can 'almost always' do. Rowing is the go-to when I can't tolerate any other activity. Sometimes I struggle to even sit upright for too long.
On good days I also love to cycle on or off road. On great days I jog in my own super-slow smooth way. Stay flexible, and keep your heart working! Staying active is vital for me preserving the function I still have. I believe we all share that no matter what current we row in.

Kevin R.
PR3 (PD)

P.S. Special thanks to Bill Davis for communicating with Dena at Concept2. Their work was instrumental in the C2 approval of this 'Adaptive Athletes Forum'. It is a place for all adaptive rowers, regardless of team, to ask questions or offer advice. An athlete who rows in spite of their disability is an inspiration and an asset for another in a similar situation.