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Stupid question

Posted: August 3rd, 2006, 3:35 pm
by The Vulcan
I am embarrassed to ask this, because I don't want to sound like I am trying to show off; I'm not, honest. I have had my rower for 1 week, and I have used it six times now. I did 20 minutes the first two times, and 30 minutes the other four. My pace stays steady at 24-26 strokes per minute, and my 30 minute meter totals range from 6,437 to 7,242. My question is: as a rank beginner, how could I possibly row more meters than some of the women on here who have been doing this for years? I am concerned that I didn't assemble things properly, or I have the electronics set to some strange format and am misreading the data. I am basically using my machine straight out of the box. Granted, I am in good shape from 25+ years of running, but I am also realistic about my abilities. I have never rowed a real boat. I am 41, 5'7", 134 pounds. Please advise if I am doing something wrong!

Re: Stupid question

Posted: August 3rd, 2006, 4:38 pm
by PaulS
The Vulcan wrote:I am embarrassed to ask this, because I don't want to sound like I am trying to show off; I'm not, honest. I have had my rower for 1 week, and I have used it six times now. I did 20 minutes the first two times, and 30 minutes the other four. My pace stays steady at 24-26 strokes per minute, and my 30 minute meter totals range from 6,437 to 7,242. My question is: as a rank beginner, how could I possibly row more meters than some of the women on here who have been doing this for years? I am concerned that I didn't assemble things properly, or I have the electronics set to some strange format and am misreading the data. I am basically using my machine straight out of the box. Granted, I am in good shape from 25+ years of running, but I am also realistic about my abilities. I have never rowed a real boat. I am 41, 5'7", 134 pounds. Please advise if I am doing something wrong!
Sounds like you are taking to this just fine. 2:04.3 avg for 30 minutes (7242m) is very good. Try your hand at some of the other distances and you may be ruling the Rankings, also the season is just ahead of us, so there will be some opportunities for racing, and potential winning a trip to Boston for the World Indoor Championships. Can't imagine that if your machine is working that it has a problem, and if it does, you could probably get good money for that PM3. :wink:

Welcome to the fray.

Posted: August 10th, 2006, 5:29 pm
by LJWagner
Running is great training for rowing, except for arm and back strength.

You are on the small side, but heart goes a long way in this sport. And men have more muscle than women, so a fit man is statistically more likely to be stronger than a woman the same size.

The real equalizer is sculling on the water. Be sure you can swim before you try it.