Changes underway in 60-69 HWt

[Cyclingman1]

Don't know if others are noticing, but changes at the top of the 60-69 HWt category are beginning. TJ Oesterling of Hawaii has has been destroying the competition in that category for six years running, age 60-65. Finally, a couple of guys from the 55-59 group have turned 60 and are quickly making inroads in 60-69 group. Those individuals being James Crawford and Steve Krum. Not going to get into all of the details now, but by next May, many of TJ's marks may get superceded. What is not in doubt, is the fantastic run that TJ has had. I wasn't sure if anyone would surpass him while he stayed < 70. But Crawford looks like he may start his own run of domination. Just thought I would throw this out there.

[lindsayh]

You are right Jim - the interesting thing I guess is the reason why TJO has not logged times this season apart from a pretty good 500 @1:25.2. If he is still training hard then he may appear later but it seems likely that he has peaked I guess (perhaps unsurprisingly). I suspect he could still rank number 1 if he sets his mind to it.
Don't forget Richard Steventon in the UK either - very strong and training the house down. He is close I suspect to the 2km WR (6:23) and was 6:28 earlier this year. TJ never raced so didn't have the opportunity to set a time for the 2km. Richard will be racing in March I understand.

[Cyclingman1]

Actually TJO has started to post in the mid-distance events. I'm not counting him out by any stretch. It is just that in the past no one has really pushed him. Yes, Richard Steventon is very close. Maybe he can get the 2K record - that is a tough one. Actually for a couple of years I battled with Richard. Him beating me by secs in some things and me turning the tables in others. Alas, he has pulled away from me this yr and I'm going a bit South, as they say in the US. Lindsay, you are a stellar performer in .5 and 1K. You have times I don't even bother dreaming of. I'm hoping that TJO's buddy Ralph Earle will chime in and let us all know that the rowing world as we have known it since 2009 is still intact.

[lindsayh]

Actually TJO has started to post in the mid-distance events. I'm not counting him out by any stretch. It is just that in the past no one has really pushed him. Yes, Richard Steventon is very close. Maybe he can get the 2K record - that is a tough one. Actually for a couple of years I battled with Richard. Him beating me by secs in some things and me turning the tables in others. Alas, he has pulled away from me this yr and I'm going a bit South, as they say in the US. Lindsay, you are a stellar performer in .5 and 1K. You have times I don't even bother dreaming of. I'm hoping that TJO's buddy Ralph Earle will chime in and let us all know that the rowing world as we have known it since 2009 is still intact.

Thanks Jim - I think I would swap my 500 for your 5k/30min I suspect - I am nowhere near it so we will just have to settle for a mutual admiration society. I am hoping to do both a 500 and 5k TT this month but can't even think about much below 18:20 for the 5km (but I am thinking/hoping 1:25.0 for the 500). Richard's story is quite interesting. He was injured and thinking about quitting a few years ago and had a lot of time off. He resolved to come back and change his training and the rest is history as he leaves everyone behind. Lots of meters (often >100k a week) and all of them with purpose with Wolverine plan as a basis and Steve Roedde to help. He does his 2km at sr38!
It is funny I have been looking for Ralph to say something about TJO too. In the past by now he would have had all ranking distances covered.
best

[lindsayh]

Actually TJO has started to post in the mid-distance events. I'm not counting him out by any stretch. It is just that in the past no one has really pushed him. Yes, Richard Steventon is very close. Maybe he can get the 2K record - that is a tough one. Actually for a couple of years I battled with Richard. Him beating me by secs in some things and me turning the tables in others. Alas, he has pulled away from me this yr and I'm going a bit South, as they say in the US. Lindsay, you are a stellar performer in .5 and 1K. You have times I don't even bother dreaming of. I'm hoping that TJO's buddy Ralph Earle will chime in and let us all know that the rowing world as we have known it since 2009 is still intact.

Those longer times are mighty strong aren't they?
Another 2 that come to mind are Madis Lohmis in Estonia - who seems strong in all distances but won't verify them. If his times are real then he is pretty good.
Ross Mursell is an OTW rower in Melbourne (aus) and has a verified 3:09 and 17:32 to his name so is pretty good. He doesn't race OTE so I haven't met him but could be a force if he gets into it.

[Cyclingman1]

I've reported/complained a lot about injury and illness, etc. It's just frustration. I'm at a point where I need to re-resolve to get back on track and try to recapture my previous levels. It's all in the doing; one can talk it to death. I heard about Steventon's 100k weeks - that would be a huge change for me if I ever got close to that. Maybe I should get to 50K first - never been there. I'm sure that Steve Roedde has helped him. I've dialoged with Steve a could bit over the last couple of years - very informed and positive. But Richard is an inspiration. He deserves where he is.

Yes Madis Lohmis has come on the scene of late. He's not yet at TJ's level - we will see where he goes. I give TJ a lot of credit for always posting verified times. I used to but got slack. I always use "Just Row" which does not lend itself to verification.

I do think .5K and 1K are special case distances. They don't really predict very well times at 2K and above, although many do well across the board. Even TJ has never held the .5 and 1K records. Nor did he get the 2K record. Everything above though.

[Ralph Earle]

Two interesting changes each day so far this week.

[Citroen]

Two interesting changes each day so far this week.

Another email has been sent to Dena @ Concept2.

[Yankeerunner]

Two interesting changes each day so far this week.

Strangest darn thing I've seen in some 50 years of being involved in sports. I've ceased to try to understand it.

[Cyclingman1]

It is amazing that anyone recorded on video at 8:40 for 2K at Crash-B, stopping for two rest periods, would actually suggest that he is now, less than one year later, capable of doing 5:36 for 2K - to go from 160W to 600W. Even the actual time entered 6:32 (370W) in the rankings is not credible. It appears that we are all stuck with those bogus times in the rankings, because C2 is afraid of stepping on toes. I will say that I sure wish I could do 15 W/stroke at 40 SPM for 2K. I'd probably be writing about it too. Of course, only one man as far as I know has ever done that - an OLympic champion and recognized rowing guru.

[hjs]

It is amazing that anyone recorded on video at 8:40 for 2K at Crash-B, stopping for two rest periods, would actually suggest that he is now, less than one year later, capable of doing 5:36 for 2K - to go from 160W to 600W. Even the actual time entered 6:32 (370W) in the rankings is not credible. It appears that we are all stuck with those bogus times in the rankings, because C2 is afraid of stepping on toes. I will say that I sure wish I could do 15 W/stroke at 40 SPM for 2K. I'd probably be writing about it too.

Someone is laughing all out. He found a way to get his ass in the attention. Doug do you job please.

[Citroen]

The result that has been ranked isn't verified, there's no evidence that it's been rowed so ignore it and ignore the blithering idiot that ranked it.

C2 told me that they're going to release some improvements to the ranking system.

I won't lock this thread yet, but it's going nowhere.

[Cyclingman1]

I think the veterans of this forum, that is, those who have been on it from the start in 2006 are far more irritated by these bogus postings and rantings because you've had to endure it for so long. I don't especially like them either, but at the same time I am astounded at the audacity and almost intrigued at the possibility of being able to perform at such a level. Of course, when the numbers on a good row are actually 10 SPI at 30 SPM, reality intrudes on the fantasy. Like Yankeerunner says, "it is the darndest thing." And from a real professor. Just bizarre.

[jackarabit]

Carpal tunnel neuropathy won't let me past 6K without paying a visit. Inside 2K who knows? Jack

[Cyclingman1]

Carpal tunnel neuropathy won't let me past 6K without paying a visit. Inside 2K who knows? Jack

Say what???

Back to the last subject. In the latest profile there is the promise of results at the next Crash-B. So we will see. When 550 W on up is done, then we all can revamp our training. Then again, if 200 W on down is done, then it all can be dismissed. The ball is in his court.

Regarding changes to the ranking system. I'm not particularly exercised that most postings are of the IND variety. Glaring abuses are usually obvious. There is some inexplicable inconsistency. And records do have to be verified.