Burned out runner, is rowing a good fit for me?

[Saquatch Runner]

Me:

Mid 30s, Male
6'3", very large frame
Former semi-competitive (not elite, or even NCAA or anything) road runner
205 lb most of the year, 190-195 lb racing weight
Decent cardiovascular shape (42 RHR, lab vo2max in the mid 60s)


I've been running for exercise ever since I started exercising, and I'm fed up with it for two reasons:

1) I seem to have a decent cardiovascular system / slow twitchers, but I have the wrong body type to be a successful runner. Even though I only really compete against myself (collecting plastic trophies is not really all that), I get frustrated with trying so hard at something that I am just never going to excel at.

2) Constant injury problems (probably somewhat related to training like a whippet, while being built like a sasquatch). Specifically, my number one enemy is achilles tendonitis.

3) I prefer shorter events such as the mile (I'm in the 4:45 ballpark), but as non-elite adult it is hard to find high quality mile races and every one of my peers is obsessed with the marathon which I could care less about.


So at this point I'm just burnt out and looking for a new form of exercise. I don't care for cycling (because of the prep/overhead work, safety issues, inconsistency of training). I wondered if there were any endurance sports that someone with a large frame was actually well-suited to. And that's how I found this.

Basically I'm just wondering if you guys think it would be a good fit for me? I'd like to train for the 2k and hopefully put up a decent PR one day.

I'm a long-time user of heart rate training and I have all of my zones sorted out for running. It looks like training for rowing will be very similar? My favorite part of training is building a huge aerobic base and doing lactate threshold work.

I like to train twice a day, is that compatible with rowing (after a period of build up of course)?

This is a weird question, but does the movement feel fun/natural? I enjoy the meditative and calming aspect of an easy aerobic run, but other movements have not replicated that same feeling (I tried racewalking, but walking REALLY FAST just isn't natural).

Do I have anything to worry about with my achilles tendon? Is achilles tendonitis a common injury for rowers? It's healed for now, but it's been a constant problem area in the past and I'd really not like to deal with it again.

What kind of supplemental training is helpful for rowing? My upper body strength is low, I can probably barbell row 155 or so for reps. Is this a problem?

I appreciate any advice that you guys could offer. I'll probably be buying one of these things without a try-out as I can't seem to find a gym near here that has a drop-in rate. It seems like this is going to be the thing, but I want to make sure that I don't have a lot of misconceptions.

Any other tips or anything would be appreciated.

[Bob S.]

It sounds like you have exactly the right build for it.

With regard to the movement, it is distinctly different from the continuos nature of running or cycling. The rowing stroke has two very different parts, a quick, hard drive and a slow, relaxed recovery. It is sort of like pitching or batting practice. Another that comes to mind is weight-lifting repetitions. One difference from those is that the stroke rate should be steady.

Check to see if there are any rowing clubs in your area. They will often allow people to try one out.

Bob S.

[hjs]

You look very well suited. Big fit guys are made for this. The erg is also very forgiving for doing a lot.
If you have decent feel for movements, rowing feels natural pretty rapidly.

[jamesg]

This is a weird question, but does the movement feel fun/natural?

Using the right technique and low drag, sure. Can take years, or just one try. See here:
http://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/t ... que-videos

Oddly enough what's most important is what we do when the blades are out of the water; ie during the recovery on the erg, using the hands-swing-slide sequence.
There are plenty of videos showing how scullers do it.