Concept2 Forum

Hi! I just wondered if someone could tell me if 28 min time for 5000k is a reasonable time for a new rower? I am 41 and 15 weeks post pelvis /'lumbar spine fusion, with 12 years of limited mobility before that! I have been rowing more and more and am enjoying it, but I feel like despite going as fast as I can, it is too slow! Advice welcome!

Thanks alot

You can check your time against those of your peer age group here: http://log.concept2.com/rankings.asp

Input your age, your distance, whether you are lightweight (under 165 lbs) or heavyweight (over 165), choose 2015 season and you can run down the list until you find your time. I think anything under a 3 minute average for 500m maintained for half an hour is a respectable result for a beginner. Take thought about correct and safe technique (many good instructional videos on the net) and have a care about your medical history. Give your body time to adapt to the muscular and skeletal stress that indoor rowing produces. Remember a "new rower" is really a 16 yr old kid. Many of us are new to rowing but the bodies we bring with us are anything but. Be safe and enjoy. Jack

Thanks Jack!

Jack.....just checked and in my category I would be ranked 193 out of 227.....so not the worst! Thanks for the info

jackarabit wrote:You can check your time against those of your peer age group here: http://log.concept2.com/rankings.asp

Input your age, your distance, whether you are lightweight (under 165 lbs) or heavyweight (over 165), choose 2015 season and you can run down the list until you find your time. I think anything under a 3 minute average for 500m maintained for half an hour is a respectable result for a beginner. Take thought about correct and safe technique (many good instructional videos on the net) and have a care about your medical history. Give your body time to adapt to the muscular and skeletal stress that indoor rowing produces. Remember a "new rower" is really a 16 yr old kid. Many of us are new to rowing but the bodies we bring with us are anything but. Be safe and enjoy. Jack

You're welcome. I gave the weight breakpoint for men but the principle is the same for women. You're doing great!

You state your age, but stats like height, weight, gender, and stroke rate would be necessary for more specific advice.

Bob S.

Got some of the vitals if it helps. At the date of posting, hwt. female is the only ranking category containing 227 entries.

Very good sleuthing, Jack. That appears to settle the gender and weight questions. For a first performance, that is not bad at all. Beginners generally make very rapid advances. The other items, height and stroke rate, are basically technique points. Beginners usually tend to rate too high, but rate is height dependent, so it helps to know that as well.

Bob S.