New Rower with 2 - 5k's and 2 - 10k's rowed.

[migmi006]

I spent some time on this forum and slowed down my spm's and lowered the damper lever to 3 (machine at the gym had a 120 drag). My row this am for 10m meters I averaged 151 watts for the first 5000 and ended up with an average of 142.6 watts. My spm's were from 18 - 22.

Question: what do you look at when you row? watts, projected time or the /500m number.

I was pulling from 150 to 200 watts but was all over the map with fatigue.

My plan for the next row is to look at the watts and target for an average of 135 for 8000 meters then head for the barn the final 2000 meters. I want to row for 10,000 meters per workout to build endurance 5 days per week.

[Cyclist2]

Until you've rowed enough to get a feel for how pace (time/500 m) relates to watts and calories, I suggest you watch the pace. The others, being larger numbers, change more with each stroke and until you've perfected your form and can row each stroke consistently they will, as you say, jump all over.

However, if you are just building endurance, I would suggest you "just row" using your perceived exertion level as a guide. It is more important to develop good form and a consistent stroke. At the end of each workout you can record the averages over that workout. I think you'll find they slowly get better as you improve your fitness.

Have fun!

[migmi006]

I have been watching the pace along with the total time which I do hard pulls and easy pulls by time. Minute hard with a minute easy.
I have done 7 - 10m meter rows over the last 8 days and had a good workout tonight. I am keeping my spm to 20 - 21. This is more fun that indoor cycling. I row with my polar HM. I am thinking about form and technique rather than "how fast" I can row each workout.