Rockin Roland wrote:Ranger,
There were some fundamental errors with your rowing technique that I pointed out to you from your video. You say that all those issues with your technique have since been fixed. Given that the video was taken less than six months ago and that it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks, how could you possibly turn things around so quickly.
This is even more difficult to believe knowing that you refuse to listen to others, even if it's positive critique, and have received no coaching in that time. I know you couldn't have done it on a static erg because they are notorious for encouraging poor rowing form. So the obvious question is when and how?
From where or from whom did you learn to row correctly in such a short space of time?
I have a number of responses to this, Roland.
(1) The "fundamental errors" in my rowing technique that you point out are really very few and are easily corrected. Sure, I used to have a _host_ of errors in my technique, but not now. I have labored for seven years to eliminate them. The errors you point out have to do with (1) reducing the drag and (2) relaxing my shoulders at the catch. I am vividly aware of these things. No need for you (or a coach) to point them out. Nothing on the erg prevents me from working on these things. I reduced the drag to 123 df. a couple of months ago. I work every day, both OTW and off, with relaxing my shoulders at the catch. What would say that I can't do this? I am rowing about 30K a day, if you include both my erg meters and OTW meters. This is about 3000 strokes. That's quite a bit of practicing. No?
(2) I have been rowing OTW for seven years. I _don't_ just row on a static erg. I now have a new Fluidesign 1x, the best single made, and row very well (e.g., a few days ago I was doing 2:10 at 22 spm, _very_ good rowing for someone 60 years old). From May to October, weather and access to water permitting, I row every day OTW.
(3) On the erg, I am now very naturally and habitually doing 1:45 @ 25 spm (12 SPI), using exactly the same stroke I use OTW. This is rowing as well as you, a quality 40s heavyweight, albeit one that is 20 seconds off of WR race; or rowing like a 40-year-old lightweight WR-holder such as a younger Mike Caviston. I can hardly be disappointed with this. It is at least 10 seconds per 500m better than anyone my age and weight.
(4) I have just returned from a trip down to Illinois for a family wedding and therefore haven't been home, but I would be delighted with supply videos of my present erging and OTW rowing. I would be happy to hear your critique, although given your very modest accomplishment both OTW and off and my much superior accomplishment (so far, on the erg, but eventually, I think, OTW, too), given my age and weight, I think anything you say is just talking to yourself, rather than talking to me. Sure, you have massive limitations, but I don't have any at all. In fact, given my age and weight, on the erg, I am now as much as 10 seconds per 500m _beyond_ the acccomplishment of any of my peers. If you were in that position, you would be pulling the Open WR on the erg. My OTW rowing is now getting very good, too. There are only a handful of folks my age who are any better. Good luck with it. And good luck with talking to yourself. You need it. I don't. I already have the best coach in the world.
(5) Sure, I would love to row perfectly. But no other 60s rowers do, so demanding that I do is just unrealistic and obtuse. 60s rowers race 15 seconds per 500m slower than younger rowers, and some of the slow down is technical. The rowing stroke is a pretty athletic affair, and at 60, it is difficult to retain _all_ of your youthful athleticism. Good luck with trying to do it yourself. I will certainly be around to check out what you can do when you are 60. Honestly, Roland, I think it will probably be _very_ modest. Age takes it toll. I row _very_ well for a 60-year-old. But my guess is that when you are 60, you won't. So it is pretty odd for you to be on your high horse here about my technical faults when it is really you, not me, who is incapable.
ranger
Rich Cureton M 72 5'11" 165 lbs. 2K pbs: 6:27.5 (hwt), 6:28 (lwt)
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