Beat Up Runner Update

General discussion on Training. How to get better on your erg, how to use your erg to get better at another sport, or anything else about improving your abilities.
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Tomx
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Posts: 11
Joined: March 17th, 2017, 12:40 am

Beat Up Runner Update

Post by Tomx » May 18th, 2017, 12:41 pm

So I first posted in March about trying to switch from running to rowing. Here's an update for anyone who is considering getting a C2:

I have had the rower for almost two months and so far I love it. Do not miss running or the limping that came with it.

(Recap: Just turned 53, 6', just under 150lb. Longtime runner.)

I've been on the rower almost every day since I got it. The only days I haven't rowed have been when I was traveling. (524,313 meters as of today) I'm pretty much rowing like I ran: get up at 4 and row for a little more than an hour. I seem to be burning the same amount of calories per minute. I have worked my way up to ~15k each morning. I will probably add another 1k+ just to get to 10 miles/day. I can't get to 15k straight through yet. I can get to 11k, take a ~30-60 second break and then finish. My fastest avg pace so far is 2:06/500m, but I'm usually closer to 2:10. HR avg around 150. Clearly not breaking any records, but it's a great (and EXHAUSTING) workout.

I started out listening to podcasts. Lately I've been watching Netflix with wireless ear buds.

So far, no real downsides other than the blisters/callouses on my hands. My ass hurt A LOT in the beginning, but that passed pretty fast. Knees, hips, ankles, feet do not hurt for the first time in many years. I only wish it was easier to row when I'm traveling. We were out of town for 5 days and those first few sessions after a layoff are no fun. I tried to find a gym in Philly, but in the end there was really no time.

If you're on the fence about getting a C2, do it. I should have done it much sooner!!!!!

Original post: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=154940

mdpfirrman
10k Poster
Posts: 1692
Joined: January 23rd, 2015, 4:03 pm
Location: Catalina, AZ

Re: Beat Up Runner Update

Post by mdpfirrman » May 18th, 2017, 1:45 pm

As a former wanna be runner, I concur completely. Don't miss running at all except the occasional urge to run a trail in the woods. My body certainly doesn't miss it. My wife likes the rower body more than the runner body too, which is an added plus :D
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Mike Pfirrman
53 Yrs old, 5' 10" / 185 lbs (177cm/84kg)

lwtguy
5k Poster
Posts: 536
Joined: November 1st, 2016, 3:04 pm

Re: Beat Up Runner Update

Post by lwtguy » May 18th, 2017, 2:06 pm

Tomx wrote: I tried to find a gym in Philly, but in the end there was really no time.
Another Philly guy! Where in the city are you?
Bill, 23, 160-165 lbs.
PBs-- 500m 1:28.9-- 1K 3:08.9-- 2K 6:37.7-- 5K 17:27.6
6K 21:11.2-- 30' 8342m-- 10K 35:54-- 60' 16209m

Oldcolonial
500m Poster
Posts: 67
Joined: January 6th, 2012, 10:49 am

Re: Beat Up Runner Update

Post by Oldcolonial » May 18th, 2017, 2:43 pm

Tomx wrote:So I first posted in March about trying to switch from running to rowing. Here's an update for anyone who is considering getting a C2:

I have had the rower for almost two months and so far I love it. Do not miss running or the limping that came with it.

(Recap: Just turned 53, 6', just under 150lb. Longtime runner.)

I've been on the rower almost every day since I got it. The only days I haven't rowed have been when I was traveling. (524,313 meters as of today) I'm pretty much rowing like I ran: get up at 4 and row for a little more than an hour. I seem to be burning the same amount of calories per minute. I have worked my way up to ~15k each morning. I will probably add another 1k+ just to get to 10 miles/day. I can't get to 15k straight through yet. I can get to 11k, take a ~30-60 second break and then finish. My fastest avg pace so far is 2:06/500m, but I'm usually closer to 2:10. HR avg around 150. Clearly not breaking any records, but it's a great (and EXHAUSTING) workout.

I started out listening to podcasts. Lately I've been watching Netflix with wireless ear buds.

So far, no real downsides other than the blisters/callouses on my hands. My ass hurt A LOT in the beginning, but that passed pretty fast. Knees, hips, ankles, feet do not hurt for the first time in many years. I only wish it was easier to row when I'm traveling. We were out of town for 5 days and those first few sessions after a layoff are no fun. I tried to find a gym in Philly, but in the end there was really no time.

If you're on the fence about getting a C2, do it. I should have done it much sooner!!!!!

Original post: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=154940
Look to add some variety to your "routine". Run some, row some, ski some, bike some, surf some, stretch some and even do some resistance and core strength work. Although rowing does not have the impact of running, doing the same thing day in day out may become problematic over time. Best way to avoid those issues is to add some variety. I still greatly prefer the freedom and easy accessibility of running outside. I recognize that I can't do it every day to the exclusion of other activities and still maintain good general fitness. So, by all means use or buy a C2, keep your running shoes current, get yourself a whole garage full of toys and use them as often as you can.
Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional

Tomx
Paddler
Posts: 11
Joined: March 17th, 2017, 12:40 am

Re: Beat Up Runner Update

Post by Tomx » May 18th, 2017, 3:20 pm

lwtguy wrote:
Tomx wrote: I tried to find a gym in Philly, but in the end there was really no time.
Another Philly guy! Where in the city are you?
We were visiting Philly for our son's graduation. Spent most of our time around Rittenhouse Square/Center City. Love to visit Philly! (We live in AZ)

lwtguy
5k Poster
Posts: 536
Joined: November 1st, 2016, 3:04 pm

Re: Beat Up Runner Update

Post by lwtguy » May 18th, 2017, 3:27 pm

There is a rowing gym in the city. You just walk in for classes.
Bill, 23, 160-165 lbs.
PBs-- 500m 1:28.9-- 1K 3:08.9-- 2K 6:37.7-- 5K 17:27.6
6K 21:11.2-- 30' 8342m-- 10K 35:54-- 60' 16209m

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