New Personal Best! Brag About That New Pb!

[Dino]

Did my first marathon row in 2:59:36.

Congrats and welcome to the 3 hour club!
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[max_ratcliffe]

Did my first marathon row in 2:59:36.

No real training for it, other than trying to incorporate much longer row sessions - 18k in the mornings, another 6-8k in the afternoons. Occasionally doing 1/2 marathons.

The worst part is the numbness in the upper hamstrings and buttocks - with bubblewrap and the concept 2 foam seat in use. With 16k left to go, I started rowing with 1 hand and rubbing my leg with the other for about 30 seconds.

Got through it, no ill-effects the next day, other than really struggling to row with intensity. Still, got # 15 in the world for my age group. That just leads me to believe that not many people are crazy enough to do a marathon row. Pretty sure I can do better, but finishing it was the priority over finishing well.

Outstanding. Did you spend the whole of the last 16k one handed?!?

[max_ratcliffe]

That is exactly what you should be doing. You need a solid foundation to build on so keep chipping away and you'll get there mate.

<>
According to your plan you'll be 1s/500m faster every 5 weeks? That's big progress over time, hopefully improvements will continue very long!
Good luck for the 7500 target, important milestone, you shouldn't be far away atm

Thanks gents,

Yeah, 1s faster per month or so is the plan. Obviously it won't continue for ever, but hopefully it'll work for a good while.

Been suffering with a back spasm the last week or so. I suspect that the hour of low rate rowing, some yard work, followed by helping a mate move house last Friday might have had something to do with it... So have been reduced to some gentle rowing only this last week, although bizarrely the rowing seems really to have helped the spasms.

[MartinSH4321]

HM PB - 1:21:57 - -3'43''

I spontaneously decided to do a HM TT as my legs felt pretty good and I had enough time. Weather was perfect, +6°C and little wind.
Goal was sub 1:22:00, so the plan was a pace of sub 1:57,5 till 5k to finish and then fasten up. I felt great, as you can see HR was around 150 till I paced up, and the finish was not all out, only enough to hit the target. Looking back I think I can go sub 1:21:00, but it would be a big mental challenge.
Nevertheless, I'm super-happy with this effort, esp. as I'm not built for this distance

Time Meters Pace Watts Cal/Hr S/M
1:21:57.0 21,097m 1:56.5 221 1061 24 150
7:49.4 2,000m 1:57.3 217 1045 22 141
7:49.4 4,000m 1:57.3 217 1045 22 145
7:49.5 6,000m 1:57.3 216 1044 22 145
7:49.1 8,000m 1:57.2 217 1046 22 150
7:49.7 10,000m 1:57.4 216 1043 23 149
7:50.0 12,000m 1:57.5 216 1042 23 152
7:49.1 14,000m 1:57.2 217 1046 23 149
7:48.0 16,000m 1:57.0 219 1052 24 152
7:40.8 18,000m 1:55.2 229 1087 25 154
7:35.2 20,000m 1:53.8 237 1117 27 157
4:06.7 21,097m 1:52.4 246 1147 30 159

[max_ratcliffe]

HM PB - 1:21:57 - -3'43''

<>

Well done Martin. That's a heap to take off.

[Dangerscouse]

Thanks gents,

Yeah, 1s faster per month or so is the plan. Obviously it won't continue for ever, but hopefully it'll work for a good while.

Been suffering with a back spasm the last week or so. I suspect that the hour of low rate rowing, some yard work, followed by helping a mate move house last Friday might have had something to do with it... So have been reduced to some gentle rowing only this last week, although bizarrely the rowing seems really to have helped the spasms.

I quite often find rowing helps with back pain. I also suffered a bit with my back when I started my longer low rate distances, which I have assumed was due to my body getting used to it and strengthening up.

Moving house is a killer, as there are too many strange shaped heavy objects and you soon lose concentration on keeling good lifting form.

[Dangerscouse]

HM PB - 1:21:57 - -3'43''

I spontaneously decided to do a HM TT as my legs felt pretty good and I had enough time. Weather was perfect, +6°C and little wind.
Goal was sub 1:22:00, so the plan was a pace of sub 1:57,5 till 5k to finish and then fasten up. I felt great, as you can see HR was around 150 till I paced up, and the finish was not all out, only enough to hit the target. Looking back I think I can go sub 1:21:00, but it would be a big mental challenge.
Nevertheless, I'm super-happy with this effort, esp. as I'm not built for this distance

Time Meters Pace Watts Cal/Hr S/M
1:21:57.0 21,097m 1:56.5 221 1061 24 150
7:49.4 2,000m 1:57.3 217 1045 22 141
7:49.4 4,000m 1:57.3 217 1045 22 145
7:49.5 6,000m 1:57.3 216 1044 22 145
7:49.1 8,000m 1:57.2 217 1046 22 150
7:49.7 10,000m 1:57.4 216 1043 23 149
7:50.0 12,000m 1:57.5 216 1042 23 152
7:49.1 14,000m 1:57.2 217 1046 23 149
7:48.0 16,000m 1:57.0 219 1052 24 152
7:40.8 18,000m 1:55.2 229 1087 25 154
7:35.2 20,000m 1:53.8 237 1117 27 157
4:06.7 21,097m 1:52.4 246 1147 30 159

That is a really good result for someone who is so clearly power dominant. I can't see where you struggled unless your higher rates were due to it?

Looking purely at the numbers, and with some more distance experience, you'll go sub 81 mins fairly soon, but I also know the numbers don't tell the full story.

I haven't done a decent HM this season so I need to sort that out now that you comprehensively beaten me.

[MartinSH4321]

HM PB - 1:21:57 - -3'43''

I spontaneously decided to do a HM TT as my legs felt pretty good and I had enough time. Weather was perfect, +6°C and little wind.
Goal was sub 1:22:00, so the plan was a pace of sub 1:57,5 till 5k to finish and then fasten up. I felt great, as you can see HR was around 150 till I paced up, and the finish was not all out, only enough to hit the target. Looking back I think I can go sub 1:21:00, but it would be a big mental challenge.
Nevertheless, I'm super-happy with this effort, esp. as I'm not built for this distance

Time Meters Pace Watts Cal/Hr S/M
1:21:57.0 21,097m 1:56.5 221 1061 24 150
7:49.4 2,000m 1:57.3 217 1045 22 141
7:49.4 4,000m 1:57.3 217 1045 22 145
7:49.5 6,000m 1:57.3 216 1044 22 145
7:49.1 8,000m 1:57.2 217 1046 22 150
7:49.7 10,000m 1:57.4 216 1043 23 149
7:50.0 12,000m 1:57.5 216 1042 23 152
7:49.1 14,000m 1:57.2 217 1046 23 149
7:48.0 16,000m 1:57.0 219 1052 24 152
7:40.8 18,000m 1:55.2 229 1087 25 154
7:35.2 20,000m 1:53.8 237 1117 27 157
4:06.7 21,097m 1:52.4 246 1147 30 159

That is a really good result for someone who is so clearly power dominant. I can't see where you struggled unless your higher rates were due to it?

Looking purely at the numbers, and with some more distance experience, you'll go sub 81 mins fairly soon, but I also know the numbers don't tell the full story.

I haven't done a decent HM this season so I need to sort that out now that you comprehensively beaten me.

Thank you mate! It was really a bit surprising how "easy" I hit the target. Of course it was a hard session, but I never felt like quitting or slowing down. The higher stroke rate at the end was because my upper back started to tighten up a bit, not much and no pain, but I wanted to avoid it getting worse.
I estimate my UT2 meters helped a lot, looks like I was able to build up a solid base.
Good I'm able to motivate you, but no way I can challenge you at the longer distances, maybe in the far future
Is your back OK after the CTC?

[MartinSH4321]

HM PB - 1:21:57 - -3'43''

<>

Well done Martin. That's a heap to take off.

Thank you Max, my previous PB was about 6 months old so I was sure to be a good bit faster

[Dangerscouse]

Thank you mate! It was really a bit surprising how "easy" I hit the target. Of course it was a hard session, but I never felt like quitting or slowing down. The higher stroke rate at the end was because my upper back started to tighten up a bit, not much and no pain, but I wanted to avoid it getting worse.
I estimate my UT2 meters helped a lot, looks like I was able to build up a solid base.
Good I'm able to motivate you, but no way I can challenge you at the longer distances, maybe in the far future
Is your back OK after the CTC?

I am now thinking that you won't be far off for much longer, albeit my ultra distances are probably always going to be safe

My back is a bit bad, hopefully nothing to worry about but I'll see how i feel after tomorrow and Monday's sessions, as tomorrow will be a stress test

I had a failed semi- tough 5k yesterday, which has bothered me more than my back!! I'm in a bit of crisis of confidence at the moment, so everything feels like a struggle. I usually easily shrug off bad days but they're weighing heavily on me at the moment. Not sure if I have mentally now set my sights on the English Indoor Rowing Champs in Feb

[MartinSH4321]

Thank you mate! It was really a bit surprising how "easy" I hit the target. Of course it was a hard session, but I never felt like quitting or slowing down. The higher stroke rate at the end was because my upper back started to tighten up a bit, not much and no pain, but I wanted to avoid it getting worse.
I estimate my UT2 meters helped a lot, looks like I was able to build up a solid base.
Good I'm able to motivate you, but no way I can challenge you at the longer distances, maybe in the far future
Is your back OK after the CTC?

I am now thinking that you won't be far off for much longer, albeit my ultra distances are probably always going to be safe

My back is a bit bad, hopefully nothing to worry about but I'll see how i feel after tomorrow and Monday's sessions, as tomorrow will be a stress test

I had a failed semi- tough 5k yesterday, which has bothered me more than my back!! I'm in a bit of crisis of confidence at the moment, so everything feels like a struggle. I usually easily shrug off bad days but they're weighing heavily on me at the moment. Not sure if I have mentally now set my sights on the English Indoor Rowing Champs in Feb

Yeah, your ultra distances are save forever, no doubt!

That's sad to hear. I expected your strong 8250m 30min gave you good confidence, esp. as it wasn't all out. You really had a lot of bad luck this year, back, knees, illness. I hope you don't stress yourself too much because of the BRIC, no need to hammer out a PB there, just enjoy the atmosphere, meet nice people and race as good as your body allows to.
Feb is not so far away, hopefully you'll stay fit and can prepare well. I'm sure there are a lot of people here in this forum who feel with you and wish you all the best, maybe that's a little help/solace for you!

[winniewinser]

HM PB - 1:21:57 - -3'43''

I spontaneously decided to do a HM TT as my legs felt pretty good and I had enough time. Weather was perfect, +6°C and little wind.
Goal was sub 1:22:00, so the plan was a pace of sub 1:57,5 till 5k to finish and then fasten up. I felt great, as you can see HR was around 150 till I paced up, and the finish was not all out, only enough to hit the target. Looking back I think I can go sub 1:21:00, but it would be a big mental challenge.
Nevertheless, I'm super-happy with this effort, esp. as I'm not built for this distance

Time Meters Pace Watts Cal/Hr S/M
1:21:57.0 21,097m 1:56.5 221 1061 24 150
7:49.4 2,000m 1:57.3 217 1045 22 141
7:49.4 4,000m 1:57.3 217 1045 22 145
7:49.5 6,000m 1:57.3 216 1044 22 145
7:49.1 8,000m 1:57.2 217 1046 22 150
7:49.7 10,000m 1:57.4 216 1043 23 149
7:50.0 12,000m 1:57.5 216 1042 23 152
7:49.1 14,000m 1:57.2 217 1046 23 149
7:48.0 16,000m 1:57.0 219 1052 24 152
7:40.8 18,000m 1:55.2 229 1087 25 154
7:35.2 20,000m 1:53.8 237 1117 27 157
4:06.7 21,097m 1:52.4 246 1147 30 159

The rowing cyborg does it again! Amazing....well done!

[MartinSH4321]

HM PB - 1:21:57 - -3'43''

I spontaneously decided to do a HM TT as my legs felt pretty good and I had enough time. Weather was perfect, +6°C and little wind.
Goal was sub 1:22:00, so the plan was a pace of sub 1:57,5 till 5k to finish and then fasten up. I felt great, as you can see HR was around 150 till I paced up, and the finish was not all out, only enough to hit the target. Looking back I think I can go sub 1:21:00, but it would be a big mental challenge.
Nevertheless, I'm super-happy with this effort, esp. as I'm not built for this distance

Time Meters Pace Watts Cal/Hr S/M
1:21:57.0 21,097m 1:56.5 221 1061 24 150
7:49.4 2,000m 1:57.3 217 1045 22 141
7:49.4 4,000m 1:57.3 217 1045 22 145
7:49.5 6,000m 1:57.3 216 1044 22 145
7:49.1 8,000m 1:57.2 217 1046 22 150
7:49.7 10,000m 1:57.4 216 1043 23 149
7:50.0 12,000m 1:57.5 216 1042 23 152
7:49.1 14,000m 1:57.2 217 1046 23 149
7:48.0 16,000m 1:57.0 219 1052 24 152
7:40.8 18,000m 1:55.2 229 1087 25 154
7:35.2 20,000m 1:53.8 237 1117 27 157
4:06.7 21,097m 1:52.4 246 1147 30 159

The rowing cyborg does it again! Amazing....well done!

Thank you Alex!
Will you try your first HM soon?

[Dangerscouse]

Yeah, your ultra distances are save forever, no doubt!

That's sad to hear. I expected your strong 8250m 30min gave you good confidence, esp. as it wasn't all out. You really had a lot of bad luck this year, back, knees, illness. I hope you don't stress yourself too much because of the BRIC, no need to hammer out a PB there, just enjoy the atmosphere, meet nice people and race as good as your body allows to.
Feb is not so far away, hopefully you'll stay fit and can prepare well. I'm sure there are a lot of people here in this forum who feel with you and wish you all the best, maybe that's a little help/solace for you!

Thanks Martin, and it is a help/solace for me, and I guess in some small way I feel like I'm representing all of us on here too.

I've not had a great run of luck for injuries / illness but it could have been a lot worse, so don't feel in the slightest bit sorry for me as it's all part of the process.

Timings have been the bigger issue as my bad back four weeks ago has really derailed me but that's just how it goes sometimes. I'm very grateful that I have generally got good health and I'm able to do something that I enjoy. So many people have got so much more to worry about than me

[winniewinser]

Thank you Alex!
Will you try your first HM soon?

Maybe....I have a seat pad now