Training for half a marathon

[ZTawadrous]

I recently got my rower and total fell in love. I am up to doing an hour straight and sometimes add another half an hour later in the day. been rowing for about 7 days and put in maybe around 80K meters. is it too soon to think about doing half a marathon May 1-15? I am a marathon runner as a background.
Thank you.

[mitchel674]

Perhaps not since you seem fit from your running. How far do you get when you row for one hour? This will be telling regarding your technique and the possibility of a HM session.

[Dangerscouse]

No, not too soon at all. If you can do an hour, and if you pace it correctly, a HM isn't an issue especially given your running background.

[Huopaaja]

Totally agree with the others. Completion of an HM or FM will not be an issue if you’re generally fit, although you probably won’t perform anywhere near your full potential. I did an FM in the second week of having an erg at a fairly low power (just wanted to finish under 3h, which is mostly a matter of minimising breaks). Doing it did not feel that hard, but it still left my butt and hip flexors too sore to row for a couple of days.

[max_ratcliffe]

I think an HM would probably be okay, but I wouldn't go further without some more specific preparation and building. Your engine is clearly well developed, but is the chassis as strong? Running is generally helped by keeping the upper body as slender as possible, while for rowing, you need the strength in the core and upper back to transfer your leg power through to the handle.

You are fit enough to injure yourself so IMO, no further than an HM.

[ZTawadrous]

Thank you all for your reply. I do about 10,000 meters in 1 hour.My last 1 hour workout, I rowed very comfortable for 45 min then really pushed it hard the last 15 and that got me just over 10,000. Probably not going for a FM. HM is good for now. I agree with " fit enough to get injured" do you know of any training programs?

[Dangerscouse]

Thank you all for your reply. I do about 10,000 meters in 1 hour.My last 1 hour workout, I rowed very comfortable for 45 min then really pushed it hard the last 15 and that got me just over 10,000. Probably not going for a FM. HM is good for now. I agree with " fit enough to get injured" do you know of any training programs?

There might be training plans, but in reality all you need to do is to adapt and build up the distances, especially if you're just trying to finish rather than finish in a specific time.

How many times a week are you rowing, and are they all for circa 10k? Assuming you're doing three sessions of 10k a week, add on 2k per week and see how you get on.

Your RPE will be a good guide for how you are adapting, and I'd suggest using a HR monitor if you have got one.

[ZTawadrous]

I have been rowing everyday since 4/17 (day I got the rower). sometimes I do 30 min in AM and 30 min in PM after I come back from work. I have done 2 workouts of 10K without stopping so far. once on the first day 4/17 and once yesterday.
I don't know what RPE is? LOL
I am using a HR strap. my average is 95-100. i can get it up to 125 if i really push hard.

[Huopaaja]

Rate of Perceived Exertion means how hard the workout feels on a scale of 1-10. Once your technique and rowing specific strength develop, you can use your running heart rates, as a rough guide, in rowing, too. For example, if you run a hard marathon at a HR of 150, you should also be able to row a few hours at 150. Or if you do your long easy run at 110, the same can be applied to a long easy row.

[jamesg]

I do about 10,000 meters in 1 hour.

That's very slow, about 60 Watt, a ½M will take over 2 hours. What age/sex/height? How did you learn to row?

[Dangerscouse]

I have been rowing everyday since 4/17 (day I got the rower). sometimes I do 30 min in AM and 30 min in PM after I come back from work. I have done 2 workouts of 10K without stopping so far. once on the first day 4/17 and once yesterday.
I don't know what RPE is? LOL
I am using a HR strap. my average is 95-100. i can get it up to 125 if i really push hard.

When you say 'really hard' do you really mean that? If your HR only gets up to 125 at a really hard pace that is the lowest max HR I have ever heard of by a massive amount.

What stroke rate are you rowing at, and what drag factor are you using?

[ZTawadrous]

Today I did 12000 meters in 1:14 hour. my average SR was 25. I took it easy trying to build distance. HR was about 90. Drag factor 90.
My resting HR is low 30s

[mitchel674]

Today I did 12000 meters in 1:14 hour. my average SR was 25. I took it easy trying to build distance. HR was about 90. Drag factor 90.
My resting HR is low 30s

How old are you? Height, weight?

I have a couple of observations. First, as previously mentioned, your rowing stroke is very weak. Average Watts on your last row of 12km is less than 60w. You should be easily developing twice as much power. Considering you state you are a trained marathon runner, you must be doing something wrong with your rowing stroke. Have you watched online videos on how to row properly? Perhaps you would consider posting a video here of your rowing technique? Some time spent now addressing this issue may help you significantly if you continue to row.

Secondly, your resting heart rate is very low. Have you discussed this with your physician. Sure marathon runners can have low resting heart rates, but a heart rate in the low 30's is potentially dangerous.

[Citroen]

Today I did 12000 meters in 1:14 hour. my average SR was 25. I took it easy trying to build distance. HR was about 90. Drag factor 90.
My resting HR is low 30s

You're doing no work. 55.3 W for 12000m is about a quarter of the power you should be getting (based on my ancient LWT PB).

Have you thought about getting your technique reviewed by posting a video on YouTube?

[Anth_F]

From what has been mentioned above it indicates to a flawed technique. I'd hazard a guess that you're rowing mostly with just the arms and not engaging the legs much in the drive phase of the stroke.

Post up a video for further critique and pointers.