Sub 7 Indoor Rowing Club (UK)

[le grand fromage]

Latest from me:
1/9 4min TT for the IRL and FMMC. Needed to get this one in quickly before blood letting on the 3rd. Target, as always, 1200m. Delighted to get to 1205m - my best in recent seasons.

Oh thanks for that Mike, took me 3 attempts to beat it lol.

Had a go on Tuesday, did a partial HD but completed in 1173m. Knew I could'nt have another go yesterday as I was releasing Golf balls back into the wild's. So had another bash this morning, HD'd completely around midway on the 1st attempt, kicked the proverbial dog over three fences and settled off for a final attempt. Managed to keep going this time and finally closed the deal with 1212m.

Well done for setting such a great target.

[MPx]

Decided to enter the Devon Rowing Championship, hi hopes... it was a pb over 5K and all things considered i enjoyed the competitive element, even though i was slowest on the day. Target for next comp, not to be the slowest, fingers crossed.

Home and the RowPro plan wanted me to do a 2k TT ... was really pleased with a 7:43.4. Checking back through my history the last time i did the 2k this fast was Jan 2011 ten years ago after my all time best at BIRC 2010.

Double whammy Glenn well done sir. 5k PB and 2k SB within a few days of each other - awesome! Keep up that sort of progression and you'll easily reach your goals. Hopefully will continue to inspire your Mrs too, although she seem to be doing really well on her own anyway. Maybe its the pressure of her creeping up behind that's spurring you on??? Anyway I'll look forward to the updates on "The road to 7:30".

[MPx]

...and finally closed the deal with 1212m.

Well done for setting such a great target.

Very flattered Richard but actually a bit surprised to read this I'm guessing you've had a break and are not yet into the proper training groove for the virtual BRIC or whatever they do this year? With you having set the 4 min BR [was it last year?] at 1256 I'm used to you surpassing my TT bests as a warm up Hope the training gets back on track soon. Any chance of you building up to a 330watt 5k to beat the BR? Its the only normal distance piece you don't currently hold! All the best...

[GlennUk]

Had a go on Tuesday, did a partial HD but completed in 1173m. Knew I could'nt have another go yesterday as I was releasing Golf balls back into the wild's. So had another bash this morning, HD'd completely around midway on the 1st attempt, kicked the proverbial dog over three fences and settled off for a final attempt. Managed to keep going this time and finally closed the deal with 1212m.

Well done for setting such a great target.

Hi Richard, great to see you and Mike competing with each other, give me ten years and ill join in!!

Re releasing golf balls, love that, my preferred sport is scaring the clay pigeons away from the fields

[GlennUk]

Double whammy Glenn well done sir. 5k PB and 2k SB within a few days of each other - awesome! Keep up that sort of progression and you'll easily reach your goals. Hopefully will continue to inspire your Mrs too, although she seem to be doing really well on her own anyway. Maybe its the pressure of her creeping up behind that's spurring you on??? Anyway I'll look forward to the updates on "The road to 7:30".

Thanks Mike, with regards to the spurring on, my real fear is that my 15y/o daughter joins i, she's almost as tall as me and if she was interested, pretty sure she'd do well. Then there's my 13 y/o son who shows no interest either, he's still got a bit of growing to do, i need to retain the illusion of master of the house for as long as i can (as long as i am allowed!!! )

I enjoy coming on here and see what you, 2PuddingKid, Le Grande Fromage, et al are up to. Its easy to think sitting on the erg alone that i am the only almost 60 person erging (apologies to those younger than me/us).

Coming on here and seeing that a) im not alone and b) that there are quite a few who are returning very respectable times. I understand that 20 or 30 years ago you may all have been even quicker and fitter, but its a testament your/our spirits that we still do something which many others, much younger than us cant be bothered to do. Even if we do it a bit slower than many on these fora.

Oh and Emma did a 5k PB today too, *looks over his shoulder and paddles faster*.
To top it all she won 1st prize in the DIRC draw, im not sure she's too keen on competing long term, but winning prizes is always welcome, however they come.

Keep safe al

Glenn

[MPx]

Coming on here and seeing that a) im not alone and b) that there are quite a few who are returning very respectable times. I understand that 20 or 30 years ago you may all have been even quicker and fitter, but its a testament your/our spirits that we still do something which many others, much younger than us cant be bothered to do. Even if we do it a bit slower than many on these fora.

Oh and Emma did a 5k PB today too, *looks over his shoulder and paddles faster*.
To top it all she won 1st prize in the DIRC draw, im not sure she's too keen on competing long term, but winning prizes is always welcome, however they come.

Glenn

Congrats to Emma on the DIRC Prize and the 5k PB - looks like chez Glenn is going through a bit of a purple patch! One of the things I love about the Concept2 is the support and motivation provided by the community. I don't think they understood the value of what they had with the old UK forum and wasted a tremendous resource when they dumped it. Its this that sets the C2 apart from the other ergs - although not compatible many of them have an equally good PM, but none have the community and history that means we can all see what's possible and be inspired by it. Works for me anyway.

Sadly the MPx purple patch ceased at the start of Sept and I've been struggling to find a new (slower) base line to build back from. But managed that this week so that's a relief and hopefully will be able to put in the odd improvement from here.
25/9 5k TT - second attempt but didn't make 1500 on pace before giving up and paddled in at 2:00 pace or so for 19:49.
26/9 60 min TT for the Sub7 ITC. Hate doing this long distance stuff so one and only attempt. Was going to try it at 24 spm but only stuck with that for 15 mins then reverted to whatever felt most comfortable. Managed a gentle positive split which was a bit disappointing but given current form was happy enough with the 15115 result.
28/9 Dumbbells and 8k @ 20 spm in 33:23.2
29/9 Was going to do a sprint session but knew I didn't have it in me after the warm up, so just did a grey zone session with a 30mins at variable pace for 7557m
30/9 4x500m r3:30. Was supposed to be 8x. Last time did these (8x) at 1:40.6 avg. Started at 1:41 but only made it to the 4th before having to stop with an avg of 1:40.8. Did a 4k cool down to make up the numbers.
1/10 Dumbbells and 8k @ 20 spm in 33:23.2
2/10 5x2k with rate and pace pyramid. 20/22/24/22/20. 2:02; 2:00; 1:56; 2:00; 2:02. Very close but not spot on - 12/18 on the OCD screen.
3/10 8x500m r3:30. Took the medicine and started at 1:44 pace to see what I could actually manage to finish. Neg split and emptied the tanks on the last with a 1:36.6. 1:42.3avg means I'm 1.7 secs down on recent best but not so far away. Looks like about 4 cycles to get back there if all goes well.
4/10 Dumbbells and 8k @ 20 spm in 33:23.3 (spot on!)
5/10 AWL Pyramid at 20 spm. Target was to keep inside 32 mins., result 31:52.3.
6/10 Rugby Test for the Sub 7 ITC. I've seen elsewhere Henry suggest this is about 2k pace...but what's that at the moment! In fact I tend to be better at intervals than TTs so I set off to try 1:44. Slowed to 1:44.7 in the 1k but managed to neg split from there to end with 1:43.5 avg and a 11:12.8 total. That's just 0.4 slower than last year, but some way off my 2018 form. Good news if this a low point!

[GlennUk]

Congrats to Emma on the DIRC Prize and the 5k PB - looks like chez Glenn is going through a bit of a purple patch!

The prize, sorry i mean Emma's prize , is a Prow seat, bit odd, arrived last night just done my session on it, feels a bit strange but seems to relieve pressure on the derriere.

Re the purple patch, i used to follow a version of the wolverine plan and did that relentlessly apart from challenges. This time the RowPro 'automated' plans seem to work quite well for me, have no idea how long this patch will last.

Sadly the MPx purple patch ceased at the start of Sept and I've been struggling to find a new (slower) base line to build back from. But managed that this week so that's a relief and hopefully will be able to put in the odd improvement from here.

I know the feeling, not sure have any wise words, although, sometimes i think taking a step down for a few sessions or whatever might be a good idea, we all need to take five now and then.

Re the forum i always found it useful, even if we dont all post every day, looking to see what others are doing, issues they overcome, struggles to be their best, all help me to focus on whats important to me and encourage ,e to try harder.

For example have started to wonder if i could actually go Sub7 ten or so years after i had originally tried?

Seems to me that theres two sides to that, the physical and time is against me there, then theres the mental. When i failed by 4.6 seconds at BIRC all those years ago, it was all mind, it has maybe taken me all this time to realise that i should have just HTFU so perhaps now i may be better prepared mentally, just got to do the metres, well maybe, who knows.

Being in here has made me think maybe, just maybe. *gets off the erg muttering to oneself "silly old git!"*

[Two Pudding Kid]

Glenn - Sounds like a great family experience was had walking on the Essex Way virtual relay. Your exploits on orienteering are like mine – I managed to run nearly a half marathon some years ago on what should have been an 8 mile outing, (got a bit worrying as even though it was June it was beginning to get dark). Well done on your 5k PB for the Devon Indoor Rowing Championships. Congratulations to Emma on the 1k who did far better than me and her 5k PB, and hope she makes the 100k in the Fall Challenge. Emma’s prize seat pad is going to be rather handy for you both.Best wishes in reaching your target of 7:30 for 2k, starting from a great base of 7:43.4 and 9 year best.

Mike - Nice surprise to get the Bronze Medal eventually. 5 x 2k 2r – great stuff to get 15/18 numbers for the OCD screen. Hope you get that 305m per manic minute x 10 again soon. Excellent work on the 8x500m r3:30 and the Rugby Test. Glad I checked out what “purple patch” meant, (my vocabulary sometimes gets the wrong end of the stick.)

Richard - 1212m, (that sort of repeating number would have pleased Mike). Nice one.

I joined the original Concept2 Forum in 2008. I think I had more time to do the reporting then, (seem to let it drift now).

[Two Pudding Kid]

Since the last time I posted I haven’t had a lot to shout about, (no excuse for not posting but life is busy at the moment). Having mentioned that I seemed to have tweaked my abs I seemed to have an ongoing saga with SI joints and round the un-operated hip, (not ready for the op and now mums health is failing even less of me wants it done). Not good news for rowing or sitting down, (looked a right crock whenever I stood up and couldn’t lay any power down). I had to just slog it and see for the Exeter 5k, (the hopes of 22:00 had already gone out of the window and had to be grateful to slide 2 secs under my seasons best with a 22:11). That was Saturday afternoon, and by Sunday morning I had stiffened up considerably – even though I had 3 goes at the 1k I just couldn’t hit anything worth noting, (4:59.7 is dire).

By 2nd October I had turned the corner in the soreness and difficulty moving and was looking like I might at least be able to deliver something useful. Until then I had not been looking forward to the next virtual challenge, (I had madly paid $15 to give it hell on the “Head of the Charles” virtual ergo). 5th Oct saw me attempt 4072m in 18 minutes and get reasonably close at 18 mins 5.9 secs as a sort of introductory for the real thing, (not to be too excited as it was slower than the aforementioned 5k but no pain on the leanback). The only other thing of note is the Rugby Test – just squeaked in under 14 minutes at 2:08.9 pace average on 32spm, (I usually do these a tad faster than 2k pace so maybe a sub 8:40 in me if I am feeling like a TT one day).

PS I realized yesterday that I had been a bit of a wally and the distance that I am supposed to be doing for the virtual challenge is 4702m, (aka another 630m more than the practice run). Doh – and glad I checked! 42 contenders in the 50-59 lady category and results announced next Sunday. I will try to take a picture with a borrowed phone in case I am challenged to produce one, (Exeter I spent hours trying to get photos from my phone to laptop so lets hope it goes smoothly this time.) Going to take it at slightly under 5k pace and see if I can stay there tomorrow, (Thursday or Friday might have to be the backup days If I screw this up).

https://www.concept2.com/news/concept2- ... sr-regatta - in case anyone is interested.

[Two Pudding Kid]

Forgot to say that I have been hammering the Wattbike when I havent been rowing. 2 x 5k with 5 minute rest. Last week got to 35.3kph average. Not sure how that translates into being good or not but is around 200 Watts which is somewhat faster than I could go on the ergo. Going to be hard to improve on that this week.

[GlennUk]

Glenn - Congratulations to Emma on the 1k who did far better than me and her 5k PB, and hope she makes the 100k in the Fall Challenge. Emma’s prize seat pad is going to be rather handy for you both. Best wishes in reaching your target of 7:30 for 2k, starting from a great base of 7:43.4 and 9 year best.

Thanks for the kind words, Emma is doing great although she doesnt realise just how well despite me telling her.

I thought i saw your name on the list (S.Young?) but wasnt sure of your 'proper' name.

Anyway fter a lay off and some creaks its brilliant that your back and doing what you can, hope everything is ok with your family.

Ret he bike, were hoping to fit a room out as a 'fitness suite' we did discuss a bike *gets up off the erg muttering to himself "silly old git, still!*

[Two Pudding Kid]

Me - I have had rather a good week. About time.

Mon - having figured out that the "Head of the Charles Virtual" should be 4702m I had to rush to the gym to get in for my booked time of 6pm and get stuck in. Seem to have staying power and no aches meant I went sub 2:12 pace for 20:41.1. Steady throughout.

Thurs - I caned it out to 35.4k/h on the 2 x 5k wattbike, (I think I have reached my limit on this routine). Starting to feel the light-headiness and tiredness of 100% effort.

Fri - had a thought of doing a 5k TT while in the frame for a sub-22 min performance with a 4702m split. Kept the DF light (107) and seem just to be keeping up the pace and eating up the metres. Gob-smacking 21:47.9 and average of 2:10.7, (with increase in performance over Monday of 10 secs) and 3rd best since hip replacement

Sun - 10k Wattbike challenge going on in gym. My test run is 17 min 10 secs and 35k/h. Will go for real next week. Really surprised that I can keep going at this speed for so long.

I am 15th of 45 in the "Head of the Charles Virtual" for the 50+ ladies at present with a few hours to go.

[Two Pudding Kid]

Forgot about reaching 14 million metres on Friday - happy days. Trying to reach 15 million before I get 20 years in my logbook, (12 months and 13 days to go).

PS Can confirm that I am 15 out of 47 in the virtual race that I entered. Happy with this.

[MPx]

Nice to have you back Susan - and clearly firing on all cylinders again. Amazing improvement on the 5k over the 4702 within the same week and many congrats with the 15th place and the 14 mill meters.

For example have started to wonder if i could actually go Sub7 ten or so years after i had originally tried?

..And why not Glenn. I was sure I'd done my pomp in my 40s, but after a break came back to the erg in 2010 and by 2012 had set all new PBs other than the 5k. Then had another break - restarting towards the end of 2016 and "knew" I'd never see those times again. Indeed some I wont(!) but I've set PBs in the shortest sprints and the HM so even in my 60s its not a totally lost cause. Follow your dreams...

I'm still a bit off but back in the game of improving against the low point rather than falling further back. So, latest:
8/10 Dumbbells and 8k @ 20 spm in 33:23.3
9/10 5x2k r2 @ 20 spm target level 2:02s. 2 spot on, 3 a smidge under so only 10/18 on the OCD screen score
10/10 30 mins varipace for 7676m
11/10 Dumbbells and 8k @ 20 spm in 33:23.2
12/10 1609m for the IRL. Set off targetting 1:44 pace but only made it to 800m before simply giving up and paddling in for a 5:55.5. Not sure why, wasn't feeling particularly bad or anything. Shame. Will obviously have to go again!
13/10 16x250 90"r. Done as blocks of 4 @ 1:38; 1:37; 1:36; 1:35 and a faster last for a 1:36.3 avg. Best yet, that's more like it!
14/10 4x2k 2r @ 20 spm target level 2:02s. So near, but just over on the last gave a 13/15 OCD screen score.
15/10 Dumbbells and 8k @ 20 spm in 33:13.6
This bought my meters to exactly 222222 for the Fall Team Challenge. Pleased with that - more than my usual quota.
17/10 30 min TT for the CTC and FMMC. Only 7797m unfortunately, my worst for some years. Tried to go at 1:54 but only lasted 15mins before having to back off. 1:55.4 avg. May give it another go if I can face it.
18/10 Dumbbells and 8k @ 20 spm in 33:13.4
19/10 6x500 2r. Last time blew after 5 and dropped to 1:42.1 avg. Time before 1:40.9 avg. This time finished it out properly with a 1:41.0 avg so not quite, but near enough!

[MPx]

Latest mixed bag from me...

20/10 5x2k 2r @ 20/22/24/22/20 and 2:02; 2:00; 1:56; 2:00; 2:02. Four of them .1 over total time so only 13/18 on the OCD screen score.
22/10 Dumbbells and 8k @ 20 spm in 33:13.4
23/10 30 mins varipace from 1:53 to 2:02 and back and back for 7667 m
24/10 1 mile (1609m) for the IRL. Second attempt. Stuck to race plan this time. Wobbled near the end but late sprint made it 5:34.3 @ 1:43.8 which was just inside the 1:44 target. This was a full on 100% effort. Felt dizzy afterwards and thought I might be sick.
25/10 Dumbbells and 8k @ 20 spm in 33:13.3 (spot on!)
26/10 Supposed to be a 10x1min 1r sprint session but decided to bail. Did my warm up as normal. A couple of minutes after that I was just sitting on the erg, handle down, out of the straps, HR in the 60s when I suddenly could feel my heart flutter. Watched the PM astonished as my HR just kept rising until it got into the high 150's ... at which point it started falling again and after a couple more minutes was back to normal in the 70s. Not had that before. Anyway I set off on the first of the 1 mins with a target 303m. Hit target, found it hard, but then I always find the first one hard. Set off for the second and made 304m - slightly easier. But then instead of falling as normal, my HR went up after I finished from 144 into the 150s, and hadn't come back down all that much as I neared the end of the minute rest. Don't know what that was all about but decided not to do any more sprints. Instead set off on a slow 30@20 session which went fine, no HR issues, and ended on 7337m. Maybe I need longer recoveries these days from the all out efforts. I'll stick to the long slow stuff for a few more days...