One year on.

[Tony Cook]

I’ve just realised that it was one year ago today that I started erging properly. I will repeat some of what I’ve posted before, so apologies to regular readers, but hopefully this will give some encouragement to others new to erging.
After half a lifetime (hopefully I have another half to go) of sport the body has taken its toll. In early March I had a knee op having struggled to walk on it since the previous September. Not a replacement, yet but a chipped bone and fingernail sized piece of calcification removed. Three weeks later I got on my partner’s recently recovered C2 model C with a new PM5 fitted and rowed 5k in 21:37.
My initial target was just to gain a full range of movement and some muscle tone back.
One year on and I’ve rowed 3.5 million metres - about 2,200 miles and achieved the times as per my signature line.
Although I’ve kept fit all my life I’d never erg’d for more than 30 mins in one go.
Other unplanned consequences are -
My butt no longer gets painful after 15 minutes - it takes nearly 75/80 minutes now before I get uncomfortable;
a 7kg weight loss, not that I needed or wanted that but despite upping my enjoyment of cakes and puddings my body fat has noticeably reduced;
Resting HR dropped by about 3 BPM.
So anyone new to erging I recommend sticking with it. Whilst it sometimes seems like just sliding forwards and pushing back repeatedly there are many ways of doing that and there comes the enjoyment of going short distances quickly, going long distances slowly and all things in between. All with general health benefits.

[KeithT]

Wow, I guess I didn't realize you had only be at it a year. You have some amazing times considering that and I am sure they will continue to improve. Erging is a life-changer to me and it really can be a good transition from other forms of exercise that are more punishing to the body. I mean it works you as hard or harder than anything else in my opinion and can be competitive but it doesn't pound the joints or cause as much injury as some other things.

[Dangerscouse]

It is very good progress especially for a 57 y.o. with only one year experience. Clearly you have had very impressive fitness which has helped, but your work ethic is what has made the difference.

[Andrewjfast]

@TonyCook
posts like this are what got me to buy a rower this year (>5yrs earnestly saving and wanting one) and take it 'serious' as a full workout, not just a warmup or burn out prior to limping out the gym with 10 bonus minutes 130+calories burned with poor (but not reckless) form ... no doubt horrendous in hindsight... anywho...

I'll be turning 40 in January so I felt urgency to hurry up and set some PBs before my Collegiate sporting and 20-early 30s heavy training and race successes were too far gone... but now it seems every 50+ yr old is way faster than even my dream goals after 300k and 6wks into 'proper' erging and coming from a life live at moderate-high level fitness/athleticism. Rowing is hard work, and I LOVE hard work so I pray my "1yr on" post will resemble your successes and happiness. Cheers mate(s)

[mitchel674]

Impressive work, Tony! Thanks for sharing your insight and experiences.