Focus vs. Distraction

[OregonERG]

As a former runner who did most of my training with teammates, I always thought it was crazy when I saw people running with headphones on, listening to their music, and not really focused on their workout. But as I aged (and mellowed out), I found the transition to music (and then audiobooks and now podcasts) liberating because I could log many more miles per week without getting bored. I love to run with an audiobook now and will even add miles to my training to get more time with the story. Podcasts are amazing.

So here's my question... what do you usually do when you are on the erg? I mean on a normal, mid-week row, not a race or PB set, just an everyday session?

a) watch something on the TV/laptop
b) listen to music
c) listen to a podcast, news, or audiobook
d) focus on the PM5 and/or your splits
e) just think or let your mind wander
f) something else?

[Dangerscouse]

It's always music for me, but I love music more than rowing, and I couple that with zoning out and using it as pseudo meditation.

I have tried rowing watching TV but it really didn't work.

[gouldilocks]

As a former runner who did most of my training with teammates, I always thought it was crazy when I saw people running with headphones on, listening to their music, and not really focused on their workout. But as I aged (and mellowed out), I found the transition to music (and then audiobooks and now podcasts) liberating because I could log many more miles per week without getting bored. I love to run with an audiobook now and will even add miles to my training to get more time with the story. Podcasts are amazing.

So here's my question... what do you usually do when you are on the erg? I mean on a normal, mid-week row, not a race or PB set, just an everyday session?

a) watch something on the TV/laptop
b) listen to music
c) listen to a podcast, news, or audiobook
d) focus on the PM5 and/or your splits
e) just think or let your mind wander
f) something else?

My rower is outside so a) is out of the question - for me it is a mix of b), d) and e).
Most of my sessions are on ReRow so racing against my previous self keeps me quite motivated

Paul G

[Ombrax]

100% D (focus on the PM)

My body is much too lazy for me to let my mind go anywhere else.
If I did I'd probably look back at the PM and see that I was now at a 3:00 pace.

I don't do very long rows, otherwise I'd probably go batty, but focusing on the PM also helps the time pass, because it gives me something to do instead of letting my thoughts wander.

In fact, at the gym I typically use (still closed due to C-19) there's a TV on the wall a few paces from the erg and if no one else is watching it I turn it off, because it's a distraction.

[OregonERG]

My rower is outside so a) is out of the question - for me it is a mix of b), d) and e).
Most of my sessions are on ReRow so racing against my previous self keeps me quite motivated
Paul G

But now I have to know, when you did your epic 24 hour row, what was your plan? No movies? Nothing but music? How did you do it? That is amazing!

[OregonERG]

100% D (focus on the PM)

That is what I am doing when I go for a PB. I just try to watch the average pace tick down 1/10th of a second at a time. That is all I need when I am "on pace" for a PB. But when I am just slogging along (like today), that would not be enough. This evening I did a so-so hour and I was thankful to have a Boston Marathon documentary playing on my laptop....

[MartinSH4321]

I watch TV for all easy and medium hard sessions, and also for hard 60' and longer rows. For hard intervals and TT up to 10k I listen to music. I have my Tablet mounted on my erg, so I can do the same outside and indoor.

[hjs]

Only B, never use any distractions doing whatever. Only in the car have the radio on.

[nick rockliff]

Music on in the background but never really listen to it. Mainly concentrate on the PM5.

[neil262]

I have the radio on in the background and concentrate on the PM.

[mitchel674]

I listen to music. I have specific song lists that are almost exactly 30, 45 or 60 minutes. This motivates me as the songs play through (only 3 songs left, etc...).

I tried podcasts and audiobooks, but I found them demotivating. I would row slower and stop sooner.

I don't watch TV. I did try a movie but also found it slowed me down.

[winniewinser]

As a former runner who did most of my training with teammates, I always thought it was crazy when I saw people running with headphones on, listening to their music, and not really focused on their workout. But as I aged (and mellowed out), I found the transition to music (and then audiobooks and now podcasts) liberating because I could log many more miles per week without getting bored. I love to run with an audiobook now and will even add miles to my training to get more time with the story. Podcasts are amazing.

So here's my question... what do you usually do when you are on the erg? I mean on a normal, mid-week row, not a race or PB set, just an everyday session?

a) watch something on the TV/laptop
b) listen to music
c) listen to a podcast, news, or audiobook
d) focus on the PM5 and/or your splits
e) just think or let your mind wander
f) something else?

Netflix & Chill

[KeithT]

I always have music with headphones/earbuds but...when doing a harder piece it becomes background noise and I lock in on the monitor. So, sort of a mix but for longer (easier rows) I want the distraction and try not only to listen to music but look away from the monitor and just row.

[OregonERG]

I want the distraction and try not only to listen to music but look away from the monitor and just row.

I feel that way too. And sometimes, if I look away for a few minutes and then look back, I can tell I am having a great row if 1) a lot of time has passed (more than I expected) and 2) the avg. 500m/pace is lower than when I looked away.

Those two things are usually signs that I am on track to have a really good row. Obviously, I don't do this when rowing a 2k or 5k for time, but for longer sets, I like to do this.

[OregonERG]

Netflix & Chill

Netflix! That is how I do the first 45 minutes of my hour rows... then I usually switch to the kind of music that worries the neighbors.