Staying interested (upgrade to pm5/apps, or bike smart trainer?)

[JaapvanE]

The best thing for me about rowing a given distance is that the harder you go the sooner the pain will end, so I have motivation to work harder.

Yeah, that sums my motivation as well

[Dangerscouse]

First off, I hate time based rows as I get the feeling that regardless of pace, I still have to row equally long. Distance based training is totally different, mentally.

Agree 100%. The best thing for me about rowing a given distance is that the harder you go the sooner the pain will end, so I have motivation to work harder.

I've thought about this quite a lot over the years and I think I've concluded that, for me anyway, distance is better as there's a far big movement when rowing for distance than time. One second will always take one second to elapse, but in one second I could potentially move 4+ metres, which is far more satisfying to my simple 'inner chimp' element of my brain.

If I row for time, I always watch the metres increase rather than seconds decrease, so it's got to be a natural inclination for me.

[adccl8z]

I'm glad ombrax posted with an alternative perspective. He is on the money really. In 20years of erging, I can't remember when I have rowed for more than 30mins. Maybe I did 2*20 once upon a time. I occasionally do 30' these days, but otherwise the total (work) time is under 25min. My 'entertainment' is music and counting down the numbers. I recently started using the ReRow feature (a multi lane version would be tremendous!).
I was just looking for a change and something that might reinvigorate me.
I need to weigh up if a pm5 is worth it (and then I can also trial EXR). If subsequently I don't feel I'm getting the added benefits.. I guess I could sell the pm5 on promptly and recoup most of the purchase price.

[JaapvanE]

I need to weigh up if a pm5 is worth it (and then I can also trial EXR). If subsequently I don't feel I'm getting the added benefits.. I guess I could sell the pm5 on promptly and recoup most of the purchase price.

If you can run EXR on a windows machine, you can use a cable to a PM3 or PM4 (see https://exrgame.com/support/concept-2)

[adccl8z]

An update

If you can run EXR on a windows machine, you can use a cable to a PM3 or PM4 (see https://exrgame.com/support/concept-2)

Good suggestion and I did this

Definitely piqued my interest, who knows how long the novelty will last, but I did a 6k group row recently,and took away two observations 1) it passed a lot quicker than otherwise staring at the PM5 screen, and 2) it got me out of bed and ready for 8AM start when otherwise I'd probably have deferred until later (if at all). Oh also I think I pushed myself that little bit harder as I wanted to be competitive.

I also, more recently, purchased a PM5. I consider it worthwhile, it seems to integrate better with erg data, and the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity (I also just purchased a coospo HRM).

I'm happy, and I'm sure these 3 things (EXT, PM5, coospo) will keep me interested thru 2025, and hopefully beyond. The indoor bike / smart trainer / apps are deferred for the time being.
HNY all.

[adccl8z]

Also.. regarding ergdata realtime loop, I can't find an explanation for what the lines across the course represent. I thought perhaps a distance interval but doesn't look like it. Can anyone advise?