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[[old] toasty]

Hi <br /><br />Dan here from Bristol.<br /><br />I've literally just started rowing on the C2 machines.<br /><br />I've been doing weights, running, cycling etc... on and off for a good few years now. I'm 28, 6'2 and 16st.<br /><br />I would describe myself as fairly fit (have ran 5 half marathons in 1:50 ish) and recently cycled to London for charity (120 miles in 8 hours) but I would say that my physical strength is better than my fitness (if that makes sense) <br />I can comfortably Bench 110kgs for a few reps (max is 132kgs for 1) and can curl 55kgs well for 3 sets of 10, sholder press 30kg dumbells and squat around 150kgs (although I don't tend to do much leg training) deadlifting I can do 180kgs fairly well, can probably upright row about 70kgs for a set of 10.<br /><br />Anyway, hello to everyone here, I've been reading the forums for a while, taking notice of everyone's sigs (along with times/pbs etc....) It seems a really nice forum with lots of friendly and helpful people.<br /><br />As stated above, I've never really done any rowing (either in or out of the water) but went on the C2 for the first time 2 weeks ago, I've probably been on there 3 times since then.<br /><br />My local gym has a leaderboard up for times for the 500m and 2000m, so being quite a competitive chap I thought I'd have a go. <br /><br />My first attempt at 500m was 1:50 ish and then on my second attempt the following week I managed 1:35 (which interestingly puts me 2nd on the board!)<br /><br />I went on there again this morning, and went at the 500m h*** for leather and managed a 1:33.<br /><br />I don't have a 2000m time for you as I've not tried that far yet, nor can I post any 100m, or max pulls as I've literally only spent 10mins on the C2 machine. (during my 1:33 this morning I was able to get the mins/500m down to 1:25, so I guess my max would be a little lower than this)<br /><br />Anyway, just a quick post to say hello! and just interested really as to what people make of my times? I appreciate there are far faster people around, but given my inexperience, do you think there is potential there for a 1:25 perhaps?<br /><br />I dare say my technique is aweful and my stamina could do with some work as I don't tend to do much in the way of CV work over the winter. <br /><br />I'm starting to think that I might be a better rower than I am runner as I've always struggled with long distances (i.e half marathons) probably because of my weight.<br /><br />Comments welcomed, along with ideas of how to break the 1:25 if possible (that the current #1 score on the board)<br /><br />Cheers<br />-Dan<br /><br /><br />

[[old] Canoeist]

I don't see any reason why you shouldn't be able to break 1:25 for 500m in a few months. You are young, have a lot of muscle, are in great CV shape from carrying 224 pounds around a half marathon, and are reasonably tall - the perfect combination for a good rower. You just need time on the machine so that specific muscles are developed and to improve your efficiency. I would focus on improving your 5K or 6K times. These distances are short enough so that your backsides won't kill you - a common problem with new rowers. But these distances are also long enough to force you to focus on efficiency. When you row hard for 20 minutes, you start to think about being efficient. If you focus on short "thrashes" such as the 500m, you will end up hurting yourself due to poor technique.<br /><br />Good luck,<br /><br />Paul Flack (49 years old, 210 pounds, 1:25.1 500m)

[[old] toasty]

Thanks canoeist.<br /><br />That's helpful.<br /><br />I'll certainly concentrate on the longer distances and also working on my efficiency - that makes good sense to me.

[[old] sharp_rower]

I agree with Canoeist, you should definitely strive for longer rows. As Concept2 says on their promotional poster, strength workouts are not the primary purpose of erging.<br /><br />In my humble opinion, I suggest fielding a bunch of 2ks, and then building your way up to 5 and 6ks and then further. I also suggest making sure you have proper technique. It will make you more efficient, less prone to injury and it's simply a good thing to learn.

[[old] ancho]

Hi, toasty!<br />Welcome to the "mad-rowers-community". Suppose you're about to get hooked.<br />If you have made some half-marathon runs, why not try also longer distances on the erg?<br />You should try to gradually increase your distances in the workouts, and make some 5k, 10 k o3 30 min rankings. This will improve your general fitness a lot, as well as your technique.<br />Try speaking with some experienced rower in your gym, and watch them row. Also hear to the sound of the erg. Always be as smooth in your movements as possible.<br />Also watch how you row more comfortabilly, and adapt the height of the footpads and drag accordingly.<br />Don't try to go too fast, if you hurt yourself, you will loose the motivation.<br />Last but not least: if you have a rowing club near, try a go on the water!<br />Good row!

[[old] Nixon]

you should easily be able to crack 1:25 splits. i'm 161 pounds and 6'2 and 16 years old (grade 11), my fastest 2k is 6:31, and my fastest 500m is 1:26.4. look at my size compared to you.

[[old] John Rupp]

I think you can do very well.<br /><br />Graham Benton started out doing 500's, as you are, gradually added distances and kept bringing his times down.<br /><br />You will probably be able to do this too.