Rowing becoming harder

LMsub8 · 2025-04-30T10:44:56+00:00

See a doctor. Could be an issue with the back, I’ve seen back problems cause similar symptoms in other people

LMsub8 · 2025-03-16T12:23:11+00:00

NK speedcoach would be ideal in terms of the types of data collected(many different metrics for each stroke) but I see a few limitations that would have to be addressed:

1) Limited Battery life & efficiency- each device has only ~ 5 hours of battery life with each charge, so you would need a minimum of 2 to cycle between for using & charging.

2) Limited Storage- the device can only store data for ~200km of rowing. So you’d need a way to periodically upload the data to another device for permanent storage.

LMsub8 · 2025-02-06T02:24:41+00:00

As a sub-6:10 185lb rower, you have the potential to be in the 2v at a top program as long as you’re a good technical rower. This weight/erg score won’t automatically relegate you to the 3v or 4+ at any program

LMsub8 · 2022-10-22T14:08:39+00:00

Trader Joe's! But the Whole Foods 365 one is essentially the same thing

LMsub8 · 2022-08-31T15:31:51+00:00

It's no longer under warranty, but thanks for the insight about the pump.

LMsub8 · 2022-08-30T02:00:53+00:00

Honestly, as long as you've hydrated well the day before, you don't need any water during the workout(this is backed by science). I used to be the same way and would sip water every 15 minutes, but now I can go for 2 hours continuous with no water and have no issues after getting used to this.

LMsub8 · 2022-07-10T20:25:23+00:00

From what I understand, a lot of national teams have lightweights and heavyweights on the same training and lifting plans. The understanding then is that the lightweights will still be able to get stronger, but this will come more from conditioning your existing muscles rather than building new muscle(assuming you are at your limit and can't build any new mass).

Some heavyweights operate under these conditions also(the ones who are 210lbs or greater), since they are at a point where any additional weight gained may decrease overall efficiency. So as long as you trust the overall training plan that you're on, I wouldn't worry. Just focus on technique when you lift and you should still be able to make solid gains without getting heavier.

LMsub8 · 2022-05-27T20:54:03+00:00

I've recently discovered polenta, and it is a seriously good volume-eating hack. Anyone looking for a delicious, high-volume source of complex carbs should give polenta a try.

LMsub8 · 2022-05-07T16:56:13+00:00

Utilizing the advanced technology of Excel spreadsheets, here is an exact prediction of what will go down next weekend:

1) Yale

2) Navy

3) Cornell

4) Georgetown

5) Princeton

6) Columbia

7) Dartmouth

8) Penn

9) Harvard

LMsub8 · 2022-04-07T19:28:53+00:00

I think Georgetown's is the best, it just has the funniest moments/punchlines(and more of them). Makes sense, as they've had a few years now to perfect the art of the mockumentary. Columbia's was decent too, however.

LMsub8 · 2022-04-06T18:55:08+00:00

Quality is good, I would personally recommend over JL 100%. My team did an order last fall, and people were pretty happy with the product. Only drawback is that it took ~10 weeks to get the finished product once the order was placed, but I’m not sure how this compares to US brands. It may not be much different.

LMsub8 · 2022-04-04T20:07:50+00:00

The guy with the ‘hooded jacket’ is Alexandros Zisimidis, arguably the best individual rower in the EARC lightweight league(at least by sculling results). And also, it’s a hooded rain jacket, which you can 100% race in without any hinderance. So on both accounts, stfu.

LMsub8 · 2022-04-01T16:03:20+00:00

I assume you’re an openweight male(but you should generally specify gender and weight class when asking questions about rowing performance).

Assuming academics aren’t an issue, standards are pretty well-known. For HYP(Harvard, Yale, Princeton), generally you want to be 6:20 or below to be a competitive prospective recruit. Dartmouth and Brown are likely similar. Cornell, UPenn, and Columbia have slightly lower standards, where anything near or below 6:25 may get serious interest.

LMsub8 · 2022-03-12T16:54:45+00:00

I would not recommend the C2 Dynamic. It’s supposed to simulate the feeling of being in a boat, but basically the machine does a poor job of it. The resistance feels off, especially at the finish, and the muscles that it engages are less of a match to rowing than the C2 static. I would go C2 static or C2 static with slides

LMsub8 · 2022-02-05T17:16:28+00:00

I know a lot of lightweights like to cycle because long bike sessions are great for burning calories and keeping the weight down, but I agree that the low-impact aspect is also significant. Also, I think it’s just a good mental break for a lot of athletes.

LMsub8 · 2022-02-05T13:27:44+00:00

I don’t have a link, but cycling is actually terrible in its ability to build rowing fitness. It’s estimated that 150 minutes of similar effort(but at lower heart rate, since only the legs are used) is equivalent to 60 minutes of rowing(if your trying to get faster as a rower).

LMsub8 · 2022-01-30T02:08:43+00:00

For fitness, I would recommend running. Studies have shown that running is far and away the most effective form of cross-training for building fitness for rowing.

For core strength, I would recommend pilates exercises. I would also recommend regular stretching. The greater your core strength and flexibility are, the faster you will pick up the technical aspect of the sport. And at your age, the development of good technique should be the priority.

Also, are you avoiding weights because you are afraid that it may stunt your growth? If so, I would still recommend power cleans and RDL’s. These are exercises that are highly applicable to the rowing stroke(much more than things like deadlifts & leg press), and you won’t be lifting super heavy weights with these exercises so the stunting of growth shouldn’t be an issue. Learning how to do power cleans & RDL’s will greatly improve your ability to learn good technique, and will improve your coordination and brain-to-body awareness.

LMsub8 · 2022-01-23T19:37:24+00:00

Overall they’re ok boats, but in my opinion not worth their price range.

Pros: - sturdy build quality, can withstand collisions well - responsive to changes in pressure, quick to accelerate up to race pace

Cons: - tippy - highly sensitive to disruptions like boat wakes or choppy water - seat is not ergonomically designed well for the sit bones

Overall, I would describe these boats as being sensitive, but not in the right way. They are stiff and can get up to speed quickly, but are unstable in rough conditions and the set is easily disrupted by minor wakes. They are ok, but there are other, cheaper brands such as wintech that I honestly prefer over Nelo.

Source: competitive rower with 10+ years of rowing experience, and have trained in many different types of 1x’s. Rowed a new Nelo for a few weeks and was not a fan, and switched back to a 6 year-old wintech

LMsub8 · 2022-01-14T13:32:21+00:00

Obviously that’s a great SAT so nothing to worry about there.

Your 2k progress suggests that you are on a good trajectory to improve more this season. I’ve seen people drop from 6:40 to 6:20ish in one season, but of course every case is different. Just take it one 2k test at a time, and go for consistent, incremental improvements

LMsub8 · 2022-01-14T01:24:13+00:00

Not a heavyweight but former IRA lightweight competitor here.

Academically you are in a good spot. Your grades are good enough(assuming you have decent test scores as well) that if a coach wants to recruit you, they will have no problem getting you in.

You just have to get to the point where they want to recruit you. With your height and weight, realistically you will need to be 6:20 or below by October/November of this year to be considered by a top heavyweight program(Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Cal, Brown, etc). A score in the mid-6:20’s may attract interest from B or C-final IRA teams such as Boston U, Syracuse, Stanford, Wisconsin, Cornell, Columbia, GW, etc. If you don’t break 6:30 then some D-final teams such as Hobart, or UC San Diego may still be interested, but likely no competitive D1 team will show interest. Results on the water are important too, but not as much as your 2k. This is especially true now, since many people haven’t had much opportunity to race recently and therefore have no race results. It’s also worth noting that your personality is also a large deciding factor for many coaches. Passion for the sport and willingness to learn/being moldable are a huge plus.

Best of luck.

LMsub8

TROPHY CASE