I've just been rowing on whatever damper setting the machine was previously left on in my local gym, which usually means number 10 on the slider. Reading advice in recent posts today I took it down until the DF was 130 but I found it more difficult than usual.

I did 7850m in 30mins which seemed a bit slow for the amount of effort I had to put in. Like Niall I found it harder on my legs as I went on. Times went from around 1:53 in the first 10minutes to around 1:58 average for the last 10.

I guess I just need to get used to it and/or improve my technique.

On another note, did anyone else suffer from painful calluses when they started rowing? I've had calluses on my palms at the bottom of each finger for a while from lifting weights but they've never been painful. They've now gone black under the skin and are painful when rowing, preventing me from doing as much as I'd like. Does anyone wear gloves or anything?

Well done on the PB, Daren.

Hi Mike, how's the new erg?
Happy Birthday Rickster you're catching me up!!!

Taffians
Forgot to mention that Dykie did his first HM this week but is to shy to say he achieved.

Chippy.

Hi everyone!

You all have done so much since I disappeared! We are now so close to MIT, that's awesome! Congrats on all the tremendous PBs--there are too many to list them out--first marathons, first HM's, mountains of meters...

Concert went very well, but the week before I was pretty much practicing, eating, or sleeping. Friday I played for over 8 hours, 4 of it with a professional recording of the Shostakovitch cello concerto...that thing is a real *&^%$ to play 2nd violin for--all kinds of stuff off the beat, meter changes every other measure--you're in 2, you're in 3, you're in 2, uh oh now we're in 5-- and the whole thing is conducted in 1, which means the stick only moves once per measure and it's up to you to figure out where the beats are...it's written in the "key of vodka" which means no key signature but accidentals on every note, like B double flat and F double sharp YUCK!! Saturday we had a 5 hour dress rehearsal and then I worked on some hard parts some more. Just got the music for 12/5 pops concert yesterday, 12 new pieces to learn, and a 4 page solo on a Handel concerto grosso for 12/14.

I am dismayed to see that I am 60K (if not more) behind Martin and I feel so drained and exhausted, like I'm fighting something off. I purposely didn't read the forum during the last week, because I knew it would only make me feel terrible for not rowing, and I really had to focus on the music. Now it is hard to face "starting over" again and feeling like I'll never catch up. But reading about everyone's great work is helping. Guess it's time to "saddle up" and put some meters in the Taffybank--probably only a gentle 5k and then to bed.

Carla

GREAT to see you back Carla, I knew you had a big concert on last weekend but when your metres didn't move yesterday I started to wonder - ill ? (speedy recovery if the case), Kms going to another team ? (Carole Mac'c WHOLESOME team), .... ? Sorry about the 80K gap, been practising for a FM attempt in Dec before the hot summer weather hits our no-aircon local gym. I'm off to Queensland shortly for a few weeks to see Mum and my eldest daughter so my Kms will probably fall away then, and you will catch up (if not before). Great Violin story Carla - amazes me how complicated it can be.

Congrats on another PB Daren, must be a big confidence booster for BIRC to know you can do a 1:43 500m at the end of 5K. Not sure I can get a leave pass for a Boxing Day FM (or actually will feel like it ), thinking of either Dec 11th or 18th weekend ? Great avatar too.

Hi Niall - fantastic 'new' technique row:-

1. You found it comfortable (should feel like an 'armchair' ride).

2. Legs not effectively or fully utilised in previous rows got tired ! As I don't know any Welsh Rugby players with 'weak' legs (unless you have an old injury) I'm pretty confident that underlying leg strength is there - just a matter of getting the leg muscles used to the new order.

As for BIRC, I was in two minds whether to go into print for fear of 'mucking up' your preperation but in the end decided to based on :-

1. You hadn't done much BIRC 2K preperation to date anyway and you didn't sound particularly happy with what you had done.

2. You sounded keen to seek improvement.

3. Originally you were going to BIRC to 'have a look' from memory - Chippy or Chris suggested being a competitor rather than a spectator.

So not sure how important performance at BIRC really is to you personally. If it's a matter of simply being part of a fantastic occasion then you can set any realistic 2K goal, not necessarily to break 7 mins. Save that one for later ? Great avatar - the previous one made me dizzy on a bad day

Hey Chris/Chippy - ready for the showdown. See Chippy is nicely positioned near the start, Chris has a 19K row to the starting line - tactical move Chris ???

MIT becoming a bigger target,

Martin

PS Chippy - what time was Dykie's HM ? How did he pull up ?

PPS Jamie - I stick a sock over each handle to soak up sweat (my hands tend to sweat too much in gloves) and a bit of Vasoline (petroleum jelly ?) on the finger area seems to help too.

Great to see Carla back on the Forum!
We've missed you Carla and Martin's been pining for competition without his nemesis!

Thanks again for the support Speedy and Martin.

You're right, BIRC for me this year isn't a big deal (am I allowed to say that?). It's a learning experience (and enjoyment!!) for me. So putting in a great performance isn't the main objective (it'd be nice though!).

I like the feel of the lower DF as it doesn't feel like it's going to be so much of an effort at the higher DFs. For me it's not that radical a change as I'm still developing my technique. I guess only a test 2K will really determine this though. It'd be nice to do a new PB (i.e. below 7:17) but at the moment I'd be happy to beat my SB of 7:25.

As for sounding keen to seek improvement....ALWAYS!!! I'm a true believer in pushing the bar as we never know what we're capable of doing unless we do so. If I was satisfied with 7:25 then I'd never beat it so it's important to set new challenges (and I'm not just talking rowing, this is my philosophy in life generally).

Thanks again for your support and advise, it's always gratefully received.

Great post Niall, you are a man after my own heart when it comes to blending improvement and enjoyment ! Good luck with the 2K 'test' - looking forward to hearing about it. One tiny point - your post on the lower DF 10K sounded like you only had 2 choices for the DF, 129 or 116. The resistance lever can be set anywhere between the whole numbers, which theoretically should let you choose any DF you like by slight adjustments of the lever. So if 116 seems a bit 'light' you can try 120, say, or 123 etc. Or conversely go a bit lower to 114, say, to experience the 'feel' of a wide range of 'low' DFs.

Martin

Hi Carla

Nice to hear from you. I'm glad to hear you are well into your music and it's going great. Did I tell you my 12 year old niece started to play the violin last year. Thankfully, she's improved! Martin's been having it his own way for far too long and I think he needs you to give him a little bit of competition.

Niall, I am seeing this year's BIRC the same way as you, as experience. I'm deliberately not putting too much pressure on myself this year, because next year and subsequent years are for real. I'll reach my badly framed goal this year and then get closer to my potential next year.

I do side with Dwayne on the technique side of things though. I have things to work on, but will leave it until I start next year's training a week after BIRC. I should then have a whole year's uninterrupted preparation to get the best out of myself, including technique changes.

Bernard

\0/ waves at Carla good to see you back hun ...

With all the BIRC talk going on in the UK forum, I felt it was time for another "pacer" attempt at 2k. This time I did it without the avg pace or "projected finish" displays since I won't have the latter on the day.

Plan was again 3x1:46 and then hopfully unload in the final 500m.

However, once again I didn't stick very well to the plan.

No warm up, just went out to the garage, got on the erg and put the hammer down. Result was still a 2K PB of 7:02.1, which is 0.7 seconds faster than the last one a week ago. 1:45.5 from 1:45.7.

Splits:

You really need a warm-up plan Daren, going into a 2km test cold is going to lose you more than the 2 seconds you need. You should be doing at least a couple of km warm-up, including a few 30-40 secs bursts to get the system up to speed.

I need to do a test 2km just to see how i am going to pace the BIRC race, haven't done a 2km since March

Might schedule one on RowPro

Yeah, I know I should warm up... I wanted to test the water though. My thinking; if I can do 7:02 without a warm-up, I should be able to go faster with one. =)

Taffs,
That million meter weekend challenge did wonders. We're about 700k away from MIT now. Everyone up for another one? Let's say the first weekend in December eh?

Speedy

I'm up for another. The first weekend in December I'll be travelling on the Saturday, but I may be able to do another "marathon of sorts" on the Sunday.

Well done Daren on that new 2K PB. Still eating away at your PBs mate, well done.

Decided this afternoon I would do a 2K time trial (with the recent PB posting by Daren how could I resist). Taking the advice from Steve Viney, I made sure I did a 2K warmup (with 100m sprints at 1600m, 1100m, 600 and 100m). This warmup was very useful as I maintained the sprints at 1:48 to get accustomed to the rate and this felt comfortable.

My plan was to go for a time of 7:16 with splits of 1:48/1:50/1:50/1:48.

Following Martin's advice, I set the DF at 120 after a couple of test pulls to get the right setting (thanks for the tip about the lever Martin).

2000m-1000m
I went off at 1:48 (30/31spm) as planned and it felt very controlled and comfortable. After 500m, I figured as it was comfortable, I'd stick with the 1:48 rate for another 500m and this went fine.

500m-1000m
The third 500m was the same story in terms of tactics but have to admit there were odd moments of 1:50 but I didn't let this put me off and retained the controlled stroke as before (I figured the odd 1:50 would be fine as a new PB was still on the cards).

500m-Finish
At the 500m mark, I think I had an average split of 1:48.8 so I was very confident of a new PB as long as I didn't go over 1:49. Decided not to panic and rush a sprint finish and maintain the 1:48 for the first 250. and then go for it in the last 250m. Pretty much kept around the 1:46-1:48 pace for most of the finish and then managed 1:44 in the final stages.

New PB result: 7:13.7

I'm absolutely ecstatic! Not just because I've got a new PB but:

1) I'm extremely proud because this is the result of a team effort! If it wasn't for Speedy and Martin's support and advice this wouldn't have happened so many thanks guys I owe it to you!
2) It's 12 seconds off my season's best
3) The whole 2K was far more controlled and relaxed than any other 2K I've done (you know the feeling guys when you're just doing your best to "tame the beast"?)
4) This sets me up really nicely for BIRC and gives me loads of confidence (I think a sub-7:10 is on the cards)

On a subnote, 'cause it's a little related, my 10K went well today and I managed to maintain 1:57 for 20minutes as opposed to the 10 minutes yesterday so progress there too. And it's all down to the lower DF so those still unsure about the benefits of lower DFs, take it from me, it works!

Taffians

After 1 million punishing meters chippy wins the 700m dash for the line by the width of a log card.
Chris will fill you in on all the details later when he stops crying.

Might treat myself to a beer to celebrate.

Chippy.

Niall, WELL DONE! Absolutely storming!

Chippy, WELL DONE! Poor Chris.

Well done Niall. 12 seconds off your PB is awesome! I'll have to try a 2k at a lower DF sometime soon!

Thanks to those who gave advice about the hands, I'll have try it out.

Da iawn Chris and Rob,Tredegar Town clock lit up tonight!!!
Excellent performances by all team members with our Taffian spirit "you can't stop the machine you can only oil it"!
Dwayne, lovely news about you child,how would a Welsh flag suit his nursery?It could be arranged!
Nos da Sue and Graham

Nice avatar Daren!

It's a small version of a team logo I'm working on, as you know. Once we've hit upon a font that Chris likes, I think we'll be away. It still needs work though.

Conceptually, it's supposed to be the Welsh dragon from the flag, on an erg. =)

Larger version here but it's not definitive or anything as Chris hasn't said what he thinks yet. I intend to make the dragon look a bit better, like adding some scales here and there. I'm no (graphic) artist, but I'm quite pleased with it, especially as I drew it freehand using Flash MX. =)

You seem to have many hidden talents Daren. I hate people like you

Sir Pirate

Niall, great news on your new P.B., wow 12 seconds. I am very happy for you and a bit envious .
Speedy, congradulations on your new son, It may mean a bit of a slow down in total meters, but, a large increase in happiness. I am also going to try your lower drag. currentlly I have been using a 6/7 df, But I will use the 120 drag as soon as I get off work tonight. Again I wish you and your new bride, Joy on the arrival of the new family member.
Daren C is that avatar a personal one or will others be able to use it on the team, it is quite good either way.
Carla. very impressed with your concert news, no wonder you let erging go for a few days, wow I now know a concert violinest (proper word I hope) I let my son (just started violin) read your post, I do not believe he understood a word, but was impressed more at your total year to date meters.

Got the new D on Monday and it is now totaly ready to rock. Yes Godfried I am a little boy with my new toy. Mike

TWELVE SECONDS!
a massive improvement, Niall, that's great!

We ARE a great team!

Carla

Mike, is your son studying with the Suzuki Method? If so, tell him that when I started 8 years ago I was in Book 1, and my first recital piece was "Minuet in G" from Book 2. I was so scared of that performance that I couldn't eat for a whole day before it. And tell him that that thing I had to play was written so that I couldn't play any open strings--all 4th fingers (eww!) except for that one B double flat (that's really A--an open string! Yay!)

If he loves it and works hard, imagine what he'll be doing in 8 years! I'll watch out for a Zirpoli virtuoso some time in 2013.

Carla

Fun workout today

I didn't want to do a set time piece, because I felt like if it wasn't going fast enough to be respectable, which I had a feeling it wouldn't, I would end up accomplishing not much of anything even if I went the distance. So for fun I set it on 10K and did 100m intervals every 500m. I don't even know what the ending time was, but it was amusing and the 10K disappeared (mentally, not by the clock) much faster than usual because of the distraction of the sprints, which were so short they weren't really noticable until the last few. I was surprised to find that I could do 1:52, 1:51 for about 8 of each of the 10 pulls--the first was always around 2:06, the second 1:57, and then it would drop.

I think I will do this workout a few times each week. Maybe after a few weeks of that, I'll be able to do some regular 500m intervals. I think the thing I really have to concentrate on is keeping really tight abs at the catch because when I was good about that I had a lot more power.

Keep the meters rolling in everybody--we're going to catch MIT--I'll see if I can pull my weight a little better now!

Carla

You're doing better than I am on the quote thing, Niall. At least you can get their words in a little box. I can't get it to work at all. I end up quoting "undefined", and when I try to replace "undefined" with something that I cut and paste, that doesn't work, either.

Carla

For someone who works in IT, sometimes the technology escapes me!
Reassuring to know I'm not alone!

Hi Daren, just a quick thought - try the next 2K 'trial' sticking to your race plan of 1:46's till the last 500m. Looking back at the post for your last 2K row it looks like you went through the 1000m mark in sub 1:45 Ave Pace, then didn't have much left for the last 500m ? Try the race plan, maybe seeing if you can do 1:46's at 34 SPM instead of 36's to 'conserve' a bit of capacity for the last 500m.

Martin

PS To do a sub 7 I do a fair stretch of 1:45's in the middle 1000m, but I don't have a big finish like most others - my splits are pretty even.

Aye, Martin, I always intend to stick to the plan, I'm just really bad at going slower than I feel I can. I've always been like that. I walk fast, I ride my bike fast... I always arrive anywhere I ride to knackered because I have to go as fast as I can. It's just the way my brain's wired. =)

OK, Chris seems happy with the current attempt, so here it is in all its red dragony glory:



I tried adding scales to his skin, but they ended up looking like bad tattoos. There are bits I'm not entirely happy with, but until we recruit a professional graphic designer/artist into the team it'll just have to do!

So, now I reckon he needs a name. Maybe "Taff" is the obvious choice, since Llewellyn has already been used. Hell, we could even write a song. All together now...

#Taff the mighty dragon, lived by the sea
#But rowed indoors, and all because
#He liked to watch TV

Is that my coat you're holding?

Remember, team, when the going gets tough, just say this to yourself over and over;

Heart of a dragon! Heart of a dragon! Heart of a dragon!

Daren,
I was actually singing along to your song.

LOVE THE GRAPHIC!!!!! Now if I can only get the bl**dy thing as wallpaper on my desktop.

Dwayne