Re: Women's 6k - Oops, it doesn't have a #1 ranking number beside it. I'm either blind, or it was changed since yesterday! Yikes. Nevertheless, it still sits at the top of the rankings!

Welcome back Carla. Good to see your on your butt again.

Dwayne

That's one h*** of an improvement (6k in 21:58), considering that on 12/31/04 it took her 21:54.7 to do 5k, and her ranked 5k this season is 21:38.4. Clearly a data entry error, entered 6k instead of 5k for the distance, then hit the rank button, I imagine, although I wonder if she had to get a code to enter it? If so, there must not be any double-checking of the reasonability of the result going on...

Bill

It is not very likely she did it as stated : click for graph

mmm so she goes from a 2.11 5k to a 1.49 6k ..........mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Hi Carla,

Have you ever tired a good, lightweight fast recumbent? Most people who switch to recumbents from road bikes (referred to as wedgies by 'bent riders) are slower at first, but I think rowing is closer to recumbent cycling than it is to riding roadbikes. I'm guessing with your ergometer times that you would absolutely fly on something like a Lightning P-38. It might also be theraputic for the back.


Byron

You can always rely on Godfried to bput a graph together. Looking at it I think she needs to update her 5K and 30mins PBs!!

I don't know where you ever got that idea. Sounds like you have been feeling unappreciated or something...if I led you to believe that, it was unintentional. If I'm offending you somehow, I'm sorry. The only thing I recall even disagreeing with you about is this whole ranking flap.


No...I love my regular road bike too much...I can almost always ride that bike no matter how crummy my back's doing. I can't imagine enoying being so low down on the road!

Hope everyone that has a 3 day weekend enjoys it!

oops, duplicate post

Not afraid to make one for me : click for graph
To put all distances in:
500m + 1000m + 2000m : one session
5000m + 6000m = 30min pace
10000m = 60min pace

now, come on, all you sceptics...maybe she just felt really really good that day! or just had an extra cup of coffee

Hi Carla,

I think I understand your devotion to your 12 speed road bike. I rode a (fixed gear, single speed, no coasting) track bike with front brake for almost 30 years for all training and touring. The only time I didn't ride it was in races and time trials. I'd probably still be riding it if I hadn't had a shoulder injury. I asked if you had ever tried a racing recumbent because I think they are more related to rowing than roadbikes, and I was wondering if you also found them faster than roadbikes. But asking someone to change bikes is almost like asking someone to change religions.

By the way, I did a rather frisky 122 mile ride today on my recumbent. It was a 100 mile club ride that started 11 miles away from my house.

At least we agree that rowing helps with cycling. If you ever have a minute or two, check out:

http://www.lightningbikes.com/

and especially the FAQ.

Also, you're about the same height on a P-38 as a road bike. I still think you'd fly on a P-38.

Byron

It's a goal of mine to manage a century this year. I did do one once a million years ago--it might have been only 80 though, not sure--I was in highschool. I've always wanted to do it and to have it be an occasional thing, like rowing marathons. There's a charity one coming up in June I may go for. I am sure it won't be "frisky" for me--it'll be on the conservative side, just to make sure I can actually make it!

I've owned this bike since I was 14. It was the first purchase of any consequence--$150!-- I ever made on my own. Of course I've ended up replacing everything on it but the frame over the years. It was originally a 10 speed, but when it came time to replace the cluster (it broke down on a trip) the only available cluster was a 6, so now it's a 12 gear. I also have 75 lb pressure knobby tires on it instead of 110 road tires because I love to bike the carriage roads (finely crushed gravel) at Acadia National Park. Just for fun, I weighed it today--it's 37 lbs (with the bag I usually carry with tools, etc--but both water bottles empty).

The incumbents are intriguing but don't appeal to me right now. It was fun watching the videos on that link you posted, especially that crazy back-to-back tandem rig! I should think the guy on the back would get sea sick.

Eventually my trusty old bike will have to be replaced because something will break down that isn't available any more . It was a close one a few years ago when the bottom bracket died. I went to 4 or 5 bike shops before I found one that could get the old one out to replace it. I was given several loaners from various shops while they tried the repair job, and each loaner (all lightweight models) only made me want my own bike back!

Another slow-mo 10K tonight.

Hi all,

YES I DID IT (at last)

First marathon now a done deal - 2:54:57. For those who like the numbers DF was 108, Ave pace for first 12k 2:03 then steadily wandered up to 2:04.4 as mental and physical fatigue set in. And SPM mainly 22-23 until last 10K when I unashamedly traded rate for pace (or is that pace for rate ?), up to 27 SPM at times.

Chris, I takes my hat off to you going sub 3, very tough. And you were spot on with the 41194 metre call, but for a different reason ! It proved to be a big decision point for me - if I went sub 2:00s for the last K I could go sub 2:55 but then again every body part including brain said just gently cruise home !!! So second last 500 all over the place but last 500 - 1:50s to just get there. As Carla would say - YAHOO !! Terrible way to finish a FM though and not highly recommended.

Downside of local gym - having to exit without the luxury of a hands and knees crawl, then get in the car to drive home (15K) before rigor mortis sets in Upside of gym - various bods wandering past enquiring if all is well, what are you doing etc. Great distraction from the heaviness of the third 10K when time and Ks seem to barely move (a corollary of the Theory of Relativity perhaps).

Cheers,

Martin

Well done mate, Serious arn't they, these marathons?

We always say theres nothing tougher than a 2K, but it over so quick theres no comparison really. The last 10K of a marathon is just constant pain. 10 seconds feels like a minute. Respect for anyone whose done one, top time as well mate.

Easy week for you now?

Chris

Yes Chris, the FM is in a league of it's own for sure. Your sub 3 was my main motivator when the going got tough = thanks mate.

Easy week ? - next stop that sub 6:50 2K (says he who can hardly lift the arms to type this).

Martin

PS Thought I would put the FM in my signature but I can't remember how to set up details in a signature, help please.

Click on "my controls" (top right of page)
Then on left hand side (under personnel profile) click on "edit signature".

I just noticed as well, your marathon puts you No 2 in Taff Attack meter rankings - good s**t man.

Thanks Chris.

Not sure if I can hold #2 down for long, Byron is setting a mean pace (and I suspect Mikez has lots of unlogged metres from last week). All good fun

Martin

Martin,

FANTASTIC RESULT!!!

Not having done a marathon I can only imagin what battles (mental and physical) you had to fight on the way. Total respect to you

Nice to see you up at #2 in the Taff Attack Standings! All you need to do now is keep doing these marathons each and every day and you'll catch up with Dwayne before long

WOW!!!!!


Fantastic results, Martin, sub-3, that's awesome!
I imagine another downside to doing a marathon in the gym is no movie!!! I don't know if I could survive a marathon with nothing for distraction but people wandering around and the evil ever presence of the monitor's glare...

Hats off! Huzzah!

Martin
Well done fella and sub 2:55 . Think you deserve a few " cold ones " to help
ease the pain.

Chippy

I did do a marathon today, but it was rowing on wheels (Irish Mail) so it doesn't count. Yesterday I did a long bike ride and nothing on the erg. It's tough to do indoor rowing when the weather is nice.

Byron

Niall, Carla, Chippy - Thanks guys

Niall my aquatic friend, the FM is really the ultimate experience out of the 10 ranking pieces - when you are ready to take the plunge I'm sure we will have lots of good advice for you (tip #1 - very low DF for us 'sus backers' !). Having said that I have NO intention of multiple repeats of FM to keep up with Speedy's massive Ks

Carla, your 3:07 also proved inspirational and I can appreciate how hard earned it was now that I've travelled the same path. Only 'movies' in the gym are a bank of 4 TVs set up high and to a 45 degreee angle to the ergs - guaranteed to bring on a sore neck if viewed for more than a minute at a time !

And Mr Chippy, the only 'cold ones' were my hands and feet afterwards - took ages before the blood returned to warm them up How's the 2K training program going ? Still on target ? Let me know when you are close to doing 6:50 as I don't want to get there too quickly before you

Hope the weather stays lovely and sunny for weeks Byron !

Cheers

Martin

Hello everyone

I'm a new recruit living and rowing in Newport. I have been rowing for few years but really got into it after I sold my water rower and bought a nice shiny C2

Now things are getting serious and looking forward to posting some serious distance and going for a sub-7 2K time. My first question is what really works for people when they train for 2k's?

regards

Mike

2K - 7.18, 5K - 19.21

Welcome aboard Mike. Nice to have another Taff makin' waves.



Answering this question can be quite complex. I guess my best answer would be that it depends on the person. To say one thing works for everyone would be bogus. My training methods will be different than Chippy's or Carla's or MikeZ's.
Mostly because we're all different people, different ages, and at different fitness levels.

There are a number of training plans that are out for public use. The C2 plan on the UK site, the Wolverine Plan, the Marsten Plan, etc. All of them are solid, and all of them will work. It will depend on your training methods, level of commitment, and whether you like one plan over the other.

I know this doesn't really answer your question. Sorry. But it's like asking what kind of ale someone likes. Everyone is going to have their own reasons why they like the one they do.

Speedy

Welcome to "Taff attack" Mike.

Porky.

Hi Mike,

The interactive 2,000 m training programme (Can't those guys on the other side of the pond ever learn to spell?) is a good one. The whole manual can be downloaded:

http://www.concept2.co.uk/guide/downloads.php

See section 5. As has been pointed out by Ranger and others, the training in the various bands is sometimes a challenge because you are supposed to maintain a certain stroke rate, stay in a certain heart rate band, and maintain a certain pace, all at the same time. It forces you to use a reasonably efficient technique.

Be sure to notice that in the charts when they use %max heart rate they really mean resting heart rate + certain %*(max heart rate - resting heart rate).

Byron

Well there Taff's,
It seems we are looking quite good for the first weeks of the new season. I happened to notice that Sue is out ahead of Graham Shocking I'd say. Say hello to my angels Sue. Welcome aboard Mike, As well as all the newer members since I last posted. Does anyone know what happened to Debra, I noticed she pulled her meters from last years tally. All is well here, Mikey is almost done with spring Baseball and waiting to get on the erg to race next Febuary at a local race. Hey there Godfried, found a tee shirt for me yet? Lets get going on the meters, Dwayne cannot do it all though he does try. Mikez

Welcome aboard, Mike! I'm afraid I have no advice for you--unless you want to slow your 2K down about 35 seconds!

I hope you enjoy being a team member and post all your successes in big red letters
and if you get any great ideas to make rowing more fun for the whole team, post them!

I really want a Taff Attack T shirt, too!

I have emailed Debra but don't know if she will answer as it appears she is ticked off about something. It is really too bad because it was fun to see the annual meters competition heat up there at the end of the season.

I'm still plugging away at a leisurely 10K most nights, starting slow on each and finishing somewhat less slow. I have signed up for a 100 mile charity bike ride on July 24 so some of my workout time will be devoted to building up mileage on the bike but I think I can keep up the late night slow 10K's as well.

Go Taffs!

Thanks guys. I'll give all the various features/articles a read and start bashing away.

I'm trying to persuede a mate to join who is a decent 6.30 2k rower. He considers himself too saes to join but lives near Usk so am wondering what sort of words of encouragement you could provide and I'll mail them on


Another quick question is regarding the model D handle. I'm finding I get wrist pain from it compared to the model C handle. I'm playing about with wrist straps etc but daft as it may seem, I am considering retro fitting a model C handle to my model D just to overcome the problem. Any thoughts on technique changes that could help?

Words of encouragement - Join the best of the best baby!! Is there anything better than the Welsh?? I think not!!!

New handle - It may be the way you're gripping it. Since the handle is a bit longer than the C handle, take advantage of it. Grip it a bit wider. May or may not help. Also remember to be light in the grip. No need to put a death grip on it.

Dwayne

As I'm typing this, the 'Pirate' is invading the Taff domain yet again. Why not just join up Dude?? You're here enough.

Your humble servant,
Speedy

Mr Speedy of Quick Town in the U.S State of Speedsville.

Are the Taffs worthy of a Pirate? Make me an offer

Hope the wet stuff is going OK for you Mr Lord Duke, (and I don't mean you bed wetting)
I shall be meeting up with some of the Taffs at a Comp next month, I know Chippy is going, he normally drags Bora Da along too. I shall look forward to our normal exchange of slaggings off

Sir Pirate
Lord of the seas

Welcome aboard Mike,

My routine for training is 4 sessions a week each in a different heart rate band, it involves 6 to 45 minutes of pain follwed by a bit of a nap on the garage floor. Mine and Chippys' Regattas normally follow the same schedule but we normally bring a bucket 'just in case!'.

I have a model C rower, I have thought about buying the D handle. Before you buy a C you can try mine out, I dont think theres much ini, but the D is a product of evolution so must be better. Cheers



Sirp
Bore Da! normally drives, which leaves chippy to cling on to everything/anything he can! When he gets outta the car his butt cheeks leave a pinch mark. He still tells me he wakes up sweating dreaming of the roundabout on the way back from SLIRC last year - he a wimp, there was loads of room (I didnt even have to use the kerb!)

Cheers Butt.

My supplier is letting me down. Still working on it, should have told you, sorry.
This is a different shirt, for the TAFF-shirt Daren had plans.

I'm still sick, but there is no stopping Speedy.

BTW : anybody looking at the graphs? Send me a PM!

Thanks for the graphs, Godfried. It's midnight & I'm pooped and I was going to bag it tonight and go to bed but my little yellow line is too low on your graph so I guess I'll go yank on the chain for a while after all.

I've stuck up a quick shop at CafePress with some items featuring the logo. I've never actually bought anything from CafePress, so I've no idea what the quality is like, nor how the image I've used will reproduce on the items.

Prices are all base prices with nothing added for profit. If anyone's brave enough to buy something, let us know what the quality's like! =)

http://www.cafepress.com/taffattack/

Great, Daran! I've ordered one shirt, a mug, and the pin (no, no thong!) If the shirt is good I'll order more. By the way, since I've ordered, I can get you all $5 off whatever you order, if you email me your email addresses to give them.

Got a T-shirt and a pin. Good stuff Daren.

Speedy

I can set up other items as well, if CafePress so anything specific you might like, such as a mouse mat, back-print T-shirt, cap, etc. Just not sure how the image will look if printed too large, because it might appear pixellated. Should be OK in the smaller versions I've used though.

Team

Got a e mail from P.Jones who rowed for the team last year and is stuck on 9k at this time because of a few injury problems.Peter is 70 years young so a few emails
from a few of the team to help him through would be helpfull.

Sir P
Evesham is when you walk the plank.

Chippy

I like the new women's Taff Attack All-in-One kit :

I'll second that!

How many meters can we get in this weekend (as a team)?

Can we shoot for 250k?

Anyone who thinks wearing one of them for more than about 5 minutes is a great idea probably could benefit from their value as "mental floss"

I pledge 20K.

Oops, I was wrong--it's too late. If I had had everyone's email addresses handy when I ordered my stuff I could have listed you all and you all would have got $5 off. So, anyone that is oging to order stuff, have the team's emails ready so when you get the screen about that after you place the order so you can list them all on the form. I think then they get an email telling them they can get $5 off.

It's going to be tough to pile on the meters for a while. I just started a rowing course. It meets three times a week for 8 weeks. There are coaches from a local rowing club, and people from Michigan State University crew also help. Today we learned (or reviewed) the basic stroke, some terminology, and how to pick up and carry a boat. It's outrageously expensive: $75 for 24 classes. Heh, heh, yeah, that is kind of a good deal.

Byron

I'm going to have to do my 20K tomorrow...I wore myself out on my bike today. First of all it was 80 degrees which is a lot warmer than it's been since last summer. I'm training up for a 100 mile bike ride in July (nothing to Byron, I know, but twice as far as I've ever gone). So today set out to do 50 ish, the plan being to stop off at work & pick some stuff up to bring home. It was 30 miles to work (the way I went) and I averaged 15.7 mph. and went through 2 large water bottles. Picked up the stuff and refilled the bottles. The stuff was fiberglass fabric samples and it was really heavy. I almost decided to go a shorter way home, but decided that I would stick it out and went the long way back. At 10 miles to go I called my husband and he kindly came and took the bloody bag. When I got home it was 54 miles total, the 2 bottles were empty again, and the average was 15.8 mph. Then I weighed the bag and it was 20 lbs.

I will do the 20K but it will be s-l-o-w.....If I am going to ever do 100 miles I have got to learn to pace myself!