Well I'm back on the erg again. Started rowing on the erg at the end of the summer with the aim of having a go at the BIRC however I had a prolapse disc in my back that put me out for around six weeks. I was then away on a course for most of November and December. That was followed by a couple of co...

I'll try and put up a before pic at the weekend. Don't have any after pics I'm afraid.

After many hours over several evenings the pinata that I've been building was finally finished last night. I called him Pico and he was happy to be here, sadly he has now gone to the local cub pack that my wife helps run. I'm sure he will enjoy the Mexican night right up to the point where 30 little...

Whenever I row for more than ten minutes my right foot goes numb. Anyone know how to prevent this?

Managed 2500m on sunday not feeling very well. Yesterday and today did 5k rows at around 22spm taking about 19.5 mins each. Felt good after both rows just a couple of blisters. Only problem I had was my right foot going to sleep after 4k on both rows. A new experience for me today was finding out ho...

Motorhead=LOUD
Mettalica=Amazing live, hit and miss albums

Hmmm maybe it wasn't the best day to start this thread

After nearly ten years of waiting and working for four different companies I have finally been given the chance to go on an aerodrome course to become an air traffic controller. It will mean lots of hard studying and I may have to miss out on the BIRC, but I'm really looking forward to it.

Not yet started the pete plan as I managed to sprain my knee playing squash last saturday. Today is the first pain free day so going to give a 5K a go tomorrow morning. Not sure if I'm going to be able to enter the BIRC now as I will be on a course for work during november and december and may need ...

Thanks for the replies. Was wondering what a good stroke rate for 2K is (wasn't sure if 28spm was fast enough). I will be interested to see how my distance work improves as that has been a week point of mine in the past in other sports. So far 5K is a long row for me.

Set my first 2K time since starting at the gym again. Was feeling a little ropey before hand but was quite happy with the result of 6:56.5. Not really sure what drag factor to set and stroke rate to choose. My only plan was to row at around 1:45 splits and try to get under 7 mins. I set the drag fac...

Think I will be interested in a long sleve top. Not sure if I'm brave enough for an all in one

Right. Going to try and set a 2K time this evening and start on the beginner pete plan tomorrow. Now just need to decide if I'm brave enough to wear FS all in one or maybe wimp out and get the tshirt (any idea when the next group order is going through?).

Thanks for all the prompt and encouraging replies. I would be happy with a time around 7 minutes at the moment as my PB was set several years ago and I have been a lazy arse since then. Think I will enter if it doesn't conflict with work.

Wondering if I should enter the BIRC as something to aim for. Only recently started rowing and getting fit again. I know I'm not going to win or anything, but don't want to come last either. Is less than three months enough to prepare or should I wait for one of the smaller events?

Not sure if I'll be competition for you any time soon Jason. You've got a very good 2k time and I'm not very fit at the moment. Would love to go sub 6:30 one day but think that may be a long way off.

Thanks for the welcoming coments. I would like to welcome Martin and Silverback now that I'm not the new boy anymore. Started to log my meters and think this could be a bit addictive although I doubt I'll ever log the totals that some people seem to manage.

Just thought I'd say hello as I've just signed up. Tried a bit of rowing at the gym about four years ago and enjoyed it until I got injured playing volleyball wich took about 6 months to get over. Unfortunately I became lazy and have done very little exercise in the last three and a half years. So t...