============================================================ INDOOR ROWING NEWSLETTER #56 ======================== 15-March-2002 ======================== _________________________________________________ C O N T E N T S 1. Fastest. Woman. Ever. 2. Indoor Rowing Grand Prix 3. Tel's Tales #1 4. PPP healthcare National Indoor Rowing Marathon 5. Concept Ranking 6. Training Camp 7. Tel's Tales #2 8. World Indoor Rowing Championship 9. 2002 PPP healthcare British Indoor Rowing Championship 10. Forthcoming Races and Events 11. Education Courses **************************** Feedback Back Issues Subscription Information ________________________________________________________________ ========================================================= Fastest. Woman. Ever. ========================================================= At the World IRC in Boston, New Zealand Team Manager Gary Reid confidently predicted that Georgina Evers-Swindell would be the first woman ever to go under 6:30. At the time, it seemed like he was just shooting the breeze, especially as Georgina was going into the Women's Final as second favourite on most people's cards. All hail the Reid, however, as not only did she go on to win the title in emphatic fashion, rowing down the Dutch world record holder Hurnet Dekkers, but earlier today she went on to comprehensively demolish the world record. Rowing in the New Zealand Team Selection Trials, Georgina chopped almost two seconds off the old mark to set a new time of 6:28.7. Still only 23 years old, the mind boggles as to how good she can get. For full British and World records, go to http://www.concept2.co.uk/v4/brit_world_records.htm ========================================================= Indoor Rowing Grand Prix ========================================================= The first Indoor Rowing Grand Prix series has now finished. Despite the odd bit of teething trouble, everything seems to have been pretty successful overall, and hopefully in future years it can only grow. The series will definitely be returning later on in the year, with a couple of minor alterations to the events and scoring system. As always, we welcome any feedback, especially suggested improvements. If you've got anything, just drop it in an e-mail to webmaster@concept2.co.uk. Welsh IRC results: http://www.concept2.co.uk/gp/results.php Overall Grand Prix Standings: http://www.concept2.co.uk/gp/standing.php Grand Prix Medallists: http://www.concept2.co.uk/gp/final_standings.php Welsh IRC ---------------------------------------------- Report by Mike Hnatiw (International Team Manager and Event Organiser): What a terrific culmination to the Grand Prix series at the Life Fitness sponsored Welsh Indoor Rowing Championship at the David Lloyd Leisure Centre in Cardiff. Just over 300 entries were received, well over double the previous best, with many Grand Prix series contenders looking to consolidate their positions together with a sprinkling of Welsh athletes hoping to put a marker down, the Commonwealth Regatta later in the year in mind. An incredible 3 new British records were broken, namely Graham Price, Newark (Men's 40-49 Lwt) with 6:21:4; Philip Stubley of Leeds (60-69 Lwt) 6:58:6 and Gill Wallis, Forest of Dean (Women's 60-69 Lwt) in a time of 8:34:8. If anybody deserved a medal I'm sure Nigel Mayglothling would have carried away a gold for his services to commentating. He continues to impress and amaze both competitors and spectators alike with his knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport. No doubt this helped contribute to many of the numerous records and PBs being broken on the day. On a personal note I would like to record my thanks to Nigel for all his effort, not only in this event, but also in the earlier rounds of the series. Back to the racing, and following on from their success at the World Championship, Chris Rushton and Nik Fleming continued their rivalry, with Chris just managing to hold onto the Open title with a time of 6:02:3. Nik had the consolation of recording the fastest time of the day of 6:00:3 in winning the 30-39 title. Both were incredible considering they must have still been suffering from the effects of jet lag. The fastest woman of the day brought some local Welsh success, with Michaela Erskine of Cardiff University recording a time of 7:09:1 in winning the U23 Hwt title. This was one of six Welsh successes, with the Women's national rowing team to the forefront with wins in the Open event courtesy of Kathryn Dacey, Sarah Hayward in the 30-39 and Kirsten Brooks in the Open Lwt event. Richard Wilder, presently trialling for the Great Britain National Rowing Team, having been discovered at last year's championship having never set foot in a boat before that, took the Open Lightweight title and little Jason King from Mumbles Rowing Club won the Junior under 14 title to uphold some male Welsh pride. Although I might have a slight bias, a number of those Welsh Squad athletes who entered all performed admirably, with a healthy number of placings in most of the senior events. Finally a big thank you to the Concept 2 staff for establishing the Grand Prix series. There is certainly a healthy demand for this form of competition and, not forgetting all the weeks of hard work behind each event in the series, I have no doubt the series will only grow. So here's to 2002/03, well done everybody who competed and I look forward to welcoming you all back to Cardiff next year at a bigger and better event in early December. Full results for the Welsh IRC can now be found at http://www.concept2.co.uk/gp/results.php Overall Grand Prix Winners ---------------------------------------------- Name, Club, Fastest Time, Points Men J18 Hwt: Adrian Blair, Welbeck College, 6:51.2, 39 J18 Lwt: David Bray, Hereford School, 7:24.7, 35 U23 Hwt: Richard Wilkinson, Loughborough Uni., 6:08.9, 45 U23 Lwt: John Astrup, Mapledurham HC, 6:31.2, 42 Open Hwt: Chris Rushton, Royce's Gym, 5:58.7, 45 Open Lwt: Simon French, Milcars, 6:38.2, 36 30-39 Hwt: Nik Fleming, Big Bird's Gym, 5:58.0, 45 30-39 Lwt: Duncan Paterson, Better Bodies Northampton, 6:26.1, 45 40-49 Hwt: John Dixon, Bannatynes HC, 6:09.5, 45 40-49 Lwt: Graham Price, Newark RC, 6:21.4, 45 50-59 Hwt: Tom Hinsby, Sondenborg Roklub, 6:32.7, 42 50-59 Lwt: Roger Prowse, Gurnard Pines IoW, 6:47.1, 45 60-69 Hwt: Pat Connell, Chirk LC, 7:38.3, 42 60-69 Lwt: Philip Stubley, Bodyline Leeds, 6:58.6, 45 Women J18 Hwt: Eimear Moran, Offaly RC, 7:07.6, 15 J18 Lwt: Zosia Rutkowski, Northwich RC, 7:58.8, 15 U23 Hwt: Liz Hodgett, Loughborough Uni., 7:45.6, 33 U23 Lwt: Becky Thorpe, Nottingham Uni., 7:27.3, 45 Open Hwt: Laura Wheeler, Nuneaton, 7:55.1, 18 Open Lwt: Becky Thorpe, Nottingham Uni., 7:29.2, 42 30-39 Hwt: Laura Myers, Royal Berkshire Club, 7:21.9, 42 30-39 Lwt: Michelle Parsons, Old Wrecks IRC, 7:24.2, 45 40-49 Hwt: Kay Hughes, Southsea RC, 7:46.9, 42 40-49 Lwt: Paula Risk, Power Mill Manchester, 8:28.9, 30 50-59 Hwt: Anna Bailey, One on One Malvern, 7:09.0, 45 50-59 Lwt: Janet Parker, One on One Worcs., 8:06.7, 45 60-69 Lwt: Gillian Wallis, Cinderford Glos., 8:34.8, 15 ========================================================= Tel's Tales ========================================================= Knowledge is power they say. Which must be quite annoying when you win 15-1 (with William G. Stewart) and only get a poxy glass bowl. You'd expect, at least, the fealty of a small Caribbean island. Anyway, on the off chance that 'they' are right, you might want to fill in any holes in your knowledge by sending an e-mail to tels-tales@concept2.co.uk. Treve Edwards: I am a great convert to indoor rowing, from about 12 months back, so much so that I am now a qualified instructor and hope to go on the crew rowing course in March. Recently I coached in a nationally known sports centre and I help my friends in my own local health club. I went to the championships in Birmingham and was most impressed by everything. My question springs from that meeting. I was amazed by the raw power of Andy Ripley and his superb fitness and strength. I was also amazed by his technique, which broke all the normal coaching rules and meant that at the end of the drive Andy was almost completely on his back with the handle under his chin. I've tried this and it does increase one's speed but probably only someone of Andy's power could cope with this for more than a minute or two. My students watched in wonder! My point is this: should indoor rowing try to replicate water rowing in reality so that there is a natural transition to the water? Or should indoor rowing be a sport or activity in its own right? I've always thought the former but as a former athlete and coach I was quite happy to dispense with training manuals if necessary, the end product being the important factor. Terry O'Neill: Although indoor rowing did start out as a way for rowers to train when conditions prohibited outside rowing, it certainly has moved on from that to a recognised sport in its own right. This doesn't mean we have to re-invent the wheel and we can use tried and tested training methods and technique. To your specific point about Andy. In a rowing boat, the longer the stroke the longer the motive force is applied and therefore the faster the boat can travel. This can be achieved by variations to the gearing, which is done by changing the relationship of the oar length to the position of the axis. With indoor rowing the physics are the same in that the longer the stroke the greater the force applied to the flywheel and therefore the faster it will spin. Unlike rowing in a boat there is not the facility to change the stroke length via a gearing mechanism and so it has to be achieved by increasing the range of movement of the body. Outside of the recommended range of movement, however, the efficiency of the muscles drops off greatly. What the monitor does not show is the cost of effort, it only records the force applied to the flywheel. The technique that we recommend is the most efficient way to row. For the majority of people the Ripley variation would not work as the cost of effort would be greater than the benefits. Having said that, there are always exceptions to every rule and Andy Ripley is an incredible athlete. ========================================================= PPP healthcare National Indoor Rowing Marathon ========================================================= With under a month to go until the first PPP healthcare National Indoor Rowing Marathon, it's time for a superfast précis of the event. Marathon, 42,195 metres, 14th of April, same day as Flora London Marathon, anywhere you like, send in entry on Ranking form by Ranking deadline (see below). Remember, if you don't fancy having a crack at the full marathon, there's also its mini-me relation the 21,097 metre half-marathon to have a go at. Even if you've not got the chance to put enough training in before the 14th to manage the full version, you might still be able to have a fair old go at it's younger brother. Alternatively, you can try either of the distances as part of a four-person team. More details, full rules and some tips and advice can be found at http://www.concept2.co.uk/v4/marathon.htm ========================================================= Concept Ranking ========================================================= Back in the days of old when knights were bold and pointy-hatted women gazed longingly out of towers saying "Prithee, fair sirrah", the only way to determine how totally nails somebody was, was by examining the tourney boards displayed at the end of jousting tournaments. In certain pubs in Lincoln the same thing still happens, although they tend just to chalk the names up next to the dartboard nowadays. For most of us, however, the only way to see where we stand in the pecking order is the annual Concept Ranking, a humungous compendium of times from rowers all over the country. The deadline for this year's edition is April 30th. There are five individual events (2,000 metres, 5,000 metres, 10,000 metres, half-marathon and full marathon) and three team events (half-marathon, full marathon and 100,000 metres) so if you've not yet chalked them all up, best get cracking. To enter a time you've got two options: either sign up for the on-line world ranking (http://rowing.concept2.com/sranking/home.asp) or, alternatively, fill in an official entry form, available at http://www.concept2.co.uk/v4/ranking.htm or ranking@concept2.co.uk or 0115 945 5522. ========================================================= Training Camp ========================================================= There are still a number of places left on this year's Indoor Rowing Training Camps. Taking place once again at Lake Banyoles near Barcelona, in the midst of some of the finest scenery around, this year's camps are from 28th September to the 5th October and the 5th October to the 12th October. The first camp is open to people of all abilities, while the second one aimed at a higher standard and is pretty tuff enuff. Both camps cost 499.00 pounds, which includes flights, accommodation, food and bike hire. To book a place, you need a 100 pound deposit, refundable if you cancel up to six weeks before the date of departure. For more information or to book a place, contact Concept 2 on info@concept2.co.uk or 0115 945 5522. ========================================================= Tel's Tales #2 ========================================================= Nick Herbert: I'm experiencing a slight aching in the wrists. Is this to do with technique or fatigue? I have been following a 12 week weight loss programme, which has been going well. There is no aching while rowing. Terry O'Neill: The wrists are involved in feathering the oar when rowing on water but on the rowing machine they should remain flat. If it is the rowing that is causing the ache, it can only be because they are being stretched. There are some exercises you can do that will strengthen the wrists giving them greater support. You will need a round piece of wood like a broom handle. In the middle tie a piece of string or cord about one metre long. On the other end of the string, tie a weight of around about five kilograms. Turn the handle so that the string winds itself around, raising the weight off of the floor and then lower, with the palms of the hand pointing down. Another exercise is with a tennis ball held in the hands, the palms facing each other. Now turn the ball clockwise with the left hand and anticlockwise with the right as if you were opening a jar. Then change direction as if you were closing the jar. These are simple exercise that can be done at any time and, along with the rowing, will strengthen your wrists, which should solve the problem. If it persists, consult your doctor. ========================================================= World Indoor Rowing Championship ========================================================= Just a final, quick mop up to the recent World Indoor Rowing Championship in Boston. 500 metre split times for most 2002 World IRC competitors can now be found on the results page (http://www.concept2.co.uk/wirc/results.php) for each race. There are split times for everybody who was wired up to the race system which, in effect, means there are times for everyone apart from people who competed in an Open event and didn't make the final. We've also added a photo gallery at http://www.concept2.co.uk/wirc/photographs.php. Simply click on one of the thumbnails to see a full size picture. If still photographs don't scroll your nurd sufficiently, you can now find archived video footage of the championship at http://rowing.concept2.com/sranking/webcast/archive_broadband.asp, including the Men's 30-39 Hwt race. You'll probably need a good web connection to get the most out of these. ========================================================= 2002 PPP healthcare British Indoor Rowing Championship ========================================================= Richard Sellman: "Having missed last year's championship in Birmingham due to injury, I have now started to train for the 2002 event. "Can you tell me when the date is and when entries will be accepted. I am concerned that it may be the same weekend as last year as I will be on my honeymoon and my fiancé seems to think it unreasonable to come home early." The date for this year's British Indoor Rowing Championship is November 17th and you can already enter on-line at http://www.concept2.co.uk/birc/entryform.php. Interestingly, arguments over indoor rowing championships were the fifth biggest cause of divorce in Britain last year, so we suggest you check any prenuptial contract closely. ========================================================= Forthcoming Races and Events ========================================================= If you've got an event you'd like adding to the Event Calendar (http://www.concept2.co.uk/v4/calendar.htm) then e-mail webmaster@concept2.co.uk Name: Doncaster Dome IRC Date: 07/04/02 Location: Doncaster Dome, Doncaster Leisure Park Distance: 2,000 metres Organiser: Lindsay Rust Contact: T: 01302 370777 E: lindsayr@the-dome.co.uk Other: Entries close 17th March. More information and an entry form can be found at http://www.drcweb.com/dirc/ Name: PPP healthcare Indoor Rowing Marathon Date: 14/04/02 Location: Nationwide Distance: Marathon (42,195 metres), Half Marathon (21,097 metres) Organiser: Concept 2 Contact: T: 0115 945 5522 E: info@concept2.co.uk Other: Entry Form available on-line at http://www.concept2.co.uk/v4/marathon.htm Name: Scottish IRC Date: 27/04/02 Location: Ryan Centre, Stranraer Distance: 2,000 metres (J14>) 1,000 metres (J12) 500 metres (J10). Organiser: David Hislop Contact: T: 01776 703535 E: davidh@dumgal.gov.uk Other: Entry fee 7.50 pounds (includes T-Shirt) Name: Cambridge IRC Date: 05/05/02 Location: Q-Ton Revolution, Cambridge Distance: 2,000 metres, 5,000 metres Organiser: Nik Fleming Contact: T: 01223 860729 M: 07801 099714 E: fleming.n@ucles.org.uk Name: Norwich IRC Date: 30/06/02 Location: Carrefour Health and Beauty, Norwich Distance: 2,000 metres Organiser: Steve Vyse Contact: T: 01603 748500 E: steve.vyse@tinyworld.co.uk Other: Entry fee 5.00 pounds (includes T-Shirt) ========================================================= Education Courses ========================================================= There are ten instructor courses currently scheduled for this year, either at Gamston Community Centre in Nottingham or Watford Leisure Centre. The dates are: 26th March, Nottingham 25th April, Watford 29th May, Nottingham 13th June, Watford 31st July, Nottingham 29th August, Watford 18th September, Nottingham 31st October, Watford 27th November, Nottingham 19th December, Watford Each instructor course costs 75 pounds and covers everything from technique to coaching skills to Crew Class. The courses are open to everyone, whether individuals wishing to learn more about technique or gym instructors wishing to brush up their skills. For more information on the courses, visit http://www.concept2.co.uk/v4/education.htm. To book a place, contact Concept 2 on 0115 945 5522 or e-mail sales@concept2.co.uk. Alternatively, you can book a place from the C2 Shop at http://www.concept2.co.uk/v4/merchandise.php3 ____________________________________________________FEEDBACK Like what you read? Dislike what you read? Ideas for future newsletters? Spotted a really silly error that would have been picked up by an eight year old pruf-reader? Make sure to tell us at webmaster@concept2.co.uk. Or, of course, you could always say something at our message board: http://www.concept2.co.uk/messageboard.htm. Oh go on. _____________________________________________________BACK ISSUES Revisit past glories by going to http://www.concept2.co.uk/v4/newsletter_index.php3 and checking out back issues of the Indoor Rowing News. New issues are posted on the release date of the following newsletter. _______________________________________________SUBSCRIPTION INFO "I tire of your words": Reply with "unsubscribe" as the header. "Just the one thank you very much": Reply with "multiple" as the header.