Question regarding Marathon rows... from a newbie

[davidsgift]

I am just getting back to rowing after being away for almost 3 years. In the past week I've given my Model B a good cleaning and purchased a retrofit PM3 monitor (hoping the programed workouts and fish game will give me more motivation). Anyway... I've never really progressed beyond ameture status, but am really excited to train and learn!

My question regarding marathons are what are normal splits? Even when I was rowing every day, I needed a water break after every 3K - 5K. Is it normal to take breaks during a marathon? Ok.. I know it's a stupid question... bear with me, I'm new!

[Citroen]

Even when I was rowing every day, I needed a water break after every 3K - 5K. Is it normal to take breaks during a marathon? Ok.. I know it's a stupid question... bear with me, I'm new!

42K @ 2:07.9 is three hours - that's a long time on the erg. If you want to break that into 5K chunks, that seems like a sensible thing to do (although I normally would do in in 7K chunks). The drink stop only takes 30 secs. Handle down, shuffle bum, drink, shuffle, handle up and row.

There's nothing that says you must row it straight through. Start well hydrated.

What I would say is plan to stop, stop at the planned points. If you take unstructured random stops you'll find that a) the drink doesn't quench your thirst and b) you have to stop more and more frequently. It's like eating a hot (Madras or Vindaloo) curry, you don't gain by drinking you just make the experience worse.

[davidsgift]

Thanks for the advice. I can't believe how out of shape I've gotten... I'm really looking forward to building up and planning my first marathon... hopefully in a few months. I will keep your advice on water in mind as I train.

Thanks again!