Newbie - Marathon Challenge Question

[jschuman]

I am a rowing newbie (been rowing since November '05) and am interested in participating in the Marathon Challenge. I would like to attempt a half-marathon, as the longest I have ever rowed in one sitting is around 7-8k.

My question is this: Is it acceptable to take a 'break' while attempting the marathon? I briefly read some of the training guidelines and they mentioned the importance of staying hydrated and/or eating a snack. How would one do this without taking at least a small break?

My plan is to set the erg up for the half-marathon distance and then sometime around halfway through take about a 3-5 minute break by simply stepping off the erg. Is this 'acceptable'?

Thanks, I'm sorry if this is a silly question.

Jeff

[Godfried]

Breaks are acceptable.

Just keep the monitor on by pulling once a minute or so during the break
( do a test to see how long your monitor takes to power off ,
a 5 minute break will be too long and you will loose your time ).

And the time of the breaks must be included in the time of the total attempt.

[jschuman]

Thanks! That's exactly what I was looking for.

[jschuman]

I did it! Rowed a half-marathon on Tuesday evening. Not a great time or anything (about a 2:30 pace) but I am happy to have gotten through it.

I popped in Lord of the Rings Return of the King and took a single break (around 3 minutes) at the 10,000meter point. I felt good throughout, but 2 things made it rough for the last 5000 meters or so:
- My butt was hurting (but that was tolerable)
- My hands REALLY hurt. I developed several blisters on each hand and they were really burning towards the end.

I realize that a half-marathon is not that much but this was the longest I ever rowed (by far). I'm contemplating (if my hands recover in time) trying a full marathon at the end of the month.

Jeff