Amateur Rowers to Transatlantic Trio Race Winners: A Case Study Describing the Physiological and Psychological Characteristics, Training Adaptations and Race Responses to Ultra‐Endurance Rowing

This case study reports a team of three male (48 ± 12‐year) amateur rowers' physiological and psychological characteristics, training adaptations and responses to an ultra‐endurance rowing race across the Atlantic Ocean. Over 10 months, rowers completed laboratory‐based testing on three occasions (8 months pre‐race, 1 month pre‐race and 1 month post‐race), as well as self‐reporting fortnightly training metrics and monthly resilience, challenge/threat appraisals and mental toughness scores. Compared to baseline, lactate threshold (LT: +28 ± 12 W) and LT turn‐point (LTP: +25 ± 24 W) improved after training. However, maximum power remained unchanged (+3 ± 8 W) and peak oxygen uptake decreased (−0.30 ± 0.22 Lmin −1 ). During training, 54% of sessions were ergometer‐based rowing, 31% strength and conditioning and 15% sea‐based rowing. After 38‐day of transatlantic rowing (∼12‐h per day [3 x 4‐h blocks], per rower), the team finished first in the trio category and sixth overall. Mean body mass was −12.7 ± 2.0 kg (−14 ± 2%) lower at race finish, and rowers self‐reported a range of medical issues during the race (dermatological: 100% incidence, musculoskeletal: 100%, seasickness: 66.7%, mental health: 33.3%, infections: 33.3% and loss of appetite: 33.3%). One month post‐race, cumulative fatigue and inadequate recovery were likely demonstrated by impaired LT (−29 ± 11 W), LTP (−16 ± 27 W) and maximum power (−19 ± 19 W); however, increased resilience, challenge/threat appraisals and mental toughness were reported. A 38‐day transatlantic rowing race requires a considerable training demand for amateur rowers and induces a range of acute medical issues and prolonged cumulative fatigue.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

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