Should I lift, too?

Question
I'm a 42 y.o. male in Denver.  I started rowing about 9 months ago and got hooked.  I've been chipping away at my times in all distances and am determined to go sub-7 in the 2K.  I started the 2K at about 8:15.  Right now I'm at 7:08.

My question is about the disparity in my percentile scores on the Concept 2 site and point scores at www.nonathlon.com
Basically, my worst scores are at the shortest distances and get better up to 10,000 meters.  In looking at some of the profiles of much stronger rowers, especially at the shorter distances, it seems they are all much heavier than me.  I'm 6'2" and 187 lbs. (after losing about 20 lbs in the last year or two) and have never been very strong in terms of muscle mass.  So I'm wondering whether it is crucial for me to start lifting some weights in order to get strong enough to go sub-7 and better.  If so, what exercises?
Otherwise, I'm starting to focus on the Pete Plan.

Answer
Hi David: Congratulations on taking up rowing and making great gains on your 2K scores.  Your time is in the 30th percentile for rowers your age.  

Your performance is predictable for someone your size and conditioning.  If you were at your former weight (207 lbs), you'd see your sprint times go down.  It is a known fact that a heavier rower will have a better 2K time over a lighter rower of equal skill and conditioning.  It has to do with momentum or something.

Lifting weights will definitely help your goal of gain muscle weight and increase strength that will enable you to maintain a powerful drive at a higher stroke rate.  I'd recommend you lift heavy weights (i.e., 2 to 3 sets X 8 reps with 70% to 80% of your single rep max.  You can start with the followjng routine:

Bench Press
Lat Pull Down
Seated Rowing
Military Press
Leg Press Machine
Leg extensions
Leg curl machine
Tricep Pulldown
Barbell Curl

Have you tried rowing on the water yet?

Good Luck/AP