6K Rowing Time Analysis: Performance Insights for a Top Canadian Program Athlete

Question
Hey, I was wondering what I look like on a larger scale, I row with a group of
guys who win Canadian Schoolboys consistently and we are considered to be
one of the top HS rowing programs in Canada if not North America.  We train
absurdly hard with 13 workouts a week and all the guys are pulling great
scores, but I really don't know how I do outside of the dungeon we row in.  I
right now have a 1:52.5 on my 6k, I'm 16 and 140 lbs, can you give me a
general idea.  Also, is 13 times too much?

Answer
Hi Josh: If my math is correct, you are pulling a 22:30.  Using the Concept II Online World rankings, here's the breakout for 15-17 year old lightweight men:

Average Time: 23:28.6

PERCENTILES
90th    75th    50th    25th
21:38.2 22:15.7 23:10.1 24:30.9

I'd guess you are in the Top-30%.  So I'd say the boys in the dungeon fare pretty well against the "general population."

Thirteen workouts is a lot, but it all depends on what the workouts are.  For a typical college rower training for the spring season, he should be lifting 3-4 times a week, running (or stairs) 3 times a week and rowing (either erg or on-water 6 times a week) with total rest on Sunday.  So if you are just doing 13 erg sessions a week, you are wearing yourself out and you and your gang need to reduce that number while increasing your weights and cardio workouts.

Good Luck/AP