Increasing endurance/cardio/getting back into shape?

Question

Okay, so I have scoliosis and for the past 5 years have been unable to participate in any sports or physical activities. I recently joined a rowing team, as a coxswain, and am loving it. Today was a rude awakening. Since the current on the river was moving to fast, no boats were allowed out. Instead we ran. Our run was about 3/4 of a mile to one mile warm up, followed by 5 hills (monstrous hills near the boathouse that we must run up and down). Followed by another 2-3 mile jog, another 5 hills and another mile cool-down. I just about died. They didn't make me do the hills, but I could barely make it through the run, let alone keep up with the rowers. Any suggestions as to getting back into shape for the next day we are land-confined?? Please, only serious answers!!!

Answer 1

I was a very competitive long distance runner in the 90's and had thoughts of trying to qualify for the Olympic Trials in the marathon. I worked out twice a day and ran over 100 miles each week.

A friend succeeded in getting me to try distance outrigger canoe paddling (I lived in Hawaii). To learn proper technique I practiced with junior high school students in their boat for a few weeks and felt fine. My cardiovascular system was in awesome shape and the 400 meter sprints we were doing were easy. My first race, a month later was a 29 mile open ocean regatta (with maybe a hundred other boats) with adult paddlers.

It was the most exhausting and humiliating experience! I was dead after about 3 miles. 26 miles later I was barely able to sit up and couldn't walk or even talk.

I learned that cardiovascular fitness in one sport does not always transfer well into another sport. Sometimes it doesn't transfer at all.

Your scoliosis took you away from strenuous physical activity for a long while. Although you may not decide to get into running as a sport you are wise to improve your overall fitness. What you learned recently is that you still have a ways to go.

Try 45-60 minutes of brisk walking every other day. I think you will find that your legs get sore. Your calves, quads and hamstrings. It is best to "walk through" that soreness and continue walking every other day. When you feel ready jog and walk - moving towards a goal of non-stop jogging. Avoid the hills until your body is ready.

You might decide running is fun. Either way it is fairly easy to prepare for your next surprise workout.