Rowers: Why do you always have a day-long cough after a 2k on the ergs?

Question

After you row 2000 meters on an ergometer, at full power, why is it that you are always coughing for the rest of the day? I've heard that it's because your breathing dries out your throat, but it's not that kind of a cough. It's more of a hacking cough.

Answer 1

You may have really stressed your heart and lungs, and may have tiny amounts of injured lung tissue that is healing.  If it leaks a little while healing, the lungs try to expel it.

lung dryness may cause iritation, too. Be sure to drink afterwards to re-hydrate.  A full power 2k is done at a power rating of 1500-2100 calories an hour, possibly more, even if for only about 6-7 minutes.  Most folks don't burn 200 calories in 30 minutes, let alone in 7 minutes.

Answer 2

because you are sweating in cold weather, which always causes a cold, espesially if you are soaked in water