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 L$$min⁻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.