What are common signs of overtraining in rowers and how should a Level 2 coach respond?

• A. Increased appetite and weight gain
• B. Fatigue, decreased performance, irritability, poor sleep; adjust load and emphasize recovery
• C. Constant energy and improved mood
• D. No red flags; continue current plan

Answer: (B)

Overtraining shows up when training stress outweighs recovery, especially in endurance athletes like rowers. The signs listed—persistent fatigue, a drop in performance, irritability, and poor sleep—point to the body's energy and nervous system being taxed beyond what rest can restore. A Level 2 coach should respond by dialing back the training load and prioritizing recovery. This means reducing weekly volume or intensity, adding rest days or very easy sessions, and emphasizing sleep, nutrition, and hydration. Monitor how the rower feels day to day, use simple checks like perceived exertion and resting heart rate, and keep some light, non-fatiguing rows as appropriate. Reassess after a short period and adjust gradually as recovery improves. If symptoms linger, seek medical input and adjust the plan accordingly. The other options don’t fit overtraining patterns: they describe energy and mood that aren’t reduced, or a plan that ignores potential warning signs.