Ducks In A Row - Introductions

[[old] loonylady]

<!--QuoteBegin-woolsmith+Nov 21 2005, 10:50 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(woolsmith @ Nov 21 2005, 10:50 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Hey LoonyLady!<br /><br />Welcome to the Ducks!  The C2 rower is addicting, so it won't take too long for you to start piling up those meters.  I got mine mid-May, and I'm JUST about at one million.  I've been focused on that free t-shirt since I got my rower.<br /><br />And the nice thing about being on a virtual team--there's no competition except with yourself.  Any rowing you do just adds to the team total.  <br /><br />Lots of really nice folks on these boards, so don't hesitate to throw out any questions.  They've all been an invaluable resource for me.<br /><br />--Jen, from N. WI and we have lotsa loons up here!  <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br /><br />Hi Jen,<br />Thank you for the welcome. I should have mentioned that I live in the Adirondack Mountains in northern New York state and we have lots of loons here. Since they are a member of the duck family, I decided to use the "loonylady" as my Duck name. <br /><br />I'm aiming for that free t-shirt as well. It is a good goal. I'm trying to do 25,000 to 30,000 meters a week right now so it will take me a while. I find DIAR motivating, too, as I try to pass each person in front of me. Of course, the two I passed yesterday may pass me back today but that's ok. All the more incentive!<br />Carol

[[old] efg]

Hello,<br /><br />I just joined - I never realized there were virtual teams to join! I've been doing the holiday challenge for the past 3 years, and 2 marathons (I like the mugs), but as far as regular rowing goes... well, not so much. I did manage to get a million meter T-shirt after close to 3 years . I've gained 5-10 lbs this year, since I stopped doing ANY regular exercise (busy year in other respects), so I need to get back into some sort of routine. I figured the holiday challenge would be a good place to start.<br /><br />I'm 37, just moved to WA after 19 years in MA. I homeschool my 3 kids. Since I haven't rowed at all this season, I'm going to bring down the team's average meters rowed/individual , but hopefully it will motivate me to do better next season!<br /><br />Emilia

[[old] woolsmith]

Hey Emilia!<br /><br />Welcome back to rowing! Holiday Challenge is a good way to work off the stress and calories of the holiday season, hey? I love those endorphins. <br /><br />Seems like we got a few folks gearing up for the Holiday Challenge, so that'll be great. <br /><br />You did quite a move there, from one coast to the other. Quite a haul, especially when you have 3 children. Again, welcome to the "Pond." <br /><br />And Carol,<br /><br />I know what you mean about the team list--I have a few other ducks that I keep leap-frogging with, but since they're ducks too, it's okay. I don't hafta get my competition feathers all ruffled. I gotta admit though, I'm competitive enough with myself that I don't want to fall tooooo far back, so it is great motivation to keep me doing the meters. Otherwise, with the way I procrastinate.... <br /><br />But I *am* motivated to hit that one million mark. We'll see if I can hit that mark today. I have about 19k to go to do that. Might do it in two tries...depends on the time (procrastination!) factor. Otherwise, I'll finish 'er up tomorrow. <br /><br />Have a great holiday season, everyone!<br /><br />--Jen in snowy, soon to be VERY windy WI.

[[old] Andrea]

Hi Ducks!<br /><br />I'm a newbie to rowing...we just got our C2 right after Thanksgiving. I discovered the Ducks today and decided that I wanted to be a part of this group! I've been reading the posts tonight and sharing them with my husband, and frankly we're both in awe of some of the stories that have been shared here. I hope to have my own success story to contribute someday, along with lots of meters. <br /><br />I'm a 39 yo (40 next month) work-at-home mom with a preschooler and a toddler that keep me busy from sun up til sun down. I was always active and fit in my younger years until a horse-riding accident left me with a broken vertebra and persistent back problems. After that the pounds started coming on. I've had mixed success getting the pounds off and keeping them off. So when my husband started talking about getting a rowing machine, I was open to the idea...I thought it couldn't hurt to try...but I had no idea that I would love it so much!<br /><br />Some days I turn on music while rowing, and other days I row in silence and enjoy the zen-like meditative state that comes from focusing only on the strokes and the meter counter in the PM3 display. Rowing has quickly become a necessary part of my day. It provides time for me to work up a sweat and relax at the same time. And I love the fact that there are other women out there just like me rowing at home and juggling kids, job, home, and health. Thanks for sharing your stories. They really do help newbies like me!

[[old] sirrobin]

Welcome to the Ducks, Andrea! There is an article about Ducks in a Row (DIAR) in the latest Concept 2 Update magazine. I just learned some new stuff about our group in there. And welcome to rowing. I don't know how some of you ladies do it with toddlers and infants at home. I have a 15-year-old so I can leave her alone to do my thing, but when she was little, I couldn't do much for myself. Maybe it was just my helecopter hovering tendancies, but no matter. I am still in awe of you!<br />Robin

[[old] billandmargaret]

Welcome, Andrea and Emilia!<br /><br />I'm a 44yo stay-at-home mom with one preschooler and 3 girls, ages 7-10, whom I'm homeschooling for the first time this year. I relate to the difficulty of squeezing in exercise while keeping everyone on track and avoiding WWIII. It's a triumph to row any meters, regardless of speed. It's hard but it sets an example for them to make health a priority too.<br /><br />Happy rowing!<br /><br />Margaret

[[old] Canada Goose]

Margaret,<br /><br />Don't worry, it does get a little easier as the kids get older. I homeschool my two kids ages 13 and 10, and they never interrupt my rows any more. They used to always start arguing as soon as I sat down on the machine! No wonder it took me so long to get my first million! Now they even screen my phone calls when I am rowing. My poor sister was trying to call long distance for several days in a row, but they just told her that Mom was rowing and wasn't to be disturbed! <br /><br />Shannon

[[old] Andrea]

<!--QuoteBegin-sirrobin+Dec 7 2005, 03:09 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(sirrobin @ Dec 7 2005, 03:09 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I don't know how some of you ladies do it with toddlers and infants at home. [right] <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />Oh, it doesn't happen unless they are both asleep, so occasionally I get to row in the afternoon, but mostly it's at night or very early in the morning. They are both very interested in the machine, and I'm concerned that one of them will come up behind me and put their little fingers on the track. OUCH!

[[old] egibson]

Hi, I am Erin from Burke, VA and I just joined Ducks in a Row this evening. I am 35 years old and have a six year old son and a 4 year old daughter. I have a Concept II rower that I share with my husband. I have been rowing off and on for about 3 months. Some days I really love rowing and other days I really have to push myself to even sit on the rower. I look forward to getting some good pointers from all you ladies on how to stick with it!!

[[old] woolsmith]

<!--QuoteBegin-egibson+Dec 12 2005, 08:54 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(egibson @ Dec 12 2005, 08:54 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Hi, I am Erin from Burke, VA and I just joined Ducks in a Row this evening.  I am 35 years old and have a six year old son and a 4 year old daughter. I have a Concept II rower that I share with my husband.  I have been rowing off and on for about 3 months.  Some days I really love rowing and other days I really have to push myself to even sit on the rower.  I look forward to getting some good pointers from all you ladies on how to stick with it!! <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />Hi there, Erin!<br /><br />Welcome! This is a great forum for keeping the motivation up for rowing! Seems like there's been some good discussion about setting some reasonable goals, then finding a good way to reward yourself when hit the goals. <br /><br />I think an important thing is to not get burned out--so I like to include some variety in my exercise plan. And it seems to help to have something else to do while you're rowing, like watching TV, a DVD, listening to a radio or some kind of music. And some days, I just don't have the oomph (or time) to do a long row, so a short one's all right, too! On days when I know I need to do a workout, but just don't feel like it (and I am a GREAT procrastinator), I promise myself to row at least ten minutes. Usually once I get going just to do that little bit, I usually end up doing more just because I'm finally up and moving.<br /><br />And there are other days where I can kick butt with speed, and still other days I feel like I could row all day but the speed just isn't there.... I guess variety even in your rowing workouts would even help, and the C2 website has all kinds of info on workouts to try--like using intervals, long rowing (gearing up for a half or a full marathon) and shorter workouts, etc.<br /><br />I think rowing in the morning or at least earlier in the day is better than evening, because at least for me, then I don't have as many excuses not to row, and I can't "run out of time" that way. But I do some evening rows, too. It's just that more often than not, I end up not rowing if I plan to row in an evening.<br /><br />Maybe if you involve your children, that will help? I know of some folks who have "rowed across their state" with their families using the ergs, and you can map out your progress on a real state map. Could be fun, a good learning experience, and gets everyone to exercise. Some folks do rotations--row for a while, lift weights, jump rope, then erg again....<br /><br />Now, I don't have kids, so I have an advantage from that standpoint. Probably some other folks with kids will get on her with ideas. Hope this helps.<br /><br />Are you doing the Holiday Challenge?<br /><br />--Jen in WI

[[old] tjod]

<!--QuoteBegin-woolsmith+Dec 14 2005, 06:03 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(woolsmith @ Dec 14 2005, 06:03 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--><!--QuoteBegin-egibson+Dec 12 2005, 08:54 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(egibson @ Dec 12 2005, 08:54 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Hi, I am Erin from Burke, VA and I just joined Ducks in a Row this evening.  I am 35 years old and have a six year old son and a 4 year old daughter. I have a Concept II rower that I share with my husband.  I have been rowing off and on for about 3 months.  Some days I really love rowing and other days I really have to push myself to even sit on the rower.  I look forward to getting some good pointers from all you ladies on how to stick with it!! <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />...<br /> I know of some folks who have "rowed across their state" with their families using the ergs, and you can map out your progress on a real state map. <br />...<br /><br />--Jen in WI <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />My son gave me the idea of "rowing rivers". I'm running this list from the shortest to the longest and I'm about halfway down the River Jordan at this point. I just started rowing last month so for now I row downstream to save energy and practicve my technique. Scenery helps too. <br /><br />River <br />Length (km)<br /> <br />Nile <br />6,690<br /> <br />Amazon <br />6,300<br /> <br />Chang (Yangtse) <br />5,526<br /> <br />Huang (Yellow) <br />4,669<br /> <br />Ob-Irtysh <br />5,411<br /> <br />Amur <br />4,416<br /> <br />Lena <br />4,400<br /> <br />Congo <br />4,374<br /> <br />Mekong <br />4,184<br /> <br />Niger <br />4,168<br /> <br />Yenisey <br />4,093<br /> <br />Missouri <br />4,088<br /> <br />Parana <br />3,999<br /> <br />Mississippi <br />3,766<br /> <br />Murray-Darling <br />3,718<br /> <br />Volga <br />3,685<br /> <br />Purus <br />3,380<br /> <br />Madeira <br />3,240<br /> <br />Sao Francisco <br />3,199<br /> <br />Yukon <br />3,187<br /> <br />Rio Grande <br />3,058<br /> <br /> <br />Brahmaputra <br />1,800<br /> <br />Indus <br />1,800<br /> <br />Danube <br />1,776<br /> <br />Japura <br />1,750<br /> <br />Euphrates <br />1,700<br /> <br />Zambezi <br />1,700<br /> <br />Tocantins <br />1,677<br /> <br />Orinoco <br />1,600<br /> <br />Paraguay <br />1,584<br /> <br />Amu <br />1,578<br /> <br />Ural <br />1,575<br /> <br />Ganges <br />1,560<br /> <br />Salween <br />1,500<br /> <br />Arkansas <br />1,460<br /> <br />Colorado, AZ <br />1,450<br /> <br />Dnieper <br />1,420<br /> <br />Negro <br />1,400<br /> <br />Syr <br />1,370<br /> <br />Irrawaddy <br />1,337<br /> <br />Orange <br />1,300<br /> <br />Red <br />1,290<br /> <br />Brazos <br />1,280<br /> <br />Columbia <br />1,240<br /> <br />Don <br />1,224<br /> <br />Peace <br />1,210<br /> <br />Xi <br />1,200<br /> <br />Tigris <br />1,180<br /> <br />Angara <br />1,151<br /> <br />Songhua <br />1,150<br /> <br />Snake <br />1,040<br /> <br />Mackenzie <br />1,025<br /> <br />Churchill, Man. <br />1,000<br /> <br />Pilcomayo <br />1,000<br /> <br />Uruguay <br />1,000<br /> <br />Platte <br />990<br /> <br />Ohio <br />981<br /> <br />Magdalena <br />956<br /> <br />Pecos <br />926<br /> <br />Canadian <br />906<br /> <br />Dniester <br />877<br /> <br />Fraser <br />850<br /> <br />Dvina, North <br />824<br /> <br />Rhine <br />820<br /> <br />Ottawa <br />790<br /> <br />Elbe <br />724<br /> <br />Gambia <br />700<br /> <br />Wisla <br />675<br /> <br />Tennessee <br />652<br /> <br />Dvina, West <br />634<br /> <br />Loire <br />634<br /> <br />Tajo, Tagus <br />626<br /> <br />Albany <br />610<br /> <br />Back, N.W.T. <br />605<br /> <br />Tisza <br />600<br /> <br />Meuse <br />580<br /> <br />Oder <br />567<br /> <br />Ebro <br />565<br /> <br />Red River of N. <br />545<br /> <br />Churchill, Que. <br />532<br /> <br />Rhone <br />505<br /> <br />Seine <br />496<br /> <br />Kootenay <br />485<br /> <br />Bug, Western <br />481<br /> <br />Weser <br />454<br /> <br />Drava <br />447<br /> <br />Saguenay <br />434<br /> <br />St. John <br />418<br /> <br />Nelson <br />410<br /> <br />Po <br />405<br /> <br />Rio Roosevelt <br />400<br /> <br />Garonne <br />357<br /> <br />Marne <br />326<br /> <br />Tiber <br />252<br /> <br />Thames <br />236<br /> <br />Shannon <br />230<br /> <br />Jordan <br />200<br /> <br />Rio de la Plata <br />150<br /><br /><br /><br />

[[old] holladay]

Rowing rivers! <br />Thank your son for me (how old is he?)<br />My daughter is 5 and I can see us with the atlas out on the floor!<br />Excellent idea!<br /><br />Susan aka Wood Duck

[[old] tjod]

<!--QuoteBegin-holladay+Dec 15 2005, 08:43 AM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(holladay @ Dec 15 2005, 08:43 AM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Rowing rivers! <br />Thank your son for me (how old is he?)<br />My daughter is 5 and I can see us with the atlas out on the floor!<br />Excellent idea!<br /><br />Susan aka Wood Duck <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />He's 30-something. 8-)) Technically, he's my stepson, but I have no other kids so he and his sister are my "kids" too. He came all grown, educated, married, and is now waiting for (step)grandson #1. Maybe I will be done with a few more rivers by that time.<br />

[[old] efg]

I love the rivers! Do you row the actual length (meter for meter) or do you have a quicker method (like 1 meter rowed = 1 kilometer of river)? I'll see what my kids think of this idea - I'm always trying to find ways to get them more interested in geography. I can see myself having to row around the world, to both poles, down the Amazon.... The possibilities are endless!<br /><br />Emilia

[[old] tjod]

<!--QuoteBegin-efg+Dec 15 2005, 10:43 AM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(efg @ Dec 15 2005, 10:43 AM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I love the rivers!  Do you row the actual length (meter for meter) or do you have a quicker method (like 1 meter rowed = 1 kilometer of river)?  I'll see what my kids think of this idea - I'm always trying to find ways to get them more interested in geography.  I can see myself having to row around the world, to both poles, down the Amazon....  The possibilities are endless!<br /><br />Emilia <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />I just tick off each one as I reach the right distance. Google Maps or Google Earth can give a lot of location info as well as the surrounding areas.