Ducks In A Row - Introductions

[old] Rhody · Post by **[old] Rhody** » December 17th, 2005, 6:17 pm

Hi everyone! I just joined DIAR. I I have been rowing off and on for a couple of years, my husband gave me a C2 for Christmas a couple of years ago. I always seemed to go through spurts when I was good, then I would "fall off the boat" for a while. This past November I decided it was time to get back on and get serious, and so that's what I did. I picked it up again right before the HC began, and my goal became to reach the 100,000 mark, which I hit the other day. I doubt that it's realistic to hit 200,000, but there will be more challenges to come! This afternoon I made by first 10K, so I was excited about that. Only came in at 54:58 the 87% mark, but I figure that's better than not doing it at all. I am 46, overweight and struggling with the issues that go along with hormonal changes. It's so much fun! I decided that it's time to really get serious about my health. I have been browsing the different forums and decided that DIAR might be the place for me. So I have added my meters to your team--Merry Christmas! I live near Pittsburgh, PA and we do alot of boating on the Allegheny River. My goal is to be able to row on real water, my husband has promised that if I reach my goal weight then he will buy me my own scull. We will see what happens--I'm sure he doesn't think I will really make it. I log in as Rhody, my real name is Martha. Rhody is my dog, she is a black lab who loves to swim, and I must admit, loves to chase ducks in the water. But here's the thing--it makes them swim really fast! So maybe having Rhody on the team will make everyone row really fast! Hope you don't mind! Anyways, I am excited to become part of the team. Go Ducks!

[old] woolsmith · Post by **[old] woolsmith** » December 17th, 2005, 9:19 pm

Welcome to the Duck Pond, Martha/Rhody! Yup, sounds like Rhody would be a good one to keep us moving! We're doing a weight loss challenge on one of the other threads, so if you feel like you want to participate in that, go for it. With C2 offering a Virtual Team January Challenge to help keep people from "falling off the boat," after the Holiday Challenge, some of us decided that would be a good way to combine rowing meters with trying to drop some weight. We're looking at something healthy and not too difficult, like losing around 4-8 pounds in a month. And we're posting some of the ways we're going to try to work in some healthier food and exercise habits--all of which might give us all some ideas to try. Check out that thread, or holler if you have any questions. I'm right there with ya--I'm 48, lost about 40 pounds in the last year but have 50 more to go. I didn't start rowing until last May, and before that I was working out with a NordicTrack x-c skier and a Schwinn Airdyne. But I love this C2 rower! I'd love to try rowing on water, too. I have a goal weight of 135, and if I hit that, I want to get a scull or a wherry. Then I have about 20 pounds more to go after that! The Ducks have been great at helping me stay on track with rowing and working on that ol' weight thing. Lots of great motivation and inspiration I've gotten from the folks on these C2 forums, too. Hang in there! --Jen in WI

[old] Rhody · Post by **[old] Rhody** » December 18th, 2005, 1:20 pm

<table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'>QUOTE(woolsmith @ Dec 17 2005, 08:19 PM)</div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'>Welcome to the Duck Pond, Martha/Rhody! Yup, sounds like Rhody would be a good one to keep us moving! We're doing a weight loss challenge on one of the other threads, so if you feel like you want to participate in that, go for it. With C2 offering a Virtual Team January Challenge to help keep people from "falling off the boat," after the Holiday Challenge, some of us decided that would be a good way to combine rowing meters with trying to drop some weight. We're looking at something healthy and not too difficult, like losing around 4-8 pounds in a month. And we're posting some of the ways we're going to try to work in some healthier food and exercise habits--all of which might give us all some ideas to try. Check out that thread, or holler if you have any questions. I'm right there with ya--I'm 48, lost about 40 pounds in the last year but have 50 more to go. I didn't start rowing until last May, and before that I was working out with a NordicTrack x-c skier and a Schwinn Airdyne. But I love this C2 rower! I'd love to try rowing on water, too. I have a goal weight of 135, and if I hit that, I want to get a scull or a wherry. Then I have about 20 pounds more to go after that! The Ducks have been great at helping me stay on track with rowing and working on that ol' weight thing. Lots of great motivation and inspiration I've gotten from the folks on these C2 forums, too. Hang in there! --Jen in WI </td></tr></table>

[old] Rhody · Post by **[old] Rhody** » December 18th, 2005, 1:27 pm

<table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'>QUOTE(Rhody @ Dec 18 2005, 12:20 PM)</div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'>QUOTE(woolsmith @ Dec 17 2005, 08:19 PM)</div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'>Welcome to the Duck Pond, Martha/Rhody! Yup, sounds like Rhody would be a good one to keep us moving! We're doing a weight loss challenge on one of the other threads, so if you feel like you want to participate in that, go for it. With C2 offering a Virtual Team January Challenge to help keep people from "falling off the boat," after the Holiday Challenge, some of us decided that would be a good way to combine rowing meters with trying to drop some weight. We're looking at something healthy and not too difficult, like losing around 4-8 pounds in a month. And we're posting some of the ways we're going to try to work in some healthier food and exercise habits--all of which might give us all some ideas to try. Check out that thread, or holler if you have any questions. I'm right there with ya--I'm 48, lost about 40 pounds in the last year but have 50 more to go. I didn't start rowing until last May, and before that I was working out with a NordicTrack x-c skier and a Schwinn Airdyne. But I love this C2 rower! I'd love to try rowing on water, too. I have a goal weight of 135, and if I hit that, I want to get a scull or a wherry. Then I have about 20 pounds more to go after that! The Ducks have been great at helping me stay on track with rowing and working on that ol' weight thing. Lots of great motivation and inspiration I've gotten from the folks on these C2 forums, too. Hang in there! --Jen in WI </td></tr></table> </td></tr></table> Hi Jen, Thanks for the welcome! I'm new at this forum thing, I goofed on the first reply, that's why it was blank. I will sign up for the weight loss challenge, thanks for the invite. We are also starting one at work in the new year, a "biggest loser" contest. So maybe I will be doubly motivated! I must admit, I'm a little frustrated right now, I have been rowing religiously since Thanksgiving but have not lost a single pound. Although I haven't made huge changes in my eating habits, I am more conscious of what I eat. I can only believe that the muscle I am building is contributing to the lack of weight loss, and things will start to change soon. Which thread do most of the ducks post on?

[old] woolsmith · Post by **[old] woolsmith** » December 18th, 2005, 1:51 pm

Hi Rhody! The Ducks are everywhere! Naw, I think Ducks post a lot on the Women's Forum just because Ducks in a Row is a women's virtual rowing team, but we post on all the other forums as well--weight loss, training, you name it. DIAR is such a diverse group--there are women who are rowing for health/fitness, some who row competitively, older women, younger women, mothers, grandmothers, business women, women from different countries, etc. And you're right, that ol' scale can lie to you. Between losing fat and gaining muscle, water weight gain that come with muscle development...that scale can only tell you so much. I think the way you feel and the way your clothes fit are better indicators. Exercise does indeed put you more in tune with your body, and you'll start paying closer attention to how it feels and works. Holidays are a time when most folks gain weight, so the fact that you've stayed the same is a good thing, hey? I haven't lost any either, but I've been rowing a lot and eating a lot as well. At this point, I'm happy for the status quo! --Jen

[old] Sparks · Post by **[old] Sparks** » December 19th, 2005, 4:37 pm

Hi everyone! I'm a new Duck, I just joined a couple days ago. My name is Emily and I'm 27. I rowed in college at Virginia Tech for three years. (Starboard) I really loved being on the crew team at Tech, but after I graduated and moved back home I got back into my high school sport - volleyball. I played ball for a few years, but then I had my first child (a sweet little boy) in May 2005, so I had to quit. (Way too much jumping for this new Momma) I figured getting an erg would help me get back into shape, so I ordered mine in October. I love it, it is the best thing I've ever purchased!! I decided to try the Holiday Challenge 200K and it has definitely been the motivation I need. And now I've joined the Ducks and I'm really looking forward to all of the challenges and team stuff. Well, that's my story - it's nice to meet all of y'all Em

[old] woolsmith · Post by **[old] woolsmith** » December 19th, 2005, 5:00 pm

Welcome to the pond, Em! How are you doing with your Holiday Challenge? I just finished mine yesterday, and my t-shirt and hoodie have already been ordered. Krysta Coleman (Swamp Hen) is a fairly new mom, too. Rowing did a nice job helping her to get back to her desired weight. Check out her "Before and After...." thread. --Jen

[old] Sparks · Post by **[old] Sparks** » December 19th, 2005, 5:29 pm

Hi Jen, thanks for the welcome! I'm 36K away from the 200K mark. I'm soooooo excited, I'm going to order both the sweatshirt and the tee, too. It's been pretty difficult finding the time, but my husband has been really supportive - he'll feed the baby while I row, etc. I underestimated the time demands of this week, though, so I'm a little nervous about getting it done. But I'm determined to finish it! I'm glad the Ducks are doing the weight-loss challenge in January, I definitely need it! It takes nine months to put on the weight, and I think it's going to take me a few years to take it off! I hope to row a marathon in April, it will be my first one, so I'm a little nervous about that, too. I will check out Krysta's thread, it's awesome that this forum exists so we can share our stories. Em

[old] tigger2esq · Post by **[old] tigger2esq** » December 20th, 2005, 10:38 pm

brand new duck checking in! I am a 36 yo attorney from Harrisburg PA. I rowed back in college many moons ago and always missed it terribly (It was something I was always very passionate about) every year when my DH would ask me what I wanted for Xmas, one of the things I always said was a C2. Last year out of the blue he totally SHOCKED me with a brand new one already set up and ready to row in our basement. (we have a pretty nice set up down there even though it isnt finished yet. I have cable, a 27' tv and a vcr/dvd! plus a nice treadmill and now a weight bench etc. after getting married in 1997 I put on some very unhappy weight due to my sedentary lifestyle and lots of stress!!! I went on WW and lost 17 lbs took up running in 2001 (and lost another 10) and later that year ran my first 1/2 marathon (and 3 months later ran my second) 6 months after that I got pregnant and had my beautiful baby girl. Ever since then I have been struggling to lose m "baby weight" and find the time to get back into my exercise routine (at one point I was oly about 5 lbs from my goal--but have since slipped back into my bad habits. -- running came back in spurts. even after getting the erg I only used it sporatically (I was embarassed to scroll back through my workout log for 2005... ugh! ) I saw the challenge listed in the c2 newsletter right around thanksgiving and took the plunge. i officially finished my 100k today (with a few extra meters to spare! and I found this forum yesterday. I am really looking forward to some more challenges to keep me rowing till next Christmas! Renee

[old] Krysta Coleman · Post by **[old] Krysta Coleman** » December 20th, 2005, 11:42 pm

Welcome aboard Tigger and Sparks, Tigger - Sounds like a nice set-up in your exercise area. Now you just need a computer and RowPro for your C2! (Yes, I admit I am a shameless promoter of RowPro - I just love rowing with other people online) Hey, Sparks - sounds like we are in the same boat. Are you a stay-at-home Mom too? I've really taken to the indoor rowing since a lot of other sports and activities are impossible for me now. ie: I can't exactly go out in my kayak or play a team sport anymore, now that I am a 24 hr/day caregiver. Hope you have as much fun with it as me. Good to hear your husband is supportive. - Krysta (Swamp Hen)

[old] JaneG · Post by **[old] JaneG** » December 21st, 2005, 9:51 am

Hi everyone... After following this thread for quite a while, I finally joined the ducks last week. It is so exciting to be a part of this enthusiastic group! After running & walking many miles, I got a C2 (as a valentines day gift--good for the heart in more than one way). I've been erging for close to 3 years and hope to hit 7 million when I finish this challenge. Hey Swamp Hen, does that row pro software work with mac? I think that would be fun. I watch a lot of TV (HBO series are good) while I row, and I think that this would be a really nice change. I finally figured out that I don't have to have the TV up full volume--subtitles are a great way to go--and a great distraction from the effort. (It took me 3 years to figure this out?!) Anyhow, I'm glad to be a part of this group. You are all very inspirational!!! J.

[old] Krysta Coleman · Post by **[old] Krysta Coleman** » December 21st, 2005, 11:41 am

Hi Jane, You are almost at 7 million meters... Wow! You are a veteran rower - I am stilll working on my first million. I am not sure about RowPro on macs. I am running it on a PC. But this is the link to their website, which should have more info: <a href='http://www.digitalrowing.com' target='_blank'>http://www.digitalrowing.com</a>

[old] tigger2esq · Post by **[old] tigger2esq** » December 21st, 2005, 12:49 pm

OK--re: rowpro--is that the computer program that came with my C2? I am embarassed to say--the stuff is still sealed in the package. I have every intention of getting it out this week and checking it out. I do have an old lap top I can load it on that my DH was going to get me a wireless card for. Maybe I will be up and running by new years.

[old] JaneG · Post by **[old] JaneG** » December 21st, 2005, 2:11 pm

I checked that link & I don't think that rowPro will work with a Mac. I am hoping that santa is going to bring me a new monitor for my c2--and this would be something that I could do. Maybe I need to go computer shopping! Does that software come with the C2's these days?

[old] tigger2esq · Post by **[old] tigger2esq** » December 21st, 2005, 2:23 pm

my bad---its not rowpro--- its just the interface so I can upload my PM3 data to my PC.