LUNA-TICS TEAM ROOM: Year-round "Looney" fun.

[Kona2]

I just got done with 6 hours of back-breaking work cleaning out pigeon lofts. Why, oh why didn't I row first?!

True...that is very out of character for you! But six hours of pigeon lofts....whoa. That would be such punishment.

[Kona2]

I couldn't find anything to put on my toast yesterday morning ... but then, lurking behind the chocolate syrup in the fridge door, was a small jar of slightly used Marmite. (I think it was leftover from visiting Brits 2 or 3 years ago but, hey, that stuff will still be good at the End of Days.) I've never used butter under the horrible paste, but, you'd mentioned that you eat buttered rolls with Vegemite every day ... and ... lo and behold ... a very (very) thin scrap was actually very good! Cautiously impressed. Now, I'm waiting for my splits to be the same as yours ...

I would have stopped at the chocolate syrup.

[Kristine Strasburger]

I couldn't find anything to put on my toast yesterday morning ... but then, lurking behind the chocolate syrup in the fridge door, was a small jar of slightly used Marmite. (I think it was leftover from visiting Brits 2 or 3 years ago but, hey, that stuff will still be good at the End of Days.) I've never used butter under the horrible paste, but, you'd mentioned that you eat buttered rolls with Vegemite every day ... and ... lo and behold ... a very (very) thin scrap was actually very good! Cautiously impressed. Now, I'm waiting for my splits to be the same as yours ...

I would have stopped at the chocolate syrup.

Me, too!

Yeah, today was the big spring cleaning of all the lofts and bunny hutch - when everything freezes up in the winter it really accumulates, so the spring cleaning is always brutally hard work. I had to wait for it to stop raining, and dry up enough to get the job done, and we had a window of opportunity today.

But, I just couldn't bear to not finish my last needed day for the March challenge - what's a little more pain when you already are miserable, right?

[Kona2]

Woot ! Congratulations to Andrea, David A, Will S and Kristine for finishing the March Madness Challenge....under the wire is plenty good !


Btw, I will record today's numbers this morning...but it may be late afternoon before I get a chance to do the posting.
In the meantime, rock on Lunies!!!


And....WHOA....and wowzer...and a few woots, too!! For what may be a brief, shining moment....

1 Age Without Limits Virtual Club 28,004,696 303 92,425
2 Free Spirits Virtual Club 13,760,466 147 93,609
3 LUNA-TICS Virtual Club 9,231,880 105 87,923
4 Community Fitness Pointe of Munster, In. Health Club 9,141,288 225 40,628
5 RowPro Online Virtual Club 8,798,460 93 94,607
6 ANCIENTS Virtual Club 8,779,690 32 274,365

[rsdavr]

Kona2,
I can't say enough for the valuable service you provide our team with current info summaries, analysis, and encouragement. Thank you for all you do - and I'm sure you know far more than you post - with all your experience in the rowing universe. I have enjoyed my rowing with the Luna-Tics to the fullest and will continue to do so. And you are one of the biggest reasons why that is true.

After some careful thought and evaluation with my son (who is a certified cross-fit instructor and fighter pilot in the USAF at Vance AFB in Enid, OK), I believe I need to integrate more variety into my exercise program. As you know, cross-fit enthusiastically endorses the C2 erg. In fact, it is the only cardio machine they have ever endorsed. It was my son who got me started last year with indoor rowing as a way to enhance my recovery from heart surgery. It has done more than that. I have never been so fit in my life as I am now. Since starting to row, I have out-hiked and out-endured anyone who cares to trek the mountain trails of western North Carolina with me. People have asked me where they can get a pig valve like mine! I tell them its the erg and not the valve. All I want to do is move - and move with joy! I didn't know what I was missing!

But, I have some mobility issues to address and I need to enhance my overall coordination, agility, and strength in ways that I cannot do on the erg alone. Therefore, my son has put together a program for me that does just that. We have set up a gym in our garage (for less than $200.00, besides the erg), which includes the rower and the equipment necessary for basic fitness as designed by cross-fit. The program includes lots of rowing, but not just rowing. I'll not go into the specifics of cross-fit here. If you are interested you can go to http://www.crossfit.com and read to your heart's content.

All this to say that, while I will continue to row with enthusiasm, you will not see me posting half-marathons three or four times a week any longer. While my meter production will go down, my overall fitness will go up (my son says) and I will enjoy even greater total body function. Because I'm still working full-time (as so many other Luna-Tics are as well), I have only so much time to give to fitness and I must allocate it carefully.

Anyway, thanks for reading this "epistle". I have a feeling you will understand what I'm saying maybe even better than I do.

Ross

[brotherjim]

Ross, Your son has the right idea and I hope it helps you to cross train. I think just about all of us do some cross training. I am fortunate to live in a rural area and my kids made a 3/8 mile loop for me to walk, on my better balance days.That way I am always in sight of someone if I feel like walking for a couple of hours. Hoping to get a 3 wheel bike for Father's day so i can resume cycling.
Erging is probably the most complete cardio/body workout a person can get from a machine, but we all need to vary our programs so we don't get stale.
Good luck and I am glad you are my Luna-Tic teammate.
Also, there is an awesome event occuring online at www.klove.com/blog
They have live webcams on eagles hatching their eggs. It is from Iowa I believe. Our local Christian radio station told about it this morning. Check it out if you get a chance teammates.

jim

[DavidA]

Woot ! Congratulations to Andrea, David A, Will S and Kristine for finishing the March Madness Challenge....under the wire is plenty good !

Thank you.
This is always one of the most difficult challenges for me, as there are only actually 26 or 27 days in month on which I may row. (It depends upon how many Saturdays there are in March each year.) I wasn't supposed to row the last two days either (doctor's orders), and my wife would kill me if she knew that I had , but I'm too stupid, and couldn't pass up on finishing the challenge.

David

[enrage]

I managed to row 14,445 meters in one session today. I gotta get to prepping for the half/full marathon for the May challenge.

Has anyone completed a full marathon on the luna-tics team before? Seems like that would be a mountain of challenge to complete

[Toothdoc]

I managed to row 14,445 meters in one session today. I gotta get to prepping for the half/full marathon for the May challenge.

Has anyone completed a full marathon on the luna-tics team before? Seems like that would be a mountain of challenge to complete

I can only speak for myself, however I know there are many others.

danno

[just27]

Has anyone completed a full marathon on the luna-tics team before? Seems like that would be a mountain of challenge to complete

Prior to attempting my first full marathon, I noticed a post on one of the C2 training pages that suggested if you can do 10 half marathons in a row, you're ready for a full marathon. ("In a row" is perhaps open to interpretation.)

I select a couple of sequel-type movies, muster up a row of sports drinks and several bottles of water, and take the phone off the hook. I was more motivated when C2 still sent you an incentive marathon beer mug when you'd finished your first FM of the year ... or, maybe I'm just looking for excuses now!

[Kristine Strasburger]

I pretty much do the same as Chris. Get a good line-up of water and sports drinks, and carb snacks handy, and a couple of good movies - I seem to always do the Lord of the Rings Trilogy - helps to keep me going to have that ongoing storyline - but I never get to see the end because I always finish the row before it ends. I allow for at least 5 1/2 hours to do it, and I get off to stretch every hour. Also, building up to the distance helps...is pretty much essential. Make sure you have done a few half marathons before tackling the full, and stretch out well. Also, don't start out fast...it never works on endurance distances. You can do it!!!

[Kona2]

Ross - Thanks for the kudos. I really think I just provide some visibility to the numbers we all generate -- and that gives us a platform for discussion - and everyone gets to participate and share their stories. That's the good stuff. There are many of us who are not year round rowers - we're hikers, bikers, strength-trainers, runners, walkers....etc. Exercise diversity is a good thing - and calling out mobility and balance as items we need to focus on is exactly the kind of "here's my story" items that are important. I like to be outside as much as I can be - and those bike miles are going to be due really soon. I would be a better cyclist and rower (I have lots of years of rowing but am sure not an expert) if I took the time to make a more balanced approach to getting better at it. So good for you --- but you will surely hear the siren call of rowing when the Fall Challenge and Holiday Challenge come around....and those meters will start sneaking up.

RE: Marathoning

While Chris, Danno and others have many, many more half marathons and marathons than I do, I can't resist adding my nickel's worth about getting ready for them. I have done a few on the erg, and I have done a few of the Rock N Roll Half Marathons (what a blast those are)! There is a psychological element to half-marathons and marathons that is a bit tough to describe. Sometimes for me there is an "I want to quit" point that seems to appear about 15K and disappear once I have gotten below the 10K mark when I'm rowing a half marathon. So there is a head game that I have to play with the distance - whether it is rowing some of it faster or slower - or counting down the splits or whatever. I seem to be unable to disguise the head game with movies .... I just have to get past a point I know will be there.

There is no way that your butt will not be sore on a marathon. Even seasoned half marathoners note that this is painfully true. Getting up and walking around every half hour, or 40 minutes, is essential. I have two different seat pads that I got for the rower, and I end up using both of them at the same time in the last hour.

Hydration is a big issue - not just the day that you decide "today is the day I complete my first rowing marathon", but in the day or so BEFORE you do this. I like to use the Cliff fastpak gels - a couple cubes every hour - for quick energy - and lots of water and/or electrolyte drinks. After you finish the marathon or half marathon, hydration - some good protein and maybe an aspirin!

I agree with building a good meter base for a half marathon - at least ten or so times of rowing 15 or 16K should do it. And, because we have seen several teammates start a challenge by doing a series of consecutive half marathons for each day of the challenge - I will put a word of CAUTION out there - and admit that I have cheered them on. Suddenly rowing a consistently higher amount of meters for consecutive days can and does cause shoulder issues...maybe because we get tired and our form slips a bit...maybe because we're just not ready for it. We don't want to lose a teammate for a season because they have overworked by rowing. Having said that, there are also a lot of people who have eased into this distance and are quite comfortable with it (Minnie is one of them).

Still...one of the coolest things ever is getting that first half marathon done and having that HOOYAH! moment of exhilaration that you have CONQUERED something that you weren't sure you were ready to do. Tackling a personal challenge successfully is just the best hooyah moment ever! As teammates who have experienced some of these distances and feelings that go with goal achievement, we really do understand what it's all about. That's one of the great things about the team forum....when you post your half or full marathon meters, we'll know just what it took for you to get that distance done. As for the marathon, sometimes one is enough! But you know you want to do it.....go get 'em! We'll be ready with the virtual fireworks to celebrate all the kinds of achievements! Woot!

[Kona2]

Thanks to all who participated in the March Madness Challenge....and for working the time into some really busy schedules. And to those who rowed EVERY single day of the challenge, you are truly impressive! Relentless, too!

Season meters as of 335/365 = 118,886,188 m

Total meters on the day = 419,936 m

Oars in space (participation) = 27 percent

MILESTONES...Bragging Rights...Celebrations:

6.9 MM Will S
2.6 MM Jay
2.1 MM Sam
1.9 MM Kristine
700 K Karyn
700 K James G

SEVEN Million Meter Watch:

Will S with (95,203 m) to go!

TWO Million Meter Watch:

Jim B with (5,849 m) to go!

Kristine with (95,000 m) to go!

Ronnie with (152,868 m) to go!

ONE Million Meter Watch:

Bobbie with (126,978 m) to go!

Thanks to all who rowed today !


Ashlee 1,275 m
Kaylee 1,503 m
Mario Jackson 1,503 m
Tris 3,006 m
Tony m
Laurie 5,000 m
AJ 5,022 m
Tammy 5,100 m
David A 5,179 m
Andrea 5,165 m
David T 6,000 m
Benny 6,100 m
Karyn 6,766 m
Peter G 7,000 m
K2 7,321 m
Ross 7,810 m
Bobbie 8,275 m
Jim K 8,700 m
10,000 m
Collin 10,025 m
Greg C 10,419 m
Rich 11,235 m
Harold 12,000 m
Rosita 12,100 m
Jay 12,200 m
Dan S 12,664 m ... must be doing a good hour long row...very consistent numbers!
James G woot! and so begins the marathon conquest!
Kristine 15,000 m and six loft cleanings...whoa..
Cathie 16,000 m
Ronnie 16,944 m
Sam 20,000 m
Minnie the Marathoner...and Movie Watcher...21,097 m
Baz 25,000 m
Ron 36,912 m ...summmmmr's going to be here soonr than you think... We'll be looking for those hiking pictures to be posted...
Will S 70,000 m

Have a hooyah kind of day whenever and wherever you row...by the light of the moon...

[Kona2]

Since there may be some interest - here's the info:



No need to have Marathon Mug envy....you can get a mug or a half-marathon mug for your favorite beverage. There's a gal who rows with the Ducks In A Row team who markets them via Zazzle with full approval from Concept2.

Looks like these are still available -- AND -- you pick the size of mug that you want to have....

http://www.zazzle.com/grammms+marathon+mugs

As for the tee shirts, the global marathon completion of either half or full will send you a link to Cafe Press to buy one of the tees .... and like most of the Challenge tee shirts, these are really reasonably priced. Last year's design was one of my favs.

Several of us made the request to Concept2 marketing to provide links to a vendor of Concept2's choice for us to continue to purchase the items. The cost of shipping the mugs, particularly internationally, was prohibitive to Concept2's bottom line. And when you think about the fact that the price on our rowing machines has not increased lately....like many other companies, Concept2 has to cut some costs. Unlike our biking and rowing events where we get the "free" tee shirts, and other swag, we don't pay an entry fee for the challenges...

[Kona2]

Wowzer....Friday brought a TON of meters as some of the teams uploaded "new" information...like 5 million meters worth in a day. I kid you not....that's why we celebrate those brief, shining moments of glory!


1 Age Without Limits Virtual Club 29,679,239 303 97,951
2 Free Spirits Virtual Club 14,566,410 147 99,091
3 Community Fitness Pointe of Munster, In. Health Club 14,541,016 232 62,677
4 LUNA-TICS Virtual Club 9,833,222 105 93,650
5 ANCIENTS Virtual Club 9,385,155 32 293,286

We're doing great! TEN million challenge team meters just around the corner! Some wonderful milestones already in the meter bag for many teammates! Way to row !!

The magic number for top ten percent is greater than 165,500 m today...with 4240+ rowers in the challenge. Row row row !!

1 Ron MacBruce M 56 512,372 - top 1 percent
2 Will Salach M 54 360,000
3 Barry O'Malley M 51 345,000
4 Chris Tudury F 61 318,081
5 Jim (Jay) Kielma Jr. M 38 316,856
6 Rosita Delacruz F 36 314,661
7 Cathie Johnson F 29 285,572
8 Daniel Cox M 66 251,981
9 Ross Drown M 63 251,098
10 Dan Seldomridge M 49 228,898
11 Ronnie Mills F 43 222,752
12 Pat Bankes F 64 216,778
13 Samuel Johnson M 75 201,901
14 Jim Kielma M 57 197,998
15 James Garcia M 35 182,334
16 Mike Gilger M 50 180,000
17 Kristine Strasburger F 47 175,000
18 Tammy Gwinn F 31 173,268
19 David A. Alden M 50 172,166
20 Jan Stevenson F 58 171,223
21 Dan McInerney M 46 165,102
22 Laura Thorson F 50 156,517
23 Harold Janusek M 60 150,537
24 Collin Dykstra M 36 150,025
25 George Wyner M 53 146,000
26 Jennifer Browning F 46 143,167
27 Bobbie Kielma F 58 134,459
28 Peter Huurman M 38 130,000
29 Ted Cowley-Gilbert M 50 127,195
30 Steven Larky M 48 127,106
31 Angelo Papadopoulos M 45 123,728
32 Charles Dykstra M 43 120,000
33 Rocket Man M 38 117,880
34 Greg Childs M 56 117,849
35 Benny Delacruz M 18 116,792
36 Nathan Johnson M 38 115,000
37 David Tangerini M 63 114,000
38 peter verdirame M 56 113,000
39 Mitch Johnson M 55 110,845
40 Steven Drews M 41 110,000
41 A J Tudury M 63 103,225
42 Dwight Hakim M 50 100,899
43 Kevin Clark M 45 100,172
44 Gabriela Caranfil F 48 99,123
45 Karyn Gallagher F 41 97,336
46 Andrea Cosmin F 53 88,885
47 Gloria Miller F 51 88,880
48 Richard Miller M 61 83,450
49 Jerry Kenney M 38 77,135
50 Andre Dumais M 37 71,520
51 Rodrigo Garcia M 34 69,373
52 AUCHER Romain M 32 68,475
53 Jeffrey Grous M 48 61,795
54 martha wiles F 44 60,000
55 Richard Freeman M 55 58,900
56 Jeff Goon M 46 54,126
57 Anthony Parendo M 67 53,328
58 Mary Onorati F 25 50,004
59 beverly dellinger F 59 50,000
60 Tom McGuire M 58 46,998
61 Jackson P M 10 46,012
62 Jim Brink M 39 43,176
63 Kiba Chan F 23 40,000
64 Mike Mulvihill M 50 40,000
65 jonny kutz F 63 39,939
66 Heather Woiciechowski F 49 37,609
67 Dalton B M 8 35,056
68 Tristan B M 12 30,294
69 Sorin Spanoche M 44 29,023
70 Kaylee S F 8 27,874
71 Pat Schlueter M 65 26,100
72 Tim Porter M 52 25,785
73 Ashlee S F 6 25,085
74 Stephanie Batcheller F 53 22,730
75 Rick Carveth M 59 22,688
76 Ethan S M 5 22,635
77 Will Worthwine M 54 21,600
78 Gail Whitelaw F 52 20,000
79 David Hunter M 51 17,001
80 James Tsao M 43 16,575
81 Coulter M M 14 13,007
82 Scott Cooper M 45 11,500
83 Allie B F 5 10,778
84 Brayden B M 4 10,449
85 Jason Stirmers M 36 10,000
86 Melissa Talbot F 42 8,068
87 Laurie Pachter F 49 7,500
88 Jim M. M 60 6,307
89 Ben S M 13 5,666
90 Doug Miner M 54 5,000
91 Tom Pinckney M 66 5,000
92 Mitch Terra Sanitatis Friedland M 51 0
93 Marie Armstrong F 53 0
94 Mike Crossley M 54 0
95 Jane Newall F 41 0
96 Akira N M 4 0
97 Tracy Clark F 45 0
98 Orion Newall-Vuillemot M 9 0
99 Anais Newall-Vuillemot F 7 0
100 Elias N M 6 0
101 Debbie Vuillemot F 45 0
102 Tim Strasburger M 16 0
103 barbara grandberg F 60 0
104 Adian N M 2 0
105 Beth Peterson F 40 0

Total Challenge Meters as of April 2nd @ 9 AM MDT = 9,833,222 m