A team for me? How does it work?

[ukalady]

Okay, I’ve lurked here for a while and read many of the posts in this section before posting but I’m still unclear about the whole “affiliation” thing…

Am I correct in understanding that a “team” proper is formed to do specific virtual team challenges and an “affiliation” is more of group of people who row throughout the year? It seems, though, as if folks around here refer to their affiliation commonly as their “team”—do I have that right?

If that’s true, then I think I’d like to have an “affiliation” because I believe it would help me be more accountable in this new erg rowing “hobby” I have--but I’m not sure what exactly is involved in being part of a group.

--Does a member receive e-mails or is this forum category where all communication occurs?

--What does group communication entail (tips, announcements of challenges, updates on an individual’s progress toward goals)?

--In short, what are the benefits to being in a group? What are the responsibilities?

--Does a member “share” their rowing log with the group?

--Do you need to fit a certain category (school alum, proficiency level, age, etc.) to be in a group?

--How does one “choose” a group—or do they choose you?

Finally, what group might fit me? I’m female, 53, just got a Concept2 in October and was rowing pretty consistently for the first six weeks or so (isn’t that typical?), averaging 25,000 meters/week. But then, well, life and the holidays got in the way…

I’m looking for motivation and some accountability because I really enjoy rowing but I just don’t make the time for it lately. I am not an athlete of any sort and could stand to lose about five to seven pounds, but mainly I’m rowing because it makes me feel better. When I was regularly rowing (5x/week), I felt like Superwoman! Not in ability or strength but in possibilities to make my life healthier. Heck, I even began running a bit of cross country around our home (but then the rain/snow started)...sigh...

Any input is appreciated!

[Citroen]

Am I correct in understanding that a “team” proper is formed to do specific virtual team challenges and an “affiliation” is more of group of people who row throughout the year? It seems, though, as if folks around here refer to their affiliation commonly as their “team”—do I have that right?

That's just about spot on.

The teams for the virtual challenges can be created for any group of folks logging on the C2 logbook, it's independent of your main team/rowing club/university/health club affiliation. For the SUB7, Oarsome and PaddyPower virtual affiliations we join together as a single team for the virtual team challenges.

Some affiliated teams will match the virtual team.

[slwiser]

Check out Free Spirits team. Linked in my signature below (cut and paste or just type it in). We come to row in all sizes and conditions. One of our mottos is there are not junk meters. If you are fast or slow there is always someone who can stay with you and help.

There are many virtual teams and many are great. One other one that I would consider is the Rowpro Team. To really get into the team thing get Rowpro software from http://www.digitalrowing.com/ . There are many Free Spirits that use this software for motivation and just simple community rows during the week. I don't participate in the community rows using Rowpro as much as I should but use the software at home every time I row just for the metrics it provides.

[Kona2]

I sent you a PM, then it occurred to me that perhaps others would be interested in the answers to your questions - so I am reposting the PM contents here. K2

Subject: A team for me? How does it work?
Hi there -

This is Kona2 of the Luna-Tics team. I'm going to answer the questions the best I can - so you'll have to scroll down to see them next to your questions. Teams are interesting beasts - I've been the chief communicator for the Lunies for the past three years. We often refer to our affiliation team as a small village - full of personalities. During the challenges, we sometimes get others for a short time who are part of our virtual challenge teams. Some may stay and join the affiliation team, and some choose to go on. It's all good as long as they row, row, row. We welcome everyone, and you get a lot of support from the other team members. The cool part is that you pretty much get back what you put into it with a team. We have over 100 team members, but on any given day, maybe one third of those individuals are rowing. We encourage people to post - to share their stories. You never know when your story will help someone else.

Okay, I’ve lurked here for a while and read many of the posts in this section before posting but I’m still unclear about the whole “affiliation” thing…

Am I correct in understanding that a “team” proper is formed to do specific virtual team challenges and an “affiliation” is more of group of people who row throughout the year? It seems, though, as if folks around here refer to their affiliation commonly as their “team”—do I have that right?

If that’s true, then I think I’d like to have an “affiliation” because I believe it would help me be more accountable in this new erg rowing “hobby” I have--but I’m not sure what exactly is involved in being part of a group.

--Does a member receive e-mails or is this forum category where all communication occurs?
Most of the communication for the Lunies occurs via the forum - but there is the PM function which is like a private email. Also, if you have the send email link on your team profile, then someone can click on that link and Concept2 will direct a message to them without providing your email to the world - or that individual.

--What does group communication entail (tips, announcements of challenges, updates on an individual’s progress toward goals)?

If I know what an individual's goals are, then can provide a specific progress update. Check out our Luna-Tics forum pages. There you will see the daily write up that is provided. We have some distance metrics that are specific to our team - just for the fun of it. Those special milestones are half moons for a half marathon, and things like that. I keep a spreadsheet and update the numbers daily...and put those numbers out there for the team to see and celebrate. We do million meter countdowns....currently have many people that are heading into their first one million meter season. What we all find is that what we measure, we pay attention to....and suddenly meters start being easier to do.
Yes, definitely remind people of the challenges that are forthcoming...usually by countdown.

--In short, what are the benefits to being in a group? What are the responsibilities?

Benefits of being in a rowing team - you join a community of like minded people. You could tell a friend "hey, I just rowed my first 10K" and they might acknowledge you in a good way. In a team, every person there knows just what it took for you to complete those meters - and if you're really pushing and you're trying to make a challenge goal - many team members will be cheering you on. Equally, you will cheer others onward - no matter what team you choose. We even cheer on people who aren't on our team. Your responsibilities as a team member are very dependent upon what kind of team member you want to be. We have some who are quiet contributors - never say anything on the forum - and then suddenly some event calls to them, and they make some comments. Some may ask as question about whether it's good to use gloves for rowing, and others will provide their opinions. It's up to you - there aren't any real responsibilities other than those you put on yourself. We have no specific meter requirements.

--Does a member “share” their rowing log with the group?

You can, if you sign up as a training partner with someone else, "share" your rowing log. Otherwise, the way that I capture the meters is from the team profile log in page. If you click on affiliation standings, then click on Luna-Tics, you will see our team profile pages. Over to the right are the yearly total meters. I capture that data daily (or someone does if I cannot), and put it into a spreadsheet that does the data for me. Then I write up the goofy blog that is our team stats of the day. So, unless you WANT someone to see your rowing log, no they do not see it.

--Do you need to fit a certain category (school alum, proficiency level, age, etc.) to be in a group?

Depends on the team - but for us, no. Some people feel strongly that they should support their school, and row with their school team for the yearly affiliation meters, but row with us for a challenge. Sometimes, I think a team name or goal can define what kind of people we attract. Our goal is to row enough meters to go to the moon - and we have attracted a lot of individuals who are adventure travelers (they have some wonderful stories), as well as scientists, kids, office workers, bankers, etc., etc.

--How does one “choose” a group—or do they choose you?

It's all on you for us - you choose whether you want to row with us.

Finally, what group might fit me? I’m female, 53, just got a Concept2 in October and was rowing pretty consistently for the first six weeks or so (isn’t that typical?), averaging 25,000 meters/week. But then, well, life and the holidays got in the way…

Starting out with 25K a week is pretty good. One of the benefits of the challenge "season" that is arriving today (if you're on the Aussie side of the international date line) or tomorrow is that you will have the opportunity for challenges that are a month long - for a few months in a row. That helps form the habit - and you know all about that. Where the team, and specifically our team, comes in to help you is to provide daily feedback and encouragement. You can't buy that.

I’m looking for motivation and some accountability because I really enjoy rowing but I just don’t make the time for it lately. I am not an athlete of any sort and could stand to lose about five to seven pounds, but mainly I’m rowing because it makes me feel better. When I was regularly rowing (5x/week), I felt like Superwoman! Not in ability or strength but in possibilities to make my life healthier. Heck, I even began running a bit of cross country around our home (but then the rain/snow started)...sigh...

Any input is appreciated!

I hope this information is helpful to you in your quest - helping others get on a good rowing path (which usually leads to a lot of other positrons) is the goal. Hope to see you on our roster!
K2, Luna-Tics Team

[BoB/335]

That was a great post. I'm a little surprised that the thread ended so ubruptly/

[APM]

If you would like to check other options, please take a look at Team Timbuktoo. We are a fun, motivated an well rounded team that will you support you whatever your goals may be.

However, there are so many great affiliations out there, just choose the one with the best fit for you!

[ncauchon]

Hi,
I have just joined a team, the Luna-Tics. I was welcomed right away.!!
I only started rowing few weeks ago after taken sweeping and sculling at the Rowing club. My name is on a Waitlist to join a team there to row on water twice a week.
The reason I am joining a team Concept 2 is to give me an incentive to become better, stronger, faster, and build
endurance and the "icing" loose some weight. I could loose 7 to 10 pounds as well.
I love the idea, after you finished rowing - you log your meters in your own logbook. There is a winner every week for
the most meters accomplished.
Team Challenge Sept 15-Oct. 15 All teams are rowing and whichever team you belong to who do most meters...
win a prize. I understand that there is also an erg to be won ....
I am also familiaring with the site. There is quite a bit to figure out. I think it is genial!!
If you like to challenge yourself and you really want to get back into rowing, that is the way to go.
And you do it for yourself first........and the team.......helps......
Hope to see you on our team.
Nicole
British Columbia

[BoB/335]

I don't understand how any team can win when one team has 460 members and another team has 50.

[Kona2]

I don't understand how any team can win when one team has 460 members and another team has 50.

There are several categories and definitions for winning. There are virtual teams, health clubs, rowing clubs, etc., as categories...and then there are team size categories also. There's also a category for highest average meters per team member.

For most of us, though, the truth about winning is whether or not the team members have challenged themselves - and met the challenge they set. Frequently, the winning is getting everyone to participate and pull together to maybe move into third place or fourth. It generally takes a few years for a team to really get their game on and be ready to mobilize from the very beginning of a challenge...and to be able to repeat that effort.

We all "advertise" to see if we can gain the critical mass needed to be good competitors. What we're really looking for is teammates!