Farewell .. at least for now

[Vcweiss346]

My rowing adventure started last fall with an on the water learn to row class in St. Paul, MN. A sport I always loved watching, always wanted to learn, and decided to give it a go and have something new as I went into retirement.

I had a great time doing the learn to row class and made the trek (97 miles) to the club once a week for a few weeks until the water was too cold for a new rower that spent a fair amount of time in the water instead of on the water!

Loved it so much in December I bought a $6000 boat that was going to be delivered mid April. Then I started rowing in mid January on the erg. After about 8 weeks of training did my first 2k (6:53). Then had a back problem but did another 2k a couple of weeks later. Despite some pretty debilitating pain and left leg weakness I improved my time to 6:49. Was enjoying the hell out of it and felt with proper training and time I could get sub 6:40. Motivating!

Well, two herniated discs and surgery later I am forced to sell a boat I haven’t even seen yet and cannot return. Recommendation is to stay off the erg for a while. Doc actually says I ought to give it up all together.

So, for now I am going to let it go with a hope to return to it down the line. So much conflicting info out there but I do know it would be best to get healthy and then Give it some more time. I am optimistic (that’s generally how I roll ) that I will give it another go.

In the meantime, thanks for the help, insight, knowledge sharing, and encouragement. It was a fun place to hang out and post.

[Sakly]

Oh no Vic, I am so sorry to read this post.
You had such a great start, it would have been a great journey!
On the other hand I can fully understand your decision. Healing is most important now and if this means to stay away from rower for an undefined time, it's like that. I wish you all the best for your recovery and really hope you can come back on the rower (at least)!

[winniewinser]

My rowing adventure started last fall with an on the water learn to row class in St. Paul, MN. A sport I always loved watching, always wanted to learn, and decided to give it a go and have something new as I went into retirement.

I had a great time doing the learn to row class and made the trek (97 miles) to the club once a week for a few weeks until the water was too cold for a new rower that spent a fair amount of time in the water instead of on the water!

Loved it so much in December I bought a $6000 boat that was going to be delivered mid April. Then I started rowing in mid January on the erg. After about 8 weeks of training did my first 2k (6:53). Then had a back problem but did another 2k a couple of weeks later. Despite some pretty debilitating pain and left leg weakness I improved my time to 6:49. Was enjoying the hell out of it and felt with proper training and time I could get sub 6:40. Motivating!

Well, two herniated discs and surgery later I am forced to sell a boat I haven’t even seen yet and cannot return. Recommendation is to stay off the erg for a while. Doc actually says I ought to give it up all together.

So, for now I am going to let it go with a hope to return to it down the line. So much conflicting info out there but I do know it would be best to get healthy and then Give it some more time. I am optimistic (that’s generally how I roll ) that I will give it another go.

In the meantime, thanks for the help, insight, knowledge sharing, and encouragement. It was a fun place to hang out and post.

Maybe an interlude rather than a farewell.....hopefully anyway.

Get fit, healthy and strong and come back fighting.

[Dangerscouse]

Oh mate, that's terrible news but I'm really hopeful it's only a short term issue.

My wife had disc replacement surgery about seven years ago. It was major surgery that went through her stomach, so it was a double surgery in some respects, but it was quicker recovery. Just over six months later she completed a 10k obstacle course. She was younger than you, at 42, but it proves how resilient the human body can be when it's already built on solid foundations. She's still very active, and does a weights class twice a week.

I don't want to denigrate the doctor's professional opinion but it seems all too common for medical advice to believe that rowing is bad for the back. I'm sure it is for some people, but it's not a rule that you can generally apply.

Take care, rest, recover and recuperate and then come out swinging. My fingers and toes are crossed you'll be back here again before the end of the year.

[Vcweiss346]

Thanks all. Im sure Winnie is correct. Just an interlude. But I have to commit my mind to giving it up so I can heal. I tend to do too much too fast. My second 2k and the rows after injury are an example of my ways. I knew I was hurt (no diagnosis) , had significant pain, but thought I could get through it. So, if I took delivery on my boat there is no way I could stop myself from getting in it. Then I would be seeking fitness for the boat on the erg…and so on.

So, going to let it go for now….thank you again