Holiday Challenge

[Admers]

Hi everyone - very pleasing to read your updates, you’ve all obviously put in some energetic rowing over the weekend.

Dykebert, applause for toughing out that 1 hour row, and, also for the decision to make the next three days, light days, therefore heeding your own advice about burn-out.

I’ve never thought of rowing as a waltz, although perfectly synchronised OTW rowers, always look so graceful … As long as they don’t capsize ... Warped brain or not, rhythmic counting must help with the timing of your stroke and pace rate.

Sally and Holly, good to hear that you have both decided on a plan of action - Holly, don’t overdo it though, make sure that you fit in some rest days.

As we know, using the erg provides many benefits but we also know that it can be a deceptive beast as well, luring unwary and overenthusiastic rowers onto the virtual rocks. Girls, guard against rowing fatigue as it doesn’t always make its presence felt straightaway.

For me it was 10k on Saturday, day off yesterday and 10k today.

Ideally, I would like to reach the 200k target no later than Tuesday, 19th December and if possible, take the Sundays and Wednesdays in between as rest days.

Thank you all for your contributions, they are just the incentive I need to help guard against any slacking on my part.

Sensible rowing now.

[dykebert]

Another day, another 3K

Admers thanks for the reminder to not overdo. I've fallen prey to that more than once. You're warmed up, got a good rhythm going, and feeling good so you decide to push yourself more than you had planned, and then the next day or two become total rest days because you can't move.

Having said that, I have done some extra and I've gained a day maybe two so I should finish on Friday 12/22 instead of Sunday.

[Sally126y]

Great advice on avoiding the rocks while rowing. I've got a schedule that includes rest days, and I expect I’ll do some creative juggling with it to manage a few spontaneous rest days. My dog is recovering from leg surgery and I am supposed to start jogging with her tomorrow as part of her rehab...easy does it for both of us! Wish me luck!

[dykebert]

Congrats everyone! It's the end of the first week of the Holiday Challenge.

Whatever you did, remember you're lapping everyone on the couch!

Sally, hope your dog gets better soon and good luck rowing AND jogging! I'm impressed!

[Sally126y]

Ha! Not sure my effort to “jog with the dog” should impress you, Dykebert! How is everyone doing? I am still on track, but thankful today is a light day and tomorrow a day of rest! Row on, gals!
Sally

[Admers]

Hi everyone, it’s very encouraging to hear that Dykebert and Sally are still on track and trust that Holly is as well.

Sally, I do hope that your dog makes a full recovery. If, at the mention of the word walkies, she fixes you with a hangdog expression, then persuade her that canine physiotherapy in the form of gentle jogging is highly beneficial … but, as to whether you think it is for you of course …

One of my neighbours, has spent the last three years on secondment to a bank in Chicago. He took his three Alsatians with him and since their recent return, has had to contend with the inevitable, “ Do the dogs now bark with an American accent? “

Dykebert, your comments about lapping others on the couch are well chosen words and a reminder that when it comes to doing any form of regular exercise … if we can … then we should. Or at least try our best to.

Had to swap rest days around over the weekend, otherwise I’m on schedule.

My 10000m are normally broken down into 2 to 3 sessions. I use Just Row rather than programming in a precise number of metres, as I find that I’m often tempted to row more that way. When I reach 1200m - 1300m I’ll think to myself, “ You may as well carry on until you hit 1500m “ and then when I achieve that, it’s, “ You may as well continue until you land on 2000m “ and so on. Sometimes, this allows me to row a straight 10000m and sometimes, my bladder dictates that I don’t. Another good reason for using Just Row.

Carry on flying the flag for us ‘ young ‘uns ‘.

Row steady, row well.

Jill

[dykebert]

Hey everyone thanks for posting.
This is the toughest time for me. The energy of a new challenge has gone and the energy of nearing the finish line is still a ways off.

I'm ahead of schedule. I did an extra session on Sunday to round up my meters. I'm still feeling it. This is when it's so easy for me to slack off. I'm ahead, I can skip a session and still be on track. But I also know I do much better keeping with a routine, rather than just doing it haphazardly.

I also use Just Row and alternate between rounding up my meters and rounding up my time. "oh I'm at 2334 meters, I can do 2500. oh now I'm at 26:33 I can go to 30 minutes. oh I'm at 3066 meters I can ...."

I try to do a set piece (usually 30 min or 5K) about once a month and rank it. Not because I'm competitive, I'm not, but it's a good way to remind myself of the progress I'm making.

Sharky
'keep on rowing, just keep rowing'

[Sally126y]

Hi there,
Still moving! I’ve got a similar approach...needing to stick with the routine and tricking myself when I don’t feel inclined to make my meters, saying I’ll just row to the next milestone and find once there I can carry on. Fortunately I am easy to fool! Thanks for your concern about my dog BTW. She had a great check up at the vet, who said, well...carry on!
Doing a lot of carrying on here...
Row on!
Sally

[dykebert]

Howdy everyone!
I'm feeling pretty proud of myself this week. I passed the 100K mark and all the rowing moved me into 3rd place in the biggest loser competition at work! All good news here!

I ordered a sweatshirt (and a few other goodies) from Cafe Press to commemorate my success, but I promised myself to not wear the sweatshirt until I finished the 200K.

People on my team at work know about the challenge and check in with me 'How's it going? How many meters do you have so far?' That has helped to keep me from slacking.

Need to remind myself to not push too hard this weekend. I've got at least another week and a half to go.

How are you folks doing?

Sharky

[Admers]

Hello there girls, ( hope that Holly is ok? )

It sounds as if you've both had a good week. As Mr Punch would say to you, “ That’s the way to do it! “

Sharky, congratulations on passing the 100k mark. I see that you only have approximately 69,000m ( or perhaps psychologically, does 68,631m sound better? ) to go and with a generous time allowance that allows you to be sensible … You … Can … Do … It. Besides, you can’t lose face now with your supportive work colleagues … Too shaming.

Well done on the weight loss too; an even better feel-good incentive to hit the 200k target.

Sally, Ssshhh ... I’m going to whisper this, “ It sounds as if you are doing an excellent job with the mind control … “ Your secret is safe with us.

I am pleased to hear that your dog is making good progress.

I’m still on schedule - 74,865m to go.

I started out this morning with the intention of rowing about 2,500m x 4. Ended up doing a straight 10,000m again, but this time it was the music on my iPod ( this is one of your favourite songs, take a bathroom break when it finishes ) that kept me going. Final song, Space Odyssey.

Ground control to Major Tom
Ignore bladder ... Carry on ...

Keep moving
Keep motivated

Jill

[Admers]

Final song, Space Odyssey.

That should read Space Oddity

[Sally126y]

It has been a fun week, Sharky with the holiday spoils and Jill with the favourite music! I’m at 121k now, so pretty much on track for 200. Today I busted out the Christmas music starting with my favourite jazzy stuff. It’ll get old by the end of the season but right now it’s golden! Row on!
Sally

[wildrover]

Hello, Hello Sharky, Sally and Jill!

Sorry for disappearing for a week or so, but I've been checking on you.

I'm still using the Pete plan workouts on days when I don't need to take hubby to the hospital (he's a regular), and, you know, the daily rowing has really helped my leg! In 2016 I injured it (overtraining and poor form, as far as I can tell), and trying to correct posture at 70 has been "interesting", but so worth it. I ran a 2K test yesterday, and I need to keep reminding myself to stay positive, rebuilding muscle takes time. And LOTS of stretching.

It looks as though I only have about 25K to go to hit my 100 (did I say 'only'?), so I think I'll continue this routine!

Enjoy your jogs Sally, so many more things to see than on the erg.

Where do you all keep your ergs? Mine is in a room above the garage, with a big screen TV. Can't say the TV has improved my times, but certainly my distance.

Yay us!

[dykebert]

WOW! Sounds like everyone is doing great! Thanks for all the updates!

Sally big congrats on passing the 100K hurdle, I know at the start that was your goal, so great job!

Holly glad to hear you are doing well and have 'only' another 25K to go for the 100. Hope your recovery continues to go well.

I barely managed my 1 hour row today, but I did manage it. I was ready to quit at about 25 minutes, but then started playing the 'just a few more meters; just a few more minutes' game and got it done.

My rower is between my recliner and the TV in my living room (advantage of living alone ) It used to be in the basement, but now it's right there where I can see it. (and it can mock me!)

Sharky
'keep on rowing, just keep rowing'

[dykebert]

2 X nights with short sleep = 1 rest day!

Not that I'm a glutton for punishment, but I'm starting to look ahead to January. Anyone here on a Virtual Team? If so do you like it?

Sharky