Hi Dean, sorry to read that you are flagging a weeny bit at the moment - it was commendable of you to tackle the Long Haul in the first place. Much kudos for that and for keeping up such a great pace too.
This is tricky because giving an experienced erger the benefit of my ’ rowing expertise, ‘ is a bit like telling ‘ Granny how to suck eggs ‘ and, you have probably thought of this anyway, but here goes:
In order to make up the missing 120 minutes, why not cut back on your meterage slightly and therefore reduce your energy expenditure each session. That way, you might feel inclined to row some extra minutes.
Or, have you thought about spending less time ( temporarily ) on your other training activities and using the energy saved, for rowing?
“ Less training! “ he said in his best Lady Bracknell “ A handbag! “ voice.
By the way Dean, this is not some fiendish plot on my part to sabotage the fact that you are only 45,202 metres ahead of me at the moment …
Seriously, these are only suggestions, but if you do decide to divide the missing 120 minutes up into several segments, and then tack them onto your remaining sessions, that might help.
Lori ( RowerGal ) I dipped into the Pete Plan thread and saw that you have been rowing up a storm with your times and training schedule. Very impressive - I’m sure that you must be on track with the Haul.
Sharky, thank you so much for joining the Free Spirits’ Team, we do appreciate having the benefit of your metres.
I agree with ornatewobbegong, don’t be disappointed at having to switch from The Haul to The Stretch. It was realistic of you to realise that sometimes, what sounds doable in theory, isn’t always quite so easy to put into practice, especially when work has to take priority.
The sensible use of your daily energy levels has already resulted in improved pace and continued weight loss, so please keep doing what you can, when you can. We need your metres.
Ornatewobbegong, or if I may, Obg, don’t take yourself to task when you’ve had the odd blip or two … who hasn’t. Unless you are Penelope Perfect, then accept that some days are not always going to go according to plan …
Obg, when I joined Free Spirits four years ago, I was unfit and overweight.
I cannot remember exactly now, but I think it took me about 20 months to lose 70 pounds. This was achieved by very sedate rowing, ( I always think of myself as Mistress Slowcoach ) and eating just a little bit less of what, for the most part, was a healthy diet. Nothing complicated. Nothing faddy. Nothing that was a quick fix.
Two years on and I have still kept the weight off. I love rowing, not just for the physical benefits but also for the feel-good factor that it provides. My training regime is sporadic, my PBs have the initials, BC after them and at times my pace would be enough to make many ergers weep
. But I’m happy.
I have many incentives that keep me motivated so that I do not put the weight back on.. One is that I never want to hear a doctor tut, tut at me about my weight, ever again.
Good luck with the weight loss Obg and I hope that you will be successful in attaining your goals.
I decided to stick with the January Challenge - thought it would be more flexible and still haven’t set myself any goals.
Finished my row this morning listening to Metallica's
Fade to Black. For those who know the song, here are some slightly different lyrics.
Haven't lost the will to row
iPod on and away I go
Jill
We most certainly are not. 
