Concept2 Forum

Hey folks,
The weather here has been unseasonably warm. I actually took out my kayak and did some flatwater paddling last weekend. The water was cold, but compared to last year's snowpocalypse when there was still about 2 feet of snow on the ground, I'll take it.

Keeping up on my rowing, although, admittedly I've skimped a few days (15 min instead of my standard 20 min).

Trying to decide on the Mud Season challenge. 10K a day would be a push for me. More from a time commitment, since I'm fairly slow, than from an ability perspective.

How is everyone else doing? And what is motivating you during the winter doldrums?

Sharky
keep on rowing, just keep rowing

Hello there Sharky,
I haven’t looked at the forum for a while, so many apologies for not replying sooner to your post.

dykebert wrote:Keeping up on my rowing, although, admittedly I've skimped a few days (15 min instead of my standard 20 min).

Despite your confessed skimping, you have put in a fair amount of meterage this month so I hope that you will keep up the motivation and continue to move up the Meterboard.

Have you had anymore thoughts about the Mud Madness Challenge? I completed the 10,000 level last year and after much dithering ( which drove my husband, Richard, mad ) have decided to take part this year.

I have worked out a schedule that allows for the 6 rest days and again, because of possible time constraints, will probably have to split some of the sessions into two segments. Thinking of my energy levels, I am also going to be taking things very steadily and if I start to feel that it’s a real struggle, then I’ll drop down to the 5,000m level.

I have started a thread on the Free Sprits’ Forum, so regardless of whether you have decided to take part or not, please feel free to add any contributions. Last year, as an alternative, I did suggest the Muddy Water Madness Challenge - row 2,500m for 25 days …

Not so much rowing for me during February as I had to give priority to my ‘ Things that need doing ‘ list, which seemed to be growing longer and longer in length. Kept me busy though and helped alleviate the winter doldrums.

I also received a little but much needed boost to my rowing abilities when I compared my out of date times with this season's world rankings: ( Verified 60-69Hwt )

100m ( 27.8.16 ) - 10th out of 16
500m ( 31.10.15 ) - 17th out of 42
1000m ( 8.6.16 ) - 12th out of 33
2000m ( 1.11.15 ) - 39th out of 50
5000m ( 29.8.16 ) - 23rd out of 43
6000m ( 28.12.15 ) - 7th out of 10
10,000m ( 14.10.16 ) - 15th out of 25
30 mins ( 15.6.16 ) - 24th out of 34
HM ( 21.6.17 ) - 9th out of 15

I ranked my HM - 2.05.03.8 - last one 2.20.19.8 ( 9.5.2015 )

I'm fast approaching 69 and have been rowing, almost to the day, for four years now. I know that I am guilty of ‘ drifting ‘ sometimes, so next season I’m going to try and train more and hopefully improve on my times.

It snowed yesterday - we have about two inches. For anyone bemused by the Brits. reaction to the white stuff, here is a simple guide:

One flake = nationwide anxiety
Two flakes = national emergency
Three flakes = we are all doomed

Sharky,
You keep motivated
You keep rowing

Jill

Admers wrote: I'm fast approaching 69 and have been rowing, almost to the day, for four years now. I know that I am guilty of ‘ drifting ‘ sometimes, so next season I’m going to try and train more and hopefully improve on my times.Jill

Jill one motivation is that once 70 you will automatically become more competitive as well by becoming a young 'un again. The numbers suddenly look more achievable!

Hi, Sharkey and Jill, i am in for Mud Season Madness! Staying at the 5000m level, as I am doing a lot of walking as well. It has been an open winter in my part of the world, so I’ve been able to walk outside without breaking myself to bits on the ice. Jill, my husband and I laughed at your British “flakes of snow” scale. No one here is talking about kayaking yet though, Sharkey!
From reading through your posts I decided to join Free Spirits Rowing for an extra motivation boost when it might be needed!

Row on!
Sally

lindsayh wrote:Jill one motivation is that once 70 you will automatically become more competitive as well by becoming a young 'un again. The numbers suddenly look more achievable!

Lindsay - I have now checked out the women’s WR 70-79HWT rankings and what a wonderful group of ladies they all are - several of them would already leave me in their wake.

Thank you for your positive comments, they were another much needed boost to my confidence. This potential young ‘un will have to ‘ pull her socks up ‘ though if she means to provide some stiff competition for the other 70+ young ‘ uns.

Sally, I’ll post a message to you on this Mud Season Madness thread and also on the Free Spirit one.

Jill