Team Row Pain, Row Gain

[[old] cnapier]

<!--QuoteBegin-jimjayhawk+Oct 9 2005, 08:58 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(jimjayhawk @ Oct 9 2005, 08:58 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--><span style='color:blue'>Where is everyone?  I feel like some sort of forum freak having two posts back to back...  <br /><br />snip<br /><br />Is anyone else out there? <br /><br />Jim S.</span> <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />Morning folks,<br /><br />Well, still here...making progress once again.<br /><br />Being sick threw me off of my food program (the hardest aspect for me) and I was just hovering around the 206 mark. Not that I went wild eating but I relaxed in my weighing and recording everything I eat along with a few meals out and this is a game of numbers and they did not add up to any losses even with the meters I row.<br /><br />So I have recommitted as of 10-3 at a weight of 208.6 to sticking to my food program. (WW Flex points)<br /><br />Today's weight 203.2 (heh, if I could only maintain this loss level each week)<br />Goal weight 158<br /><br />And for any RowPro folks, they just put out version 1.8<br /><br />Charles<br />254/203/158 - On Point 7 days<br />

[[old] deppe4]

<!--QuoteBegin-jimjayhawk+Oct 9 2005, 08:58 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(jimjayhawk @ Oct 9 2005, 08:58 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--><br />... but I hearby pledge to row no less than 15,000 meters by next Saturday night... <br />Jim S.[/color] <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />I'm in for 20,000+ meters by Saturday.<br /><br />-deppe

[[old] code_monkey]

<!--QuoteBegin-jimjayhawk+Oct 9 2005, 05:58 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(jimjayhawk @ Oct 9 2005, 05:58 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--><span style='color:blue'>Where is everyone?  I feel like some sort of forum freak having two posts back to back...  <br /><br />RPRG has taken a few major hits over the past 30 days... I know that I am already missing the 3 big-time fellows (Mike, Kevin, & Scott??) who accounted for over 4 million meters have left us... Since Labor Day we dropped from being in contention for 3rd all the way down to 8th in the standings...  <br /><br />The good news is that with 71 members and the winter season approaching (for those of us in the northern hemisphere - hoping the Aussies keep rowing with us even though they are approaching their summer months)... I am hopeful that more RPRG members will clear the dirty laundry and debris from their C2 and log meters on a regular basis once again. Looking at the standings... there are several teams with significantly fewer members ahead of us... if more of us could manage to find our ergs 3-4 times a week on a regular basis... it really wouldn't matter if we were hard-core or doing 2k workouts... the meters all add up...  <br /><br />And more importantly, getting back into a habit of rowing, along with the hand to mouth discipline maintained by Rowedandrode (see other thread), we will be moving closer to our goals of personal fitness and weightloss.    <br /><br />My back is still touch and go... but I hearby pledge to row no less than 15,000 meters by next Saturday night... Feel free to customize your pledge to your personal situation... but I'm hoping everyone who reads this will strive to increase their rowing and fitness in the coming week. <br /><br />Is anyone else out there? <br /><br />Jim S.</span> <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />Hey, Jim. I'm here...<br />I received a last minute invitation to go up to San Francisco to watch the 49ers/Colts game from a luxury suite, so obviously, I spent time in the Bay Area this weekend.<br /><br />As for my pledge, I will (yes, WILL) row at least 30k meters during this calendar week. It's 8 PM on Monday now, so I guess I should start with at least 30-35 minutes right now. That will make it possible for me to complete this short term goal this week.<br /><br />I don't know where my weight was when I started since I don't have a scale, but I know I had a high of about 212 lbs at one point. I checked this morning at my girlfriend's and came in at 199.5 lbs, after a LOT of drinking at the game and elsewhere yesterday and sampling all the food at the game.<br />So, things could be worse...<br /><br /><br />-jason<br />

[[old] Meri Goehring]

Thanks for asking. As a fairly new member, it's nice to get support. I'm not sure I've got a handle on exactly how to post yet. I usually just hit reply to the last post I read. This time, I replied directly to your original post, rather than to others who have already replied. Is this right?<br />Anyway, I can commit to 30,000 per week. I may do more, but just when I think I can do 10000 every day life gets complicated. I feel best when I row daily, that's for sure! I know I can't beat others who started this team way before me, but I do hope to keep loosing weight/inches. Good luck to all!<br />Meri<br /><!--QuoteBegin-jimjayhawk+Oct 9 2005, 08:58 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(jimjayhawk @ Oct 9 2005, 08:58 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--><span style='color:blue'>Where is everyone?  I feel like some sort of forum freak having two posts back to back...  <br /><br />RPRG has taken a few major hits over the past 30 days... I know that I am already missing the 3 big-time fellows (Mike, Kevin, & Scott??) who accounted for over 4 million meters have left us... Since Labor Day we dropped from being in contention for 3rd all the way down to 8th in the standings...  <br /><br />The good news is that with 71 members and the winter season approaching (for those of us in the northern hemisphere - hoping the Aussies keep rowing with us even though they are approaching their summer months)... I am hopeful that more RPRG members will clear the dirty laundry and debris from their C2 and log meters on a regular basis once again. Looking at the standings... there are several teams with significantly fewer members ahead of us... if more of us could manage to find our ergs 3-4 times a week on a regular basis... it really wouldn't matter if we were hard-core or doing 2k workouts... the meters all add up...  <br /><br />And more importantly, getting back into a habit of rowing, along with the hand to mouth discipline maintained by Rowedandrode (see other thread), we will be moving closer to our goals of personal fitness and weightloss.    <br /><br />My back is still touch and go... but I hearby pledge to row no less than 15,000 meters by next Saturday night... Feel free to customize your pledge to your personal situation... but I'm hoping everyone who reads this will strive to increase their rowing and fitness in the coming week. <br /><br />Is anyone else out there? <br /><br />Jim S.</span> <br /> </td></tr></table><br />

[[old] Citroen]

<!--QuoteBegin-Meri Goehring+Oct 11 2005, 04:10 AM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(Meri Goehring @ Oct 11 2005, 04:10 AM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Thanks for asking. As a fairly new member, it's nice to get support. I'm not sure I've got a handle on exactly how to post yet. I usually just hit reply to the last post I read. This time, I replied directly to your original post, rather than to others who have already replied. Is this right?<br />Anyway, I can commit to 30,000 per week. I may do more, but just when I think I can do 10000 every day life gets complicated. I feel best when I row daily, that's for sure! I know I can't beat others who started this team way before me, but I do hope to keep loosing weight/inches. Good luck to all!<br />Meri<br /><!--QuoteBegin-jimjayhawk+Oct 9 2005, 08:58 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(jimjayhawk @ Oct 9 2005, 08:58 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--><span style='color:blue'>Where is everyone?  I feel like some sort of forum freak having two posts back to back...  <br /> <br /> <... snipped stuff written by Jim S. ...><br /> <br />Jim S.</span> <br /> </td></tr></table> <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />Can you write your replies after the material you're quoting?<br />What you are, currently, doing is Top Posting. Top Posting is 100% illogical.<br /><br />Think about it this way:<br /><br /><!--QuoteBegin-"Meri's Answer"+--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE("Meri's Answer")</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Answer goes here ...<br /><!--QuoteBegin-"Jim's Question"+--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE("Jim's Question")</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Question goes here ...? </td></tr></table><br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />versus<br /><br /><!--QuoteBegin-"Meri's Answer"+--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE("Meri's Answer")</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--><!--QuoteBegin-"Jim's Question"+--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE("Jim's Question")</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Question goes here ...? </td></tr></table><br />Answer goes here ... </td></tr></table><br /><br />It's much more logical to have the answer following the question rather than the other way round.<br /><br />Here's the BBCode used to create those two examples.<br /><!--c1--><table width='95%' cellspacing='1' cellpadding='3' border='0' align='center'><tr><td><b><div class='genmed'>CODE</div></b></td></tr><tr><td class='code'><div><!--ec1--><br />[quote="Meri's Answer"]Answer goes here ...<br />[quote="Jim's Question"]Question goes here ...?[/quote]<br />[/quote]<br /><br />[quote="Meri's Answer"]<br />[quote="Jim's Question"]Question goes here ...?[/quote]<br />Answer goes here ...[/quote]<br /><br /><!--c2--></div></td></tr></table><br /><br />It's even more logical to interleave the comment you have to make with the text you're quoting, but that's more effort.

[[old] Meri Goehring]

<!--QuoteBegin-Citroen+Oct 11 2005, 12:29 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(Citroen @ Oct 11 2005, 12:29 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--><!--QuoteBegin-Meri Goehring+Oct 11 2005, 04:10 AM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(Meri Goehring @ Oct 11 2005, 04:10 AM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Thanks for asking. As a fairly new member, it's nice to get support. I'm not sure I've got a handle on exactly how to post yet. I usually just hit reply to the last post I read. This time, I replied directly to your original post, rather than to others who have already replied. Is this right?<br />Anyway, I can commit to 30,000 per week. I may do more, but just when I think I can do 10000 every day life gets complicated. I feel best when I row daily, that's for sure! I know I can't beat others who started this team way before me, but I do hope to keep loosing weight/inches. Good luck to all!<br />Meri<br /><!--QuoteBegin-jimjayhawk+Oct 9 2005, 08:58 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(jimjayhawk @ Oct 9 2005, 08:58 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--><span style='color:blue'>Where is everyone?  I feel like some sort of forum freak having two posts back to back...   <br /> <br /> <... snipped stuff written by Jim S. ...><br /> <br />Jim S.</span> <br /> </td></tr></table> <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />Can you write your replies after the material you're quoting?<br />What you are, currently, doing is Top Posting. Top Posting is 100% illogical.<br /><br />Think about it this way:<br /><br /><!--QuoteBegin-"Meri's Answer"+--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE("Meri's Answer")</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Answer goes here ...<br /><!--QuoteBegin-"Jim's Question"+--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE("Jim's Question")</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Question goes here ...? </td></tr></table><br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />versus<br /><br /><!--QuoteBegin-"Meri's Answer"+--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE("Meri's Answer")</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--><!--QuoteBegin-"Jim's Question"+--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE("Jim's Question")</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Question goes here ...? </td></tr></table><br />Answer goes here ... </td></tr></table><br /><br />It's much more logical to have the answer following the question rather than the other way round.<br /><br />Here's the BBCode used to create those two examples.<br /><!--c1--><table width='95%' cellspacing='1' cellpadding='3' border='0' align='center'><tr><td><b><div class='genmed'>CODE</div></b></td></tr><tr><td class='code'><div><!--ec1--><br />[quote="Meri's Answer"]Answer goes here ...<br />[quote="Jim's Question"]Question goes here ...?[/quote]<br />[/quote]<br /><br />[quote="Meri's Answer"]<br />[quote="Jim's Question"]Question goes here ...?[/quote]<br />Answer goes here ...[/quote]<br /><br /><!--c2--></div></td></tr></table><br /><br />It's even more logical to interleave the comment you have to make with the text you're quoting, but that's more effort. <br /> </td></tr></table><br />Logic is not my strong suit. Thanks for the help. I think I get it now. Scroll down, then answer. <br />Meri<br />

[[old] katbois]

Did 5k tonight and was definitely not into it.<br /><br />Will attempt to log more for the week.<br /><br />I am eyeing a Model C on ebay in my area (which would save me shipping costs). Would probably retrofit with new handle and rowpro if I actually win the auction.<br /><br />Currently train on Model D at my gym, but worked out on a C on the ship I was on for a week this summer in Alaska. Not a whole lot different save for the PM2 and the handle.<br /><br />Wish me luck! Happy rowing to all, and stay healthy!<br /><br />Mark

[[old] jimjayhawk]

For anyone having difficulty figuring out your posts (I was amongst the worst prior to Sleepy's advice on the last page) I also discovered the delightful button "preview your post"... It took me a few times to figure out what I was doing wrong, but it was well worth the time and effort. <br /><br />I am really having trouble getting going again after messing up my back 2 weeks ago... I switched my chain to the inner sprocket (model as Steel recommended... it definitely has a "lighter" feel than the rowboat of the outer sprocket... and I've got to really keep going to maintain any speed... <br /><br />It was all I could do last night to finish up 3000 meters in 15 minutes... I resisted the temptation to row more... I could feel my lower back starting to react.... and I know it is going to take some time, but after doing 12-15k workouts nearly every day in September taking it easy is really difficult. <br /><br />Jim S

[[old] tam2row]

Hi All, I really need some motivation to lose weight, I try and do good and then fall off the wagon get lazy and eat. So I'm trying again I do well with some motivation, problem is my best friend has the same problem. So I figure if I get help to stay on track then I can motivate her and we will both be better. We both have Concept II erg's both did the Holiday Challenge last year then quit rowing. So I' not doing that again, this is the end of the yo-yo syndrome. I hope I can join the "Row Pain, Row Gain Team. What do I have to do, to be a part of this team? My height - 5 ft 10 inches, weight - 210 lbs, and I'm 50 yrs old, I need to lose about 60 lbs.

[[old] rowmantic]

Hi All,<br /> I feel like I have been in hibernation from the group. I have been logging my meters, but have obviously not been doing any postings. Things have been a little crazy in my world at the moment. My husband broke his collar bone a few days ago; my computer died (I am using my son's lap top to type this); been training for the Head of the Charles; I'm trying to qualify for the US Indoor Rowing Team; and really trying not to eat too many chocolates when stressed. No one is allowed to check my trash right now for the wrappers. <br /> I was trying to do some catch up with everyone by reading the last few pages of postings. I am a little worried about those of you who are using your erg with the damper set on 10. I finally had to give up my B model after 15 years of use when the chain broke in the middle of a piece. Imagine my surprise as the chain flew off. I was always advised to not put the damper on 10 so that I would not hurt my back. I use a C model in my home and keep the drag set at 116. I use the same drag factor for the D model when I use one. Depending on the age and maintenance of the machine that will mean that on some machines I have been as high as an 8 and on some (new ones) as low as a 1, but no matter where I need to make the adjustment, the drag is at a 116. I had a coach who once recommended that heavyweight women should set the drag between 115-120. Just some food for thought.<br /> Speaking of thoughts, I wanted to remind everyone that every single meter rowed is a meter rowed towards better health. A great way to monitor your progress, no matter the number of meters, would be to test your resting heart rate now. Record it somewhere. Check it again in a month after faithfully rowing and you will be impressed with the difference. The recommendation for checking your heart rate is first thing in the morning after a day off from exercising. Make a promise to yourselves to get on the erg at least 3 times a week. Try to row at least a 5k when you do. Pencil yourselves in on your day planners/calendars. Make yourself a priority.<br /> I belong to this group because I feel that I am one of you. Yes, I like to compete on the water and on the erg, but I also struggle with that weight loss. Row Pain, Row Gain is my group of choice... <br /> Welcome Tam2row. All you need to do to join us on Concept II is to list us under your profile. Put us in the space marked for universitys/clubs. Anyone interested in improving his/her health is always welcome to join this group<br />~Grace

[[old] deppe4]

<!--QuoteBegin-tam2row+Oct 12 2005, 09:48 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(tam2row @ Oct 12 2005, 09:48 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I hope I can join the "Row Pain, Row Gain Team.  What do I have to do, to be a part of this team? <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />From your Personal Logbook screen select Profile and then Edit Profile, scroll down to "University/Club Standings Affiliation" and select "Row Pain, Row Gain" then any meters you log will go to the Team and you'll be able to track your progress "up the ladder" by clicking University/Club Standings look for team Row Pain, Row Gain, click on the link and you'll find your team members.<br /><br />Hope this helps,<br />deppe

[[old] deppe4]

<!--QuoteBegin-jimjayhawk+Oct 11 2005, 08:44 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(jimjayhawk @ Oct 11 2005, 08:44 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I am really having trouble getting going again after messing up my back 2 weeks ago... <br /><br />It was all I could do last night to finish up 3000 meters in 15 minutes... I resisted the temptation to row more... I could feel my lower back starting to react.... <br />Jim S <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />I've hurt my back before (spasms for a year) and it took a year to get back to where I was before I hurt myself. I don't even know what set the spams off except for maybe not exercising intellegently for years - pushing too hard, too fast, too often and never listening to what my body was trying to tell me. I went from being an active person to next to nothing because I was afraid I'd set off another episode of unable to move like a normal person.<br /><br />If it was my back hurting like that I'd slow down and put fewer meters in and take rest days in between rows. <br /><br />I feel alittle awkward (I've retyped this post like 4 times now), but I'm just worried about your back.<br /><br />deppe

[[old] Steelhead]

<!--QuoteBegin-rowmantic+Oct 12 2005, 09:02 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(rowmantic @ Oct 12 2005, 09:02 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Hi All,<br />    [snip]<br />I am a little worried about those of you who are using your erg with the damper set on 10.  [snip]  I was always advised to not put the damper on 10 so that I would not hurt my back.  I use a C model in my home and keep the drag set at 116.  I use the same drag factor for the D model when I use one.  Depending on the age and maintenance of the machine that will mean that on some machines I have been as high as an 8 and on some (new ones) as low as a 1, but no matter where I need to make the adjustment, the drag is at a 116.  I had a coach who once recommended that heavyweight women should set the drag between 115-120.  Just some food for thought.<br />    [snip]<br />~Grace <br /> </td></tr></table><br />Grace,<br /><br />You are so right! After reading the posts about rowing at a 10 damper setting, I decided to do some HM's on a Model C at the Y at that setting (DF=178) to see how it felt. It was hard obviously, but I hit the wall on day three of my test.<br /><br />Here's what Concept2 says in pertinent part on its website vis-a-vis drag factor: <b>"It is important to note that, unlike weight lifting, the goal is not to use a higher drag factor as a means of achieving fitness on the Indoor Rower. It is much better to work with lower drag factor settings (110-140) while improving your speed, form and muscle coordination. Many of the world's top heavyweight competitors use settings in this range."</b> So, it is a good idea to experiment with DF settings of 110-140 to find out which one is best.<br /><br />I'm dropping back down to my normal DF.<br /><br />Also, even though rowing at a 178DF did not hurt my back, when I watch others at the Y row at a 10 Damper Setting I see their poor technique and form and the stress they place on their backs. Using a lower DF, and rowing strapless, will help our form and technique, and should eliminate most of the back problems being experienced by some team members (hopefully). I always remind myself that if my back hurts (it used to alot when I was a beginner) then its telling me I have bad technique and need to slow down, focus on my technique. <br /><br />Here's what the Ann Arbor Rowing Club has to say about DF: <b>"To avoid injury, please be conscious of the drag setting on the erg . . . . Ideally, you all will keep your setting around 120 (115-125 is acceptable). To adjust the drag, move the fan lever . . . up for more resistance and down for less. FAILURE TO DO THIS MAY RESULT IN BACK INJURY." (Emphasis in original)</b><br /><br />Mike

[[old] jimjayhawk]

<!--QuoteBegin-deppe4+Oct 13 2005, 08:07 AM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(deppe4 @ Oct 13 2005, 08:07 AM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I feel alittle awkward (I've retyped this post like 4 times now), but I'm just worried about your back.<br />deppe <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />Deppe,<br /><br />I appreciate your concern... a few rest days in September and/or a few shorter workouts might have been helpful... I've had 2 periods of the back spasms over the past 15 years (1 when rowing, 1 other activity), and they are miserable... for the immediate future I am going to leave my chain on the inside sprocket, not row beyond a comfort level, and take a day off between workouts (more if there are any warning signs). <br /><br />My favorite time to row is when I am watching my Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball games... I have a little over a month before the first game... I typically row for the entire game (2 hours, at whatever pace my body feels up to). <br /><br />Jim

[[old] Meri Goehring]

<!--QuoteBegin-jimjayhawk+Oct 13 2005, 02:10 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(jimjayhawk @ Oct 13 2005, 02:10 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--><!--QuoteBegin-deppe4+Oct 13 2005, 08:07 AM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(deppe4 @ Oct 13 2005, 08:07 AM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I feel alittle awkward (I've retyped this post like 4 times now), but I'm just worried about your back.<br />deppe <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />Deppe,<br /><br />I appreciate your concern... a few rest days in September and/or a few shorter workouts might have been helpful... I've had 2 periods of the back spasms over the past 15 years (1 when rowing, 1 other activity), and they are miserable... for the immediate future I am going to leave my chain on the inside sprocket, not row beyond a comfort level, and take a day off between workouts (more if there are any warning signs). <br /><br />My favorite time to row is when I am watching my Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball games... I have a little over a month before the first game... I typically row for the entire game (2 hours, at whatever pace my body feels up to). <br /><br />Jim <br /> </td></tr></table><br />As a former Kansan, I salute your rock, chalk, Jayhawk row! I've yet to figure out how to set up a TV in front of the rower, and thus far, have had to concentrate too much on my form and split times to allow it. Maybe someday. Be careful and enjoy!<br />Meri<br />