Introduce yourself

Post Reply
User avatar
Wood_Duck
1k Poster
Posts: 123
Joined: March 17th, 2006, 8:46 am
Location: Indiana, USA

Introduce yourself

Post by Wood_Duck » April 1st, 2006, 8:55 pm

Let's introduce (or reintroduce) ourselves....

We used to have this thread on the old forum but since that is tough to access, let's start another one! There are lots of new ducks around. I just read many new profiles on the C2 logbook Ducks In a Row page. http://www.concept2.com/sranking03/chal ... n+a+row%22
Some of us have pictures posted there too! (instructions are at the bottom of the "profile" page. You can either email or regular mail a picture to Dena and she will post it for you!)

Welcome everyone!
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
1st row 11/23/04; 1 MM 3/20/06; 2 MM 6/9/07; 3 MM 5/15/08; 1st 2k: 1/28/07 (9:04.2); 1st MARATHON! 4/19/06 (4:42:42.9)

User avatar
Wood_Duck
1k Poster
Posts: 123
Joined: March 17th, 2006, 8:46 am
Location: Indiana, USA

Post by Wood_Duck » April 1st, 2006, 9:29 pm

Hi everybody,

I am a 38 year old female. I started to row in November 2004 at the insistence of my podiatrist and neurologist. I had been battling chronic foot pain for years. The cause is complicated but one of the aggravating factors has been my weight. I have gained an average of 6 pounds a year since I was married twelve years ago (do the math, it is horrifying!) I had always been pretty sedentary. I am neither athletic, nor coordinated and don’t like to sweat.

My doctors INSISTED I get some exercise and lose some weight, but how? And once I realized all the risk factors I had for other major health problems like diabetes and heart disease, I was determined to change, but how? I tried rowing at the Y and found I could tolerate it. It hurt my feet less than standing because of all the work of the legs, back and arms. I found I loved the motion and the erg at the Y creaked. I could shut my eyes and feel myself on a boat! I WAS HOOKED.

Fortunately, between the challenges and the forum and my ducky friends, I have stuck with it. (I did have surgery in March 2005 and my feet are like new. I still need medication but I can walk and jump and play with my daughter Danae (6) and husband. I am truly grateful to God for the restoration through surgery and medication and physical therapy.)

I am thrilled to say I went from erging for 5 minutes at a time to completing a half marathon in December and plan to row a full marathon on April 22nd. AND I have lost 20-25 pounds since November 2005. Woo Hoo! I have 30 more pounds to go. I make 10 pound goals at a time. My ultimate reward will be to purchase a slide seat boat when I make my final goal. (It will be more of a wherry than a scull so the whole family can be on the water together.) This is a picture of my dream boat--not a picture of my hubby.
Image
http://www.ghboats.com/

Wood Duck in Indiana

(I am also a chemist working in the school of pharmacy in the undergraduate laboratory program when I am not rowing (typically off water but occasionally on water!) or playing with my daughter or camping with the family.) :D
Last edited by Wood_Duck on April 2nd, 2006, 3:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
1st row 11/23/04; 1 MM 3/20/06; 2 MM 6/9/07; 3 MM 5/15/08; 1st 2k: 1/28/07 (9:04.2); 1st MARATHON! 4/19/06 (4:42:42.9)

User avatar
Sasha
500m Poster
Posts: 93
Joined: March 16th, 2006, 7:45 pm
Location: In front of the computer

Post by Sasha » April 2nd, 2006, 11:26 am

I have posted some of this recently, but I'll collect it here.

I am a woman rapidly crashing my way to age 63 (a mere three weeks from now), need to lose more than half my body weight, and have persistent though usually well medicated asthma. I swim a bit more than occasionally but otherwise I have instantly loathed every kind of gym equipment that I have ever tried. That is until I put myself on an erg because these silly rowing things were empty and there were lines for the stair thingy, treadmill, and bikes. I fell in love with the thing. I went back and still loved it. And again. And again. Since I am a web rat instead of a gym rat, I found my way here.

As for the rest of my life, I live my aging cocker spaniel in the suburban Washington DC area and work in IT entirely too many hours each week a few blocks from the Capitol. I keep wretched hours making gym visits spotty, especially since I'm not inclined to go there in the first place.

Instead of giving up the gym thing when it got difficult, I bit the bullet and gave myself a shiney new C2 for my birthday. (Which is pretty amusing since my birthday present to myself last year was my first tattoo. I figured I didn't have to worry about whether I would still like it when I got old.) Ok, it was a little early for my birthday, but that just leaves time for more presents. As I write this it has been here for all of four days. I am at the 5-10 minutes at a time stage, dearly hoping that I will be able to extend my time as so many of you have.

I love the idea of the Ducks. Support and encouragement is all good. I have decided that my duck name will be Ping, both after a story from my childhood and the internet protocol. Oh, did I mention that I'm a bit odd?

Nice to meetcha all.
First row 3/13/06

hunisu
Paddler
Posts: 33
Joined: March 29th, 2006, 8:36 pm

Post by hunisu » April 3rd, 2006, 12:19 am

I posted a week or so ago, but I'll add it here as well.

My husband just bought a C2 to help him get back into shape, and while I was skeptical, I committed myself to using it too. I looked at the thing for 2 days, then I finally bit the bullet, set it up (we are in a very small home & have to get it out of the way when we're done), and away I went. I've only missed one day since.

My kids like it too. They have their turns when mommy is done with hers.

I grew up in the swimming world (16 years swimming/coaching/etc) and kind of fell apart after getting married & having kids. This kind of started as a last ditch effort to get back into shape. I like the idea of the 1 million meter challenge as no matter how many meters I do a day it's still progress. I can see that little boat in my ticker move a tad more everyday & it keeps me motivated.

My duck name is going to be Hermitrude. Weird, I know. Hermitrude was the Senior class mascot at the first College I attended. While I didn't graduate (I transferred to swim), I still feel a connection to the school and the life lessons I learned there.
first row 3/18/2006

[img]http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/8;10730;128/c/310329/t/1000000/u/meters/m/1+Million+meter+challenge/k/2a66/exercise.png[/img]

MomofJBN
2k Poster
Posts: 218
Joined: March 18th, 2006, 2:12 pm
Location: AZ

Post by MomofJBN » April 3rd, 2006, 1:47 am

Susan, great idea to re-start this thread.

Sasha - Ping is a great idea! I loved that book; I'll have to look for it for my boys. And the computer reference. ;)

As for me, I have a little bit of on the water experience in an intramural 8 for a couple of springs in college. At that time and for a few yrs after college I had access to ergs and did it sometimes.

My recent career started when my father gave us an erg for Christmas (2005). Erging has, of couse, proven to be very good exercise, and all the C2 challenges have been good motivators. I have just passed 300K.

My husband rowed a year of competitive crew in college, so he's happy to have the erg, too. My 3 sons have tried the erg, too. Nicholas (5) has completed the 5K and 10K challenges. Benjamin (8) has completed the 10K challenge. Jonathan (9) is stuck at about 200m short of the 20K challenge. I don't know why he's not interested any more. One more fish game would do it for him. :roll:

Happy erging everyone! :)

Schenley
Schenley
Wife of Jeff
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/momofjbn/dudes_small.jpg[/img] Mom of Jonathan (12), Benjamin (10), and Nicholas (8)

User avatar
Gryffindor_Muggle
Paddler
Posts: 1
Joined: April 24th, 2006, 3:25 pm
Location: Lost in a good book

Back in the sadd...er, on the erg...

Post by Gryffindor_Muggle » April 24th, 2006, 3:37 pm

Hello All!

My name is ash and I'm far too young to be as old as my body thinks it is. I've just been cleared to get back on the erg (right in time for the new season!) after a number of months down due to an odd combination of asthma and a heart valve defect. I cannot wait! If the health holds, my goal is to get a new c2 by August.

Anyhow, I'm also far too old to be as obsessed with Harry Potter as I am, but you'll most likely find me listening to the Harry Potter audio books while I'm working out. Looking forward to learning my way around you're lovely new site!

ash
The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience. --To Kill a Mockingbird

margaret
500m Poster
Posts: 80
Joined: April 9th, 2006, 1:21 am
Location: Fort Bragg, CA

Post by margaret » April 24th, 2006, 3:48 pm

Welcome Gryffindor Muggle! Nobody is ever too old ... to enjoy Harry Potter or rowing! I was inspired many years ago to row alongside Ernestine Baer, former racer but by then already in her 80's... Listening to Harry Potter while rowing, maybe I should try that instead of my internimable counting (strokes, meters,...)
F45, HW
Feel the best I can, Do the most I can, Thank God
[img]http://www.c2ctc.com/sigs/img1169360601.png[/img]

hunisu
Paddler
Posts: 33
Joined: March 29th, 2006, 8:36 pm

Post by hunisu » April 24th, 2006, 11:51 pm

Welcome!

Does this mean that it's really ok that I listen to "Little Bear" and "Maggie & the Ferocious Beast?" Sometimes we mix it up a bit and I listen to "Snorks" (eep!) or "Bear in the Big Blue House."

Mostly though I listen to, "Mama! I'm hungry!" "Mom!! Look Mom!! Look at me Mama! Look!" "Mommy, is it my turn yet?" and other such shoutings of too-much-energy-for-6-am-when-you-should-be-quieter carpet monkeys. :) Gotta love 'em though.
first row 3/18/2006

[img]http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/8;10730;128/c/310329/t/1000000/u/meters/m/1+Million+meter+challenge/k/2a66/exercise.png[/img]

User avatar
efg
Paddler
Posts: 35
Joined: March 20th, 2006, 4:17 am

Hello & Introduction

Post by efg » May 10th, 2006, 10:35 pm

Hi Everyone,

I've been rowing since the 2003 season, but I'd usually just row the Holiday Challenge and then stop shortly afterwards. Then I discovered the online forums and virtual clubs, and it's made a huge difference. Last season was the first time I rowed over a million meters in one season. I think I came close to equalling my previous lifetime total last season.

I row while watching TV. I find I can't really follow a plot, so I end up watching a lot of home improvement type shows, since I can just look at the pictures. I have a Model C. I've heard the new Model D is quieter, but my rower still works perfectly.

I have 3 kids and we are in our 5th year of homeschooling. I'm thinking of taking a Learn to Row class next month to get to do some rowing on water. It should be fun. Unfortunately, the only time that doesn't conflict with kid activities is the 5-7am class!

Emilia

staylor13
Paddler
Posts: 4
Joined: May 11th, 2006, 6:52 pm
Location: Near the shores of the Great Salt Lake

New Duck

Post by staylor13 » May 11th, 2006, 9:09 pm

Hi everyone! I am brand new to rowing - - have gone to the gym about 10 times now. Have 24,079 meters so far! I am amazed at how much I LOVE rowing! This is addictive for sure! :D I have a few questions:
1) the name I picked is Great Salt Lake Duck - I live in Utah near SLC! I am not sure if this will show in the post or not. If it doesn't, how do I do that? Also, how do you add the Million Meters ticker to your signature?
2) I have downloaded the training manual, but it is confusing! What suggestions do you have for newbies just learning? Where to go for info etc. etc. I'm just not understanding how to read the stats, how to use the monitor to structure your workouts, just what all those numbers mean anyway....... :shock:
3) How do you find out if there is a rowing club or group near you?
4) I have been reading through the posts, and I have been trying to slow down my strokes per minute - was 29, today I got my average down to 26 with an av watt of 41. Other posters seem to list watts as 3 places ie: 400. Can anyone explain?
Well, enough for now. I am so excited to have discovered rowing! I hurt my ankle and have a fussy knee and can no longer do any type of impact exercise and this has just been great. I have never been very athletic in my life, (can't throw, catch or aim worth squat!) but I am health concious and have always tried to "workout" but this is the first time in my life I am having fun and actually looking forward to working out - not just forcing my self to go to they gym because I should. For the first time I actually feel comfortable and confident doing something "athletic". It' s amazing that it took me 45 years to figure out what people ment by a "runner's high" , but now that I know, I hope I never stop!
Sally
aka "Great Salt Lake Duck"
<a>
<img></a>

User avatar
Wood_Duck
1k Poster
Posts: 123
Joined: March 17th, 2006, 8:46 am
Location: Indiana, USA

Post by Wood_Duck » May 11th, 2006, 9:27 pm

Hi Sally!

Welcome! I too have never been athletic and I have found something I can do and getter better at and actually compete. More with myself to better my times and endurance but with others too!

Let's start a new thread with all your questions. I bet there are many that have similar questions. And there are many of us who might venture suggestions. Some of what we say might conflict. But the key point is to keep stroking and keep enjoying!

Susan
aka Wood Duck
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
1st row 11/23/04; 1 MM 3/20/06; 2 MM 6/9/07; 3 MM 5/15/08; 1st 2k: 1/28/07 (9:04.2); 1st MARATHON! 4/19/06 (4:42:42.9)

debzcf
Paddler
Posts: 1
Joined: April 27th, 2006, 7:54 am

Post by debzcf » May 14th, 2006, 11:26 am

Thank you for starting this thread. A little history...I used to be a long-distance cyclist. I participated in the MS150's and was a member of a men's cycling club (of which I was the only woman). Long story short, I underwent two back surgeries (within a year), several fusions...I had to retire my Trek and Bianchi.

Current...I purchased a Concept 2 (along w/the instructional/workout DVD) and it arrived the last week of April, 2006. A dear friend that owns a C2 (and ergs on water) has spent quite a bit of time w/me to ensure I am using correct form. He has been an invaluable resource.

With each passing day, I am able to row for a longer period of time. I started at 5 minutes...this morning I rowed 4016m in 23min. While my time (3:03/500) is laughable, I average 23spm with the damper set on 3. I have nerve damage in right leg (which causes weakness)...I don't envision I'll ever reach a level of racing (perhaps I should be more optimistic). However, my resting heart rate has dropped by 8 pts. and I am feeling alive again!!! In total, I've rowed 32,988m in just a few weeks.

I have been lurking on your board for quite some time have learned, laughed, and shared in your victories. I've joined the Ducks and look forward to a long relationship.

Deborah

marilyn
Paddler
Posts: 41
Joined: March 16th, 2006, 1:11 pm
Contact:

Post by marilyn » May 16th, 2006, 9:38 am

Thanks Wood_Duck for strating this posting


I am 3X years old, born in Venezuela. I do sport to maintain me
in form. I discovered the indoor rowing because I was too lazy to
use many different equipments. When I read that with the rowing ergometer many muscles would be trained, I knowed, it was for me

I am living in Munich, Germany since 15 years. My hobbies are to dance, to go out with friends and to talk nonsense with them and to travel, to know people from other countries, to meet them. I love simple things.

I train 4 or 5 times in the week. One day in the gym to watch real people
and the rest online at home. By nice weather I like to do kajaking
and to swim.

I am very entusiastic and I love the internet because it helps you to find
people somewhere with the same ideas as you.


Marilyn
www.supercanoa.com

blue_heron
Paddler
Posts: 22
Joined: April 10th, 2006, 12:15 am
Location: Oakland, CA

Post by blue_heron » May 16th, 2006, 8:42 pm

glad I found you all on-line. been putting off serious getting back into exercise (we all have excuses).

I'm a 47 yo nursing home administrator from California. love my job, but it's really high stress (again, we all have that these days).

I've only been really back working for a month and I'm finding I'm looking forward to it when I leave work. head straight for the rower when I get home so I don't give myself a chance to sack out on the couch.

I picked blue heron for my name because I pass one on the bus most mornings that hangs out on a rather colorful restaurant in Chinatown. he's kind of my good luck piece. I'm not sure that's what he is, but I like to think so. I look for him every morning anyway.

If you haven't tried a training partner and would like to, I highly recommend it. My partner is great and we're doing a good job motivating each other. I really look forward to her messages in the morning, and I hope she looks forward to mine. it's really helping me keep on track.

Go Ducks!
Blue_Heron

LandLocked
Paddler
Posts: 6
Joined: June 21st, 2006, 1:29 am
Location: Denver

Post by LandLocked » June 21st, 2006, 1:41 am

I finally registered for the new forums. I’ve been unmotivated, but what little motivation for exercise I’ve had, I put towards the rower.

I’ve been surfing the forum for a bit, but find a lot of the discussions very discouraging. I’m moving so slowly and have to keep reminding myself that every little bit helps and once I get a regular schedule going I’ll feel better. I bought myself a rower because my work schedule is (was) too crazy to go to a gym, and it is something that don’t hurt myself on.

I think I’m still a member of the ducks, I should go check my settings on my logbook.

Post Reply