A Long Way To Go ........

[old] Dave Sachs · Post by **[old] Dave Sachs** » November 26th, 2005, 1:39 am

Hello, I live in Wisconsin and with the start of the Holiday Challenge yesterday began quest to get back into shape. I am actually angry with myself that I have slipped so far. I am 43 years old and have the typical story that I made time for others over the last 4 years and not myself. In 2001 I ran the NYC Marathon and had previously completed 41 marathons. I had also skied 3 XC ski marathons and did lots of mountaineering around the world. After NYC I decided I needed to take some time off. Did I ever! Close to 5 years and 61 pounds later I have decided enough is enough! In 2000 I purchased a Mod C and completed the HC. I have not done much rowing since. Well that is all changing now.<br /><br />I am going to use my rower and diet adjustments to "right the ship". I have a slow and steady mentality. This is going to take some time. Lots of time which is a little overwhelming if looked at as a whole. I will focus on weekly losses of 1 pound with an overall goal of 61 pounds. In fact this is the last time I will ever mention the number 61 as that is depressing. Pound by pound is my goal. <br /><br />THe reason I plan on using my rower is that I like the idea of keeping the weight off my knees and ankles. I also like the fact that it works both one's upper body and lower body. When doing the HC I have been going good distances but doing these distances at a very slow pace that many of you may find laughable. Again, I have a long term perspective. WE are also going into winter here in Wisconsin and the wind chill is presently -15 deg F. My rower seems like a nice place to spend some time.<br /><br />What do most of you use for entertainment when rowing besides sweating? Music? Movies? or your Rowing Monitor? It may seem weird but I just enjoy watching the meters add up. <br /><br />I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

[old] Godfried · Post by **[old] Godfried** » November 26th, 2005, 12:22 pm

<table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(Dave Sachs @ Nov 26 2005, 07:39 AM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'>After NYC I decided I needed to take some time off. Did I ever! Close to 5 years and 61 pounds later I have decided enough is enough![right] </td></tr></table>If you do it - do it well.<br /><br /><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'>I will focus on weekly losses of 1 pound </td></tr></table>Don't be disappointed if one week you won't make it - just remember the long term goal. Use a tape-measure to get your sizes , see where it disappears first.<br /><br /><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'>The reason I plan on using my rower is that I like the idea of keeping the weight off my knees and ankles. </td></tr></table>Year before last year I tried to run it off. The only things that went were my knees and ankles.<br /><br /><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'> I also like the fact that it works both one's upper body and lower body. </td></tr></table>Depend on how well your stroke is - I seem to forget to use my legs.<br /><br /><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'>What do most of you use for entertainment when rowing besides sweating? </td></tr></table>Now I row at home I watch TV ( cannot watch a movie because for that I have to steal a VCR form another room - family won't like that ) ; BTW changing channels or sound kills the pace.<br /><br /><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'>It may seem weird but I just enjoy watching the meters add up. </td></tr></table>At the gym I used to calculate splits , average , HR , and so on.

[old] woolsmith · Post by **[old] woolsmith** » November 27th, 2005, 10:53 am

Hey Dave!<br /><br />Right there with ya. But I had to lose 90 pounds, and I've lost 40 at this point. Only got 50 more to go! I never weighed an ounce over 110 pounds in high school, and I was quite the little athlete. But work, bad habits, and bad choices took their toll.<br /><br />Last fall, my husband got a Schwinn AiryDyne Comp to help rehab from a broken arm and a broken heel. Being a tightwad myself, I figured if we're forking out the bucks for this piece of ugliness taking up precious space in my family room, I'm going to make sure I get the most bang for my buck and use it too. Then I decided to drag out my old NordicTrack skier, which I used to love using in the early 90's, and got "re-hooked" with that. <br /><br />Then last May, one of my internet buddies got me a line on a used C2 rower, and with a great deal of stress, I forked out more money for that. I got on that and haven't looked back since. Like you, I love the info I get on the monitor as well, and the support and motivation I get from these forums is incredible. <br /><br />And Godfried is correct--don't be surprised if there are some weeks that you don't lose that weight. The water weight gain and increased muscle mass might make that scale lie to you. Go by how much better you feel and how much better your clothes are fitting. And no matter what that dang scale says, just keep on plugging away!<br /><br />I've "only" lost 40 pounds in this last year, but it's been relatively painless. I've eaten pretty much whatever I wanted, but just tried to be smarter about it. For example, I'd only do ONE trip to the food bar at the Chinese buffet, and I get the Big and Tasty burger at McD's, but I get it without cheese and mayo. Iow, I've tried to improve the quality of my foods, eating more fruits and veggies, and that has caused a natural decrease in calorie intake. I never was a good fruit eater, but after I "forced" myself to do it, I've found I really LIKE fruit, and that satisfies my sweet tooth very well. Sometimes, I just HAVE to have my chocolate though. <br /><br />When I row, I either watch a DVD on my computer, or I listen to Fox News or CNN Headline News on the satellite radio. But I have to have the volume cranked to hear it over the rower, so I'm considering getting some headphones for the sake of family peace.<br /><br />However, I seem stuck at this 40# plateau for the last 3 months, so I'm either going to have to do better with my food (and there's plenty of room for that!) and/or kick it up a notch on the exercise front. I'm hoping this Holiday Challenge will help with that angle. The more time I spend rowing means the less time I have to eat all of those holiday goodies, right?<br /><br />And the way I figure it, it took me awhile to get this bad, so it's gonna take awhile to fix it! <br /><br />And with our WI weather, the rower is very appealing, hey? Get to look out the window and watch that snow falling...although right now, we're having freezing rain up here in NE WI. Much rather have snow.<br /><br />Hang in there!<br />--Jen in WI Northwoods<br /><br />

[old] Dave Sachs · Post by **[old] Dave Sachs** » November 27th, 2005, 9:42 pm

Godfried and Jen, THanks for the great encouragement. Sounds as if both of you have already acomplished alot. Jen - Great to hear of others from Wisconsin that are erging. I have been doing approximately 8K for the last 4 days at a slow pace for the HC. I am taking it easy and having fun. I actually look forward to my time on the erg! I have made small adjustments to my diet at this point. I have found out from past experience that if I try to change too much at once it is very difficult to maintain. I am only eating at meals and focusing on eating good foods in reasonable portions. Jen - I hope you stay in contact. YOu can be very proud of your accomplishments to date. In no time you will be at your goal. Thanks Again to both of you for the kind advice. Dave<br />

[old] woolsmith · Post by **[old] woolsmith** » November 28th, 2005, 3:38 pm

Hey Dave!<br /><br />Sounds like you're doing it right--if it ain't at least a little fun, it probably won't continue, right? From checking the lists, seems like there are lots of rowers in the Madison area. I was surprised there weren't more up here with all the lakes. <br /><br />Wish ya's the best for your HC! <br /><br />--Jen, off to do my row for the day

[old] c2jonw · Post by **[old] c2jonw** » November 28th, 2005, 4:13 pm

Dave, Way to go! With all the fad diets out there with promises of pounds melting away daily, I think your approach is the right one. A pound a week is realistic, especially if you want to keep it off. You've also obviously got a motor, so you know how to get the work done. Keep it up!<br />I like music- rock and roll mostly, cranked up loud. But I can also get absorbed in the numbers rolling by if the music's not available.......JonW

[old] Schmern · Post by **[old] Schmern** » November 28th, 2005, 11:16 pm

Another Wisconsin rower here. I always did well on nice summer days biking in Madison and the weight would come off. Then hot, cold or wet weather would come and my very borderline motivation would fizzle. Now I started rowing the last week of October and went from 5 days a week and 4 - 5 minute sessions to 2 - 15 minute sessions while also improving the pace quite a bit. I have 60k meters down so far and hope to add more time on as I gain strength. I keep track of my eating (1800 calories a day) on Dietpower software so I just have to trust the process. I haven't lost any weight but my clothes are much loser and I feel great. Wisconsin is such a great place to row outdoors I hope to someday get to do that <br /><br />Woolsmith are you a knitter with that name. If I could only figure out how to knit and exercise I would be set but that love of these kinds of hobbies that got me to this weight in the first place <br /><br />Best of luck with it!

[old] Dave Sachs · Post by **[old] Dave Sachs** » December 9th, 2005, 12:39 am

My weight is now at 255. Lost 6 pounds so far based upon rowing 8K per day and moderating my diet without going nuts. I am sure I will plateau in awhile. My goal is still 1 pound per week. So far so good.

[old] woolsmith · Post by **[old] woolsmith** » December 9th, 2005, 10:48 am

Yay, Dave! <br /><br />Sounds like you're doing it right--getting there, and making good progress without making yourself crazy. You're probably losing more fat than you think because of the increase in your lean muscle mass from rowing, too. Feels pretty good, hey? <br /><br />I'm still stuck at 37 lb weight loss, but I've picked up some bad habits (old, seasonal habits) with the holidays coming on. Before I hit the "fat food," I figure I'm going to have to fill up on some more reasonable foods before I go to potlucks and holiday dinners and such. I'm going for the 200k in the C2 Holiday Challenge, so I'm hoping that'll ward off some evil spirits (calories), as well.<br /><br />And Schmern!<br /><br />Yup, you're right, I do a lot of handspinning and knitting. I've got so many hobbies now, that I was afraid to try weaving. Some of those big ol' floor looms can take up a lot of room, and I already have 3 spinning wheels. Love those handspun, handknit wool socks and mittens. I've got, um, several knitting projects going--I never seem to be able to wait to get one project finished before I want to jump into the next.<br /><br />And lucky you in Madison, you have Lakeside Fibers to go to!<br /><br />Yeah, I think I did waaay too much sitting with the spinning and knitting. Now, if we can come up with a way to knit and row.... <br /><br />--jen

[old] Ducatista · Post by **[old] Ducatista** » December 9th, 2005, 12:03 pm

Greetings, fellow 'sconnie rowers! Our office front window looks out onto newly frozen ( ) Lake Monona. Are any of you Madison ergers MRC members? I work with an MRC coxswain.

[old] Schmern · Post by **[old] Schmern** » December 10th, 2005, 11:09 am

Not a member of the MRC but I hope to take the intro class in May If I can get into enough shape. <br /><br />Lakeside Fiber.. mmmm.. Don't tempt me to go visit there today. Madison, while being a great place for a rower, is an even better place to be a knitter. I am on vacation so rowing and yarn is in order.

[old] nora · Post by **[old] nora** » December 30th, 2005, 8:49 pm

I am also starting a rowing program for weight loss--I started about 3 years ago and worked up to 30 minute rows about 5 times per week and met my weight goal in under a year. Unfortunately I developed some arthritis problems and stopped rowing --and no surprise I gained most of the weight back rather rapidly. Now I am starting all over again and having to go very slowly. the day by day motto is a good one!<br /> Today's row was 10 minutes and 1435 meters. My goal is to be able to row 5000 meters - five times per week for weight control.<br /> The best thing about the indoor rowing is that it is nOT weather dependent and if I can row long enough I can get a "runner's high" without the wear and tear on the joints that I would get running in an urban environment.<br /><br />Good luck and happy new year!<br /><br />Nora

[old] brimer · Post by **[old] brimer** » January 2nd, 2006, 10:13 pm

<table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(Godfried @ Nov 26 2005, 11:22 AM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(Dave Sachs @ Nov 26 2005, 07:39 AM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'>After NYC I decided I needed to take some time off. Did I ever! Close to 5 years and 61 pounds later I have decided enough is enough![right] </td></tr></table>If you do it - do it well.<br /><br /><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'>I will focus on weekly losses of 1 pound </td></tr></table>Don't be disappointed if one week you won't make it - just remember the long term goal. Use a tape-measure to get your sizes , see where it disappears first.<br /><br /><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'>The reason I plan on using my rower is that I like the idea of keeping the weight off my knees and ankles. </td></tr></table>Year before last year I tried to run it off. The only things that went were my knees and ankles.<br /><br /><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'> I also like the fact that it works both one's upper body and lower body. </td></tr></table>Depend on how well your stroke is - I seem to forget to use my legs.<br /><br /><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'>What do most of you use for entertainment when rowing besides sweating? </td></tr></table>Now I row at home I watch TV ( cannot watch a movie because for that I have to steal a VCR form another room - family won't like that ) ; BTW changing channels or sound kills the pace.<br /><br /><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'>It may seem weird but I just enjoy watching the meters add up. </td></tr></table>At the gym I used to calculate splits , average , HR , and so on. <br /> </td></tr></table><br />

[old] brimer · Post by **[old] brimer** » January 2nd, 2006, 10:35 pm

Hello All,<br /><br />Just purchased my Concept2 today!! 42 years old and between marriage life, work and kids have let my weight and fitness slip to say the least . Going to start slow tomorrow morning and try to keep to a regular morning routine. Will probably need encouragement from time to time so hope I can call on my Wisconsin neighbors ( I am in Iowa) to help me out from time to time.<br /><br />Hope to hear from you all soon<br />Bill

[old] tjod · Post by **[old] tjod** » January 2nd, 2006, 10:42 pm

<table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(brimer @ Jan 2 2006, 06:35 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'>Hello All,<br /><br />Just purchased my Concept2 today!! 42 years old and between marriage life, work and kids have let my weight and fitness slip to say the least . Going to start slow tomorrow morning and try to keep to a regular morning routine. Will probably need encouragement from time to time so hope I can call on my Wisconsin neighbors ( I am in Iowa) to help me out from time to time.<br /><br />Hope to hear from you all soon<br />Bill <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />Hi Bill;<br /><br />Welcome.<br /><br />I'm very much in the same boat. Take it slow for a while, don't get caught up in all the numbers right away, plan to row on a regular basis with a day off once in a while. It's a lot of fun and I'm surprised how much I like it in such a short time (got my erg Nov. 18). My wife has also been rowing too and enjoys it a lot, which surprised us both. <br /><br />Oh ... watch out for trolls. <br /><br />tj<br />

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