/\ July \/ Rowing Challenge /\

At 6650 km, the Nile River is the longest river in the world; we're rowing its length, from Lake Victoria in Uganda to the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt.  All rowing distances are acceptable, including rowing done on indoor ergs and in outdoor shells.

The overall challenge of rowing the Nile is divided into monthly sub-challenges.  Each month's sub-challenge will begin on the first of the month and end on the last day of the month, but you're welcome to join at any time.

Post your desired monthly sub-challenge distance, and then post all distances rowed any time after the first of the month.  While you're at it, post how your sessions went.  We can all encourage each other to meet our goals.

Anyone is welcome to join, and everyone is welcome back, no matter how long they've been away.  If you've rowed with us before, welcome back.  We could use your muscle power.

There are many forms of exercise in the world, but few as complete as rowing. If you have a rower at home collecting dust, then this is a chance to use it for more than a clothes hanger.  If you're an outdoor rower, welcome. If you've always walked by those rowers at the gym, then this is a chance to give them a try.

July Challenges

the_oarsman - Goal: 100 km - Rowed: 100 km

miss_bea - Goal: 15 km - Rowed: 13.5 km

maxx86 - Goal: 30 km - Rowed: 30 km

mg4820 - Goal: 15 km - Rowed: 30 km

Active Members:

the_oarsman - Total Rowed: 92 km

miss_bea - Total Rowed: 21 km

maxx86 - New member this month

mg4820 - New member this month

Retired Members:

You're welcome to come out of retirement at any time.

bernst31 - Total Rowed: 12 km

apophenia - Total Rowed: 30 km

lindsayadelia - Total Rowed: 56 km

cybersam - Total Rowed: 52 km

Rowing the Nile Challenge

Start Date: June 2009

Total distance rowed by all rowers (not including this month): 263 km

Distance of Nile River: 6650 km

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What's all this about rowing, anyway?

Most rowing machines (known as ergometers, or ergs) will have a display on which you will see various numbers, including the total time and distance, usually in meters or kilometers.

If it's your first time, go slow!  It takes time to build the necessary muscles for any new exercise.  That's especially true for rowing.  Try a few minutes at first, and then add a few minutes every few days.  Before you know it, you'll be rowing for many kilometers at a time.

Technique is important!  I have some information on my profile, as well as some animation that shows proper technique.  First timers, there's no need to rush or to push yourself too much.  This can be a lifelong pursuit if you build up slowly.

7/25 morning - 4 km (19:00) 2:22 avg split - 57 km total || goal: 100 km / 43 km to go

7/25 evening - 5 km (22:30) 2:15 avg split - 62 km total || goal: 100 km / 38 km to go

  OK....you shamed me into at least trying to make 15kms! 

7/25 - 2km - 10 minutes

3.5 / 15 ll 11.5 to goal

No shame.  This is all meant to be fun.  Do as much or as little as you want.  The more you do, though, the better off you'll be.

7/26 morning - 4 km (19:00) 2:22 avg split - 66 km total || goal: 100 km / 34 km to go

7/26 - 3km + 50 crunches - 18 minutes

6.5 / 15 ll 8.5 to goal

Original Post by miss_bea:

7/26 - 3km + 50 crunches - 18 minutes

6.5 / 15 ll 8.5 to goal

50 crunches?!?

Should I be scared?

7/26 evening - 5 km (21:53) 2:11 avg split - 71 km total || goal: 100 km / 29 km to go

Original Post by the_oarsman:

Original Post by miss_bea:

7/26 - 3km + 50 crunches - 18 minutes

6.5 / 15 ll 8.5 to goal

50 crunches?!?

Should I be scared?

No, not scared Mr. Bea, but if you want to be impressed that's fine by me.

Original Post by miss_bea:

Original Post by the_oarsman:

Original Post by miss_bea:

7/26 - 3km + 50 crunches - 18 minutes

6.5 / 15 ll 8.5 to goal

50 crunches?!?

Should I be scared?

No, not scared Mr. Bea, but if you want to be impressed that's fine by me.

Duly impressed Miss Bea.  Duly impressed.

7/27 morning - 4 km (18:15) 2:16 avg split - 75 km total || goal: 100 km / 25 km to go

7/27 - 3km + 60 crunches - 18 minutes

9.5 / 15 ll 5.5 to goal

Original Post by miss_bea:

7/27 - 3km + 60 crunches - 18 minutes

9.5 / 15 ll 5.5 to goal

Looking good miss bea.  You're almost there.

7/27 - 4.4 km

Original Post by mg4820:

7/27 - 4.4 km

 Very good.  I've got you down for almost 25 km for the month.  Nice job.

2k since I last checked in... So that makes 20.4 k total.

I um, fell down some stairs, so I haven't been able to do much of anything.  But I'll be back at it this week.  Maybe I'll get to sit behind a more appealing biker this week .  And maybe I'll follow in Miss Bea's footsteps and do some crunches after my rows and impress someone

I haven't seen the big boss lady around work lately, so next time I see her, either here or at the gym, I'll try to start a little conversation.

Ps. You should wish me a happy birthday, it's tomorrow!

Original Post by maxx86:

2k since I last checked in... So that makes 20.4 k total.

I um, fell down some stairs, so I haven't been able to do much of anything.  But I'll be back at it this week.  Maybe I'll get to sit behind a more appealing biker this week .  And maybe I'll follow in Miss Bea's footsteps and do some crunches after my rows and impress someone

I haven't seen the big boss lady around work lately, so next time I see her, either here or at the gym, I'll try to start a little conversation.

Ps. You should wish me a happy birthday, it's tomorrow!

First and foremost.  Happy birthday!!!  If you're old enough to drink, then have one on Miss Bea and me.  If you're not old enough, then stay away from the stuff.  Shame on you

More importantly (or not, depending on how you look at things), please do take it easy after your fall.  I trust all is well since you said that you'll be back at the gym soon.  Don't overdo it and let things heal properly.

I believe that Miss Bea does crunches right on the rower seat in between rowing sets.  She says they work great on the rower in particular.  I haven't tried so I couldn't speak to it, but regardless, if you do enough of them, then I have no doubt that you'll impress a lot of people.

Finally, tell BBL (big boss lady), that I said she should get on the rower as well.  That way she'll know first hand how difficult they are, and how dedicated you are.

Falling down the stairs was really a lot funnier than it sounds.  I got scraped up pretty bad (they were gravel and wood stairs outside) so I mainly haven't gone to the gym because it hurts to bend ones knees when they're all scabby.  Now that everything is feeling better I can go and just tell people I've been out fighting bad guys or something. 

And crunches on the erg sound like they would be effective, and quite impressive!

And tomorrow I will be sure to have a drink on you and Miss Bea!

Happy birthday Maxx!!! I hope you had a fancy martini for Mr. Bea and me!

7/28 - 2km + 100 crunches - 18 minutes

11.5 / 15 ll 3.5 to goal

Original Post by the_oarsman:

7/27 morning - 4 km (18:15) 2:16 avg split - 75 km total || goal: 100 km / 25 km to go

Way to go Mr. Bea...you still have time to make your goal! Row on my steadfast warrior, Row on!!!