Mark Hanisco
I'm almost 60-years old. I am a big guy, 6'4" and 350-pounds, making it difficult to compete in physical activities. I was at a conventional gym for about 2 years with limited success. I recently changed to a CrossFit gym. I first used Concept2 Indoor Rowers at my CrossFit gym. I liked rowing the first time that I tried it. Here's a full-body cardio activity that a big guy can do without the pounding and joint stress of running.
I like rowing long distances, 10k and up. I find that the long distances are about one third physical and two thirds mental. It’s easy to give up if you can't tough it out mentally. Lucky for me, I have the mental toughness to push through.
I started rowing on my off days at the gym. I can't do CrossFit five days a week, but I can row for the additional 2 days, keeping me active for most of the week. I am starting to see physical improvements in my physique. It didn't take long for me to make an hour or so per session. I put on some music and start pulling. I like the solitude and the fact that it's me against the distance or time. Additionally, rowing gives me a break for an hour or so from the stress of daily life.
The challenges drive me to stick with it. I completed the half-marathon challenge in May 2014. My time wasn't that great (1:53:59), but I finished it. I am looking forward to doing another one on June 21 for the Summer Solstice Challenge, along with all of the other challenges throughout the year. The toughest one will be the one in August, where I have to get 40k in the last week of the month. I'm not sure how, but somehow, I will do this.
Someday, I hope to have a Concept2 Indoor Rower at home, so I can squeeze in 5k here and there to keep-up my "mileage". My sights are set for my Million Meter T-shirt, which I hope to earn this year.
