I Go 100

Well…not quite. But it still went really well

On Tuesday, I successfully completed 60 km on my erg (rowing machine). It took 5 hours and 35 minutes, including bathroom breaks, stopping to stretch, and I even answered the phone (don't ask me why, because even I don't know…)

Here's a quick video recap of the highlights. Takes about 10 minutes to watch.

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              Over the past 7 months, I've discovered several elements that have helped me in the pursuit of rowing 100 km and raising 40 thousand dollars for Plan Canada. Here are my top 10.

My 10 Key Elements to Rowing 100 km for a Cause:

1. Have a training plan: Rowing 9-10 hours is hard on the body and mind, and having a training plan is a must to survive the ordeal. Since I wasn't able to find a formal training plan for rowing 100 km, I looked at running plans for ultra marathons and made up a plan as I went along. I also asked people who have done endurance sports for their advice and received valuable tips.

2. Create a website to share information about the goal and the charity, and also provide an easy online tool for sponsorship.

3. Have passion for the goal: It was imperative to be passionate about my goal. The image I held of the children who will benefit from the school were a beacon for me through the long winter months of training in my basement.

4. Rewards along the way: For me, achieving a half-marathon and then a full marathon were rewards in themselves. Achieving these milestones shifted my view of myself as an athlete. Other rewards have included cheap movies to watch on the long rows.

5. Have a support network: I've received an outpouring of support from friends, family, coworkers, and even people I've just met. This support has helped me get through some tough spells, and some friends have even gone further by doing their own fundraising to help my goal.  I've also met many great people through the internet community of rowers, and we support each other in all of our goals.

6. Sign a commitment or contract: I made an official commitment to raising the money required for the school project, and the school is being built right now. There is no backing out. I also signed a contract to row at West Edmonton Mall on June 19. By doing this, I am publicly committed and will not back out.

7. Know your weaknesses – and work with them: I know that I tend to over train easily, so I only train 3-4 times per week. I also know that my family will override my training at times, and therefore I need to be flexible and manage my expectations.

8. Know your strengths – and leverage them: I know that when I truly believe in what I'm doing, I never give up. If I'm determined to row for 5 hours and I start hurting after 3, I will work through the pain (except injury).

9. Have a plan for after the event: When June 19 is over, and the igo100 goal is achieved, I will need to have a plan in place to psychologically deal with the end. Often after a large goal is achieved such as a marathon or other long term goals, the blues can set in. So it's important to plan a distraction and transition to regular life again.

10. Base your journey on love, not fear or anger: if you love the goal and/or love the process, you are drawn toward it. It pulls you toward inspiration and success. It makes the journey better and a positive experience.

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