200K+!

I just finished the Concept2 Holiday Challenge, w00t!

my pm3 is dead, slain by a bad battery

I haven't used my indoor rower since June, at which point the monitor was working fine. Yesterday, I decided it was time to start preparing for the Concept2 Holiday Challenge. When I started to row, the monitor didn't turn on automatically, like it usually does. I figured, "dead batteries" and opened the monitor to pop them out. Much to my chagrin, I found one of the batteries had "exploded" and leaked all over the circuit board.

I was tempted to pour some Dr Pepper over the thing, but I didn't have any in the house. Instead I tried scrubbing on some baking soda with a toothbrush. That removed some of the corrosion but not all (the photo above shows the end result, still with plenty of gunk). I had to flush a little water over the area to remove the baking soda and detritus... I let it dry overnight, and tried it out this morning. It still doesn't work, no surprise.

I could continue to row without the monitor, of course, but then I wouldn't be able to record my meters, and couldn't participate in challenges, which is something I really enjoy.

So I've ordered a PM3 retrofit kit from Concept2 for the horrifying price of $160 (I guess I'm lucky that they still sell the things). Reminder to all: remove the batteries from expensive items when you aren't going to be using them for a while.

over 220K

I did over 220K meters for the Holiday Challenge this year, amounting to just over $7 for Conservation International. I sputtered out today, since I went to a friend's house for dinner, which left me no time for rowing.

It was very motivating that my meters went towards a contribution to a charity. Usually I stop at exactly 200K and collapse in a weak puddle of sweat for a few days. If I have time I'll do a few more km in the morning...

200K and done!

I just completed the Concept2 Holiday Challenge! Easier than expected, no flus or colds to mess me up.

This year, Concept2 is donating some small change to a few charities for each 1K rowed beyond 100K. There are three charities to pick from. I chose Conservation International. So far, I earned $6 for them! Concept2 is donating up to $50K, and they're only at $18K as of today, so I'll keep rowing as much as I can until the deadline, to direct more money towards CI. Not that the other organizations aren't worthy, but CI is my favorite.

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100K!

I’m just slightly behind schedule.

My left shoulder started bothering me after rowing about 2K yesterday, so I had to take it really slowly. Today it seems much better. Hopefully, the rest of the Challenge will go smoothly.

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55K

as of yesterday. Feeling confident!

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tough this year

This year, there are only 29 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’ll be traveling at least 3 or 4 of those days. In addition, I got sick last Friday, and I’m still suffering from it… which means I haven’t had the energy to even hop on my rowing machine yet, this season. This is not going to be easy!!

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200K+

Yay, finished another Holiday Challenge! I think this is the earliest I’ve ever finished it.

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Over 75% done

I passed 150K in the Concept2 Holiday Challenge today… I’m in the home stretch now!

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100K!

Two episodes of Gilmore Girls and 13K later, I’ve hit 100K – the halfway mark!

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65K so far

I’m up to 65K today. Catching up fast after the slow start!

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2007 Holiday Challenge

I did my first 10K today!

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