MID-YEAR REFLECTIONS: Gratitude for the journey so far, and thoughts on what's next!

I share my thoughts and reflections on my health and well-being journey over the last ~12 months, and where I might be headed next!
View my and Hien's Google Sheets-based training logs here (and feel free to make a copy of the template if you'd like!): shorturl.at/acrDV
#rowing #indoorrowing #indoorrowingmachine #dadbod #fitnessfreak #fitnessjourney #fitnessmotivation #fitnesslifestyle #fitnessgoals #ergometer #concept2 #6kergtest #beginnerrowing #sub7rowing

[@turbokeene]

Impressive journey Justin. It’s amazing how much the erg gives in terms of fitness and mental health wellbeing. Having an erg in my garage during Covid lockdown pretty much kept me sane. Keep up the excellent work 👌

[@dadboddadvlog]

Thank you; glad you had the erg to keep you company during lockdown. Dark times indeed!

[@JonathanCrossley]

It’s been very inspiring to watch you progress (and hopefully surpass) those collegiate results!
On the strength training piece, what you mention re. long term progress really confirms what I’ve been thinking and the way I’ve been approaching my training - I think the best way to improve on the erg is to erg but I think you’re limiting the ceiling if you don’t have a good base of strength, especially for someone who might not physically be as gifted as others from a height standpoint. Plus, as a soon to be 40 year old dad, staying strong and holding onto whatever muscle mass I have is right up there in importance with my erg goals.
I’m looking forward to what the second half of the year and full rowing season brings you!

[@dadboddadvlog]

Thanks! I plan on resuming weight training once my "summer break" is over; likely mid-August. Gives me at least 3 months to focus on building strength before indoor rowing season really kicks into gear.

[@ianbarnett6027]

You have thoroughly deserved an enjoyed a great last 6 months Justin. Your erg times are amazing and over a wide range of distances. Have you thought about aiming for the World Indoor Rowing Champs in your age category as I believe you could do very well. Also pleased to hear the good news about the hernia as you definitely don't want one of those. Will be looking forward to seeing your progress over the next 6 to 12 months and hope you enjoy your well deserved break.

[@dadboddadvlog]

Thanks Ian. WIRC has crossed my mind but two things would need to happen for me to seriously consider entering: 1) It would need to be in North America; I'm not willing to travel further than that given commitments at home, and 2) I would need to believe that I have a legitimate shot at going sub 6:10 for 2k. #1 obviously is out of my control, but I look forward to seeing how much I can chip away at #2 this coming fall & winter. And if I don't race at WIRC, I'll at the very least defend my title at the local competition I won earlier this year :).