Tuesday 8 April 2008

S Class



I've had a couple of days off with my boys and its been great! We've been in Devon with my parents and today I slipped away for half an hour to take my old Mercedes for a spin. It's in perfect condition and when it was made the '88 Olympic trials had just finished... and I was going... but only as tune up, having led most of the week. Yeah I know, you weren't born..

Anyway a lot has happened since then, and now half way through my Worlds programme it was time to take stock. And it seemed appropriate to do that on the rowing machine...

But this evenings mid programme insights were interrupted as Miss UK decided to row on the machine next to me. This was nice as normally I get the attentions of an eighteen stone boiler with a face like a bashed crab.

And she was awesome (in every way actually) but I started off well too and we found a natural rhythme, yet as the minutes went by I began to resent the mirror we were rowing in to. Her good looks were doing me harm..

This was because despite a cardiologist telling me 4 years ago and mid way through a messy divorce that I hadn't had a heart attack, that I'd got a huge heart and it was just in fact just trapped wind, and really I should find exercise easier than most... this time my heart was at ten tenths and seemingly intent on powering other organs too!

I spied on her T the words Cambridge/Oxford/Rowing/1998. This caused me to row harder ... Spectactulary I hit a personal best, Fastest 2500m I've done.

We left the changing rooms at the same time (planned) and mentioning her T shirt, I asked what boat she was on in 1998. She looked confused then smiled.

"Spectator" she said...

I'll keep you posted, but dont hold your breath...

7 comments:

Bora Gulari said...

what is your time for a 2500? just curious i dont know how to compare resistance but I go on max load on my machine and can average 1:45 per 500 for 2500 meters. after a little warm up

Simon Payne said...

Then you beat me mate... I'm not good on rowing machines. Sit ups and sauna's yes. I'll check my average next time I'm there.

Simon Payne said...

Wait, I worked it out, 1.53 on top setting (concept 2's), but I want the fact that I also pulled a girl during the row taken into account..

Phil Stevenson said...

I was born before 1988, so do remember. I thought that Merc was a modern car.
And whats a rowing machine?

Doug Culnane said...

Phil a rowing machine is some kind of pulling machine...

Anonymous said...

"pulled a girl during the row" - only Si could pull a girl whilst having an argument with her!

MikeB

Bora Gulari said...

I think i have mass on my side....
I am 75kg and that makes a difference i think, considering Phillip Kahn is supposedly an internet rowing force!

i will check on what type my dad rowing machine is since that is my lunch time workout. I can barely walk after that effort though..

Saunas? What does that do for you i am getting pissed at i think i am loosing fat but gaining muscle mass.

Hope you guys are having better weather than I am here snowed today and i am starting to think a greater power is not a fan of moth sailing