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<title>Indoor Sport Services Blog</title>
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Catch up on all the latest blog from the world of indoor rowing
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<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog</link>
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	<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog</link>
	<title>Indoor Sport Services Blog</title>
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		<title>Kevin McLernon - 2012 Biggest Loser</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/kevin-mclernon-2012-biggest-loser</link>
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<p>Is this a New Year new start and all that for you? You will know you are not alone, the word is that 6th January is the biggest day of the year for people making a change and looking to get healthier/slimmer etc. etc.</p>

<p>Google will be swamped with people searching for answers to their problems or ways to make their dreams and wishes come true.  I've been there, in fact if you know my story you will know that, in a nutshell, my journey began with a new year's resolution, followed by Google search, followed by a seminar and some coaching, followed by another Google search, followed by a scan of my computer and that's when I found my answer, and my own change began to happen. Google has played a big part in my life and success! I love a bit of Google! :-)</p>

<p>There are loads of different ways to lose weight and change your life, too many to list here. When it comes to the actual "how to" of it all I recommend the rowing machine, as you might know, and following a nutrition plan that is filled with real food, plenty water and a little of what you fancy from time to time.</p>

<p>Thing is, transformation and change comes from being motivated enough to take consistent action in the right direction while making certain sacrifices and accepting you need to do something different to get different results, the rest is mechanics. Motivation is only short lived though; you need to keep topping it up on a regular basis. The thing is that motivation has to come from within, if someone else wants to motivate you and force you to do something you don't want to do you will rebel and push back, it's up to you what you do, what you eat, how you exercise, right?</p>

<p>So you need to find it from within... Sometimes you need to dig deep... other times we are just ready for change right now. I know all about lack of motivation and drive, I have to be constantly mindful of my actions, focus and behaviours, I struggle from time to time, like everyone, and have to rethink and regroup before I get on with it!</p>

<p>Whatever your plan for 2014 it's your story that only you can write and only you have the answer, not Google!</p>

<p>To help you get a good start I'm sharing the videos which I recorded sharing 3 mind-set strategies which I will email to you, just hit the link below and pop in your name and email address, you will then get an email to confirm you want the videos (check your junk folder!) and then you will get the first video delivered to your inbox. I hope they help.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.weightlosschamp.co.uk/">Weight Loss Champ</a></p>

<p>Good luck with it all in January and beyond. Let me know how you get on by emailing me kevin@kevinmclernon.com  Finally I've got an online small group coaching program starting 13th January, which includes one2one time with me and working together in a small group of like-minded people, email me if you want to find out more about that.</p>

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		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Kevin McLernon - What the Biggest Loser is doing now - August update</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/kevin-mclernon-what-the-biggest-loser-is-doing-now-august-update</link>
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<p>Hey my rowing friends. I hope this blog finds you fit and well and enjoying the summer. It's been a good while since I last blogged.</p>

<p>I turned 40 recently. I'm a bit stuck with what to write about that. It's just a number right? and yet it's still a big deal to me somewhere on some level, maybe by next time I write I will have a better idea of what it means or meant to me, or not, either way I'll let you know. For a short while I admit my exercise focus and nutrition focus were not as sharp as they had been, I sort of lost a bit of direction and had found my focus shifted from looking after myself so much and focused more on helping my clients who I coach and taking care of some of the other businesses I'm involved with. That was my previous habits creeping back in, the habits that helped me to get to over 32 stone, nowhere near as bad as I used to be but I was sort of going through the motions without real focus, the results of which were of course poor. It was history repeating itself for a little while, but the key is to learn from your history isn't it? I tell you that I have certainly done that and knew when to take action and what action to take, and so I did, I know it's not that simple but you get the idea. Anyway, back to the first line, I've turned 40, what did it mean to you or will it mean to you?</p>

<p>I've been working a lot on my one-2-one coaching with people who are transforming their lives through weight loss in the first instance but it's what that also brings into their lives that I find awesome. You see many people with a weight problem allow that problem to hold them back from many other things in their life. I know I did this before I was "TV's fattest man"!! The weight I was carrying was a lot more than just a physical problem, a physical weight to carry round, it was a massive barrier preventing me from moving forward to success or fulfillment in other areas of my life, that's a story for another day, or if you come and see me speak some time (don't worry, the dark stuff doesn't take too long!). Some of the guys that I've worked with or I am still working with have made huge changes in their lives, and the weight loss is almost a side effect. If you're reading this now and you need to lose weight now, I wonder what other awesome things could happen in your life if you just took action right now? I know that sounds pretty simple, "take action right now", but I'm here to tell you it that it really IS that simple. Of course it's about changing habits, negative thought patterns, self-belief, limiting beliefs etc. and they can all begin to change now, in a heartbeat, with the smallest of actions. It really does all start in the head and that can come now. Stop over thinking and just do, is something I often say, and I wonder if that applies to you, even if you don't need to lose weight.</p>

<p>I'm not sitting here thinking I'm Mr. Perfect, I'm very much Mr. Progress. I'm a million miles from perfect in every aspect of my life, and you know what, aren't we all? So often we seek perfection in our lives, you might as well smash your head against a brick wall, and it's about as productive. Focusing on progress in the right direction is the key, and acceptance that you will make massive progress but will never ever in a million years be perfect. Often with weight loss we try and be perfect, I see it all the time "I'm going to eat perfect 100% and work out 6 times a week etc. etc." then when we miss one workout or maybe eat a bit of off plan food, that soon changes to some nonsense like "oh I've ruined it, I'm just useless at this"! Crazy talk, but I see it, often! Rome wasn't built in a day, in fact it's still getting built, have you seen the cement pointing on the coliseum - shocking! One meal at a time, one work out a time, one pound at a time, one day, one week, one month at a time, progress, progress, progress! Just keep moving towards that intention of a healthy you. I've created a few videos that you can get from <a href="http://www.weightlosschamp.co.uk/">Weight Loss Champ</a> by popping in your email address, there are four altogether for now, and they should help you get started or help you make some more progress.</p>

<p>If you'd like to get in touch feel free to email me at kevinmclernon@me.com, I'm happy to have a chat about helping you with your own journey to success, help you take responsibility, make commitments, create momentum through action and be accountable to me and yourself.</p>

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		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Sep 2013 23:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Daren Simmons - fighting Meningitis</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/daren-simmons-fighting-meningitis</link>
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<p>The biggest event to happen recently was my 50km row on the slides with my rowing partner at the "Hilton's around the world" event.</p>

<p>It is a yearly event where all the Hilton's around the world hold events to raise money for their chosen charities and promote getting out and doing things and getting healthy.</p>

<p>There are all sorts of ways to clock up mileage, we did our 50km on the slides which was quite fun, it was really muggy though. But there were people running around the Maidstone United's football stadium, one of our support crew disappeared and did a 10km run and various other events. On the day the total mileage was 1004 miles and we all raised &pound;1640.60 which was great.</p>

<p>The renovations on our coxes' pair have been going rather slowly, mostly due to the weather as we are storing it outside and also because of work commitments. But we have managed to repair some of the small splits and Neil my rowing partner has come up with a cunning plan to fit some nice lightweight riggers we were given by Sudbury RC who gave us the boat. We need to finish stripping the old varnish from the outside of the shell and get some sealer and a new coat on her - or is that him- as the boat is named "Ted Eady", which we shall be keeping. Apparently the boat was affectionately known as "The tea lady" lol</p>

<p>Bad news was that a large contract that I was overseeing was moved forward, so I was unable to row the Ringvaart regatta; this was a real disappointment as I was really looking forward to it.  But there is always next year and I'm sure we can find something else to do this year...</p>

<p>I'm really enjoying the Round GB row at the moment. 2000 miles non-stop and unaided around Great Britain, what a race. They started about 13.5 days ago (at the time of writing this). There were 6 crews battling it out for the new world record, current expected finishing time is around 26 days but 4 crews have dropped out for various technical problems. There are 2 crews left and they are only just behind the world record pace as they have just got to Scotland. Really looking forward to how the race pans out. Check it out it's worth a <a href="http://www.gbrowchallenge.com//">look</a>.</p>

<p>Training in general has been going well when health has permitted. I have been able to up my running with no detriment to my Achilles problems, I have been running further than I have ever run now, so I just need to get a bit quicker.
Swimming is going very well, had a few tips from a coach the other day, so she gave me a few little pointers to work on but she basically said I was doing fine. Have been working with some swimming gloves which really does work the shoulders and couple that with kick drills and some pull buoy exercises it makes for a great workout.</p>

<p>Lastly I am really looking forward to watching some great rowing at the World Cup rowing at Eton Dorney at the end of June, we have got tickets for finals day so that should be great.</p>

<p>As always I am doing all of this for The Meningitis Trust so you can support me <a href="http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DarrenSimmons">here</a></p>

<p>Cheers,</p>

<p>Darren</p>

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		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jul 2013 23:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Darren Simmons row for Menigitis Trust </title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/darren-simmons-row-for-menigitis-trust</link>
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<p>The biggest news for this month is that we have been given an old George Sims coxed pair clinker type for our 100km race in Amsterdam. It was given to us by Sudbury rowing club. It is in need of quite a bit of TLC but already it is looking much better as we have cleaned off the moss and dirt that had accumulated on it. Now we just need to sand off the old varnish, repair a few splits and varnish her up again. We are still not sure what crew weight she is but we will find that out when we re-launch her. That is why we are still on the lookout for another, we have heard there is one at Vesta rowing club but we have not heard back from them yet - fingers crossed.</p>

<p>We have been lucky with storing our boats as we have two - the old coastal pair we did the Boston marathon in last year and the coxed pair. My rowing partner and I both live on boats and the marina where we live (Port Werburgh in Hoo St Werburgh), near Rochester have kindly let us keep the boats there for free, as all these rowing challenges are for The Meningitis Trust, which is very nice of them at this rate we could start our own rowing club.</p>

<p>That might have to be the case as towards the end of last year I left Medway towns rowing club, so at the moment I have nowhere to row. We can row out of our marina but as it is situated on a massive mud bank this is really restricted as to tide times, as we do not have constant access to the river. So since October I have only had one river outing to date and this was a 10km row to get our coastal pair to our marina.</p>

<p>Renovations are going well on my old model B Concept2 and it is nearing completion, it's looking very good now.</p>

<p>As anyone who has read my blogs will know that when I was aged 10/11 I contracted bacterial Meningitis and was paralysed for about 12 weeks and suffered all sorts of after effects. When I was 29 I had a relapse and was paralysed again for a while. When this happened and after finding no help from the NHS it was suggested that I go to a cranial osteopath which I did. I found the brilliant Stuart Korth in Tunbridge Wells and he has been treating me ever since. This has always been on a fire fighting basis as it is not the cheapest of treatments but it works; now however I have been funded by the Meningitis trust for 6 treatments a year so this will keep me going without having to wait for things to get bad before I go!</p>

<p>On another medical issue I was contacted by a chap through the Concept2 website as I mentioned my hearing loss last time. He is an audiologist who works for the Hearing Centre in Sevenoaks and he contacted me direct to tell me that he could help. I had always been told that nothing could be done but with new technologies etc. it sounded positive. I went for a hearing test at the centre with Ken Fairly a lovely chap and fellow rower, firstly there was the rowing talk to get out of the way plus comparing challenges etc. Then there were a few intensive tests, he then worked out my hearing graph which is the exact opposite of normal hearing loss. He described normal hearing loss like a hall carpet - the carpet right by the front door is the bit that wears out first and as you go down the hall the wear is less. The same goes for hearing apparently. The higher sounds are heard near the outer part of the ear and over time sort of wear out and the deeper sounds are heard further in so they wear out more slowly. But my hearing is completely reversed; my deeper sounds are the ones that have been reduced and the higher ones not so much. This is as a result of having meningitis but thankfully they have been able to fit me with some fantastic hearing aids. It is taking a bit of time to get used to wearing them and I am not used to hearing so much, so everything seems noisier than before as I haven't really been able to hear like this since I was 10, so it's really quite odd.</p>

<p>Lastly the triathlon training is going quite well, I have been a bit ill again this month so have not been able to run as much as I would have liked but I have been able to get my swimming back to where it used to be. Years ago I used to swim competitively for Monson swimming club in Tunbridge wells, I represented Kent in a national schools swimming competition and had a trial for the youth GB water polo team but I haven't swam for years,  so it has been nice to get back to it. By the time we get to the London Virgin Triathlon we should be more than prepared.</p>

<p>As always this is all for The Meningitis Trust so if you fancy donating <a href="http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DarrenSimmons">here</a> is my page.</p>

<p>Cheers</p>

<p>Darren</p>

<p>P.S. And <a href="http://www.hearingcarecentres.co.uk">here</a> is a link to the Hearing Care Centre</p>

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		<pubDate>Sun, 28 Apr 2013 23:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Fourbirdsaboating Official Launch Event</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/fourbirdsaboating-official-launch-event</link>
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<p>A very exciting week for team <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fourbirdsaboating/229027710557936?bookmark_t=page">Fourbirdsaboating</a>. Monday night was our official launch event at the <a href="http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Regal_Picturehouse/News/item/Rowing_The_Pacific_With_Live_Q_A/">Regal Picture House</a> in Henley-On-Thames. We had a great turn out with well over 100 people of all ages, ranging from river rowers, Olympic rowers, ocean rowers, rowing clubs, our fitness trainers from <a href="http://www.purestretch.co.uk/">Purestretch Studio</a> and <a href="http://www.urbanfitnesshenley.com/">Urban Fitness gym</a>, local people, neighbours, friends, family, as well as regular cinema members.</p>

<p>The evening began with a quick photograph and interview for the <a href="http://www.henleystandard.co.uk/news/news.php?id=38829">'Henley Standard'</a> in which we are starting to become quite a regular feature, before we all rather nervously entered screen 1 ready to give our introductory speech to the audience. Brief intros over, it was my job to introduce the speakers and stars of the evening; ocean rowers <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Martin_(rower)">Chris Martin</a> and Mick Dawson and the film's Producer <a href="http://www.verveproductions.co.uk/about_liz_tucker">Liz Tucker</a>. This in itself was very exciting, as Chris and Mick hold a Guinness World Record for being the first team to row across the Pacific Ocean, and Chris is the organiser of the <a href="http://www.newoceanwave.com/">New Ocean Wave</a> Pacific Ocean rowing race, in which Fourbirdsaboating will take part, prior to continuing on to Australia alone and unsupported in 416 days from now! (We have now been learning to row on our Concept2s for 107 days). Mick is a very experienced ocean rower having previous rowed across the Atlantic Ocean twice, and attempting the Pacific Ocean solo. <a href="http://www.discoveryuk.com/web/Discovery-UK-2012-Showcase/rowing-the-pacific/">The DiscoveryChannel film is called 'Rowing the Pacific'</a>, narrated by Olympic Rower James Cracknell and follows Chris and Mick during their 189 days at sea, so it was perfect to have Chris and Mick with us, as well as the film's producer Liz Tucker of Verve Productions. I'd seen the film before, but seeing it on a big screen was something else, and there were a lot of tears of pride throughout the audience, from rowers and non rowers alike. This created a fantastic atmosphere and buzz, and so great to meet with Mick and Chris afterwards and their family and friends to get their take on this awe inspiring journey.</p>

<p>Following on from the film screening, we ran a Q&amp;A session, and then screened our own promo film which has been very kindly put together for us by <a href="http://meadowsfarmstudios.co.uk/">Meadows Farm Studio</a>. There were lots of great questions from the audience, from all ages, and it was really uplifting to hear some 12-15 year olds tell us how they had already been inspired, one had met Mick during a visit to his school, and was now preparing for his own ocean row, and was with his parents in the audience. We received so many lovely messages after the event, collected a lot of cash donations, and there was a great buzz and sense of community, so I hope we can carry this forward to our future film screenings and events as we raise funds to buy our boat.</p>

<p>Huge thank you to everyone who came to support us on the evening, to all the people helping us prepare ourselves physically and mentally for the journey ahead, to Discovery Channel for allowing us to screen the film, to the Regal Cinema, and very special thanks to <a href="http://www.dashwoodboatclub.com/">Dashwood Boat Club</a> in Henley for providing us with one of their gorgeous rowing blazers to wear for the evening.</p>

<p>Our next event is a film screening, Q&amp;A, and book signing of <a href="http://janapar.com/">'Janapar'</a> with round the world cyclist Tom Allen. This will take place at the Regal Picture House in Henley around 8pm on the 15th May, and tickets can be purchased directly from the <a href="http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Regal_Picturehouse/">cinema box office</a> for anyone who would like to join us.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Fourbirdsaboating are busy with learning to row and are looking for sponsors for different bits of kit, as illustrated by our official doodler Helen Pateman, so if you know anyone who would like to be involved then please do pass our details on (shameful plug I know!).</p>

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		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>March Madness and a Bit of a Film Screening in Henley-On-Thames, 15th April</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/march-madness-and-a-bit-of-a-film-screening-in-henley-on-thames-15th-april</link>
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<p>I don't think I will ever forget my first time on a Concept2 rowing machine. It was exactly 94 days ago that I sat on a rowing machine for my first ever try at 'rowing'. I'd not seen a gym or done any form of exercise for years and here I now was, at the Leander Rowing Club in my hometown of Henley-On-Thames, surrounded by a room full of half naked male Olympic Rowers. To most people this would be a dream come true, but to be honest, I was too busy being worried about knocking in to them or my total novice-ness sticking out like a dinosaur sized sore thumb, and I was trying to maintain an exterior of cool, calm, collectedness as if it was the kind of thing that happened to me every day of the week. Luckily for me, the guys were all far too busy and focused on the task in hand, but it remains one of the most incredible and most memorable experiences of my life and I felt hugely proud of my first ever rowing lesson.</p>

<p>In that first session, I nodded very enthusiastically as Leander Club Captain and Olympic Rower Debbie Flood, talked me through how the rowing machine worked, where to place my feet and how to strap them in, and what kinds of settings and technique I should be using. Before I knew it I had built up my time on the rowing machine, from 2 minutes of rowing, 10 minutes of rowing, 30 minutes of rowing, to much longer periods of time, with less aches with each session, and so far NO BLISTERS. Each session was an enormous challenge at first, but within a matter of sessions, rowing for longer periods was becoming easier and easier, and therefore more enjoyable as the new-ness decreased and I was able to concentrate on technique much less and could instead imagine myself rowing on an actual ocean, surrounded by beautiful whales, sunshine, and blue skies (I'm sure that the actual ocean row will not be at all like this, but for now it's a motivating vision and far more interesting than the gym wall).</p>

<p>Life is already very different! Just months ago, our Fourbirdsaboating team were in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. We couldn't figure out how we could prepare for the 7000 mile Pacific Ocean row, or how to make the dream a reality. We were working with people at the coal face of poverty, and there were no gyms, rowing machines, or rowers anywhere to be found. We'd been offered a rowing machine to use in Georgia, but shipping it out or having a friend fly out with it was looking to prove an almighty challenge in itself. No postal service, so it would need to be couriered, and it would have to clear customs, and we would need to pay tax on it, and the shipping alone was the equivalent of our four salaries combined. The other difficulty, was that Georgia was about to face its first democratic elections, and there were lots of protests and human rights demonstrations on the streets. Would our safety come under question as government employees of a government accused of corruption? Would we really want to go to all the effort of shipping out a rowing machine, for it to arrive long after we had all gone back to our respective countries? There were lots of decisions to make about the future of the ocean row, leaving Georgia (a country we loved and would miss), and how to best prepare ourselves for the Pacific Ocean row.</p>

<p>So when I arrived back with my own family in Henley, I was already facing a lot of culture shock, and funds were seriously tight. My trainers were falling apart and had no soles, and the task ahead as we began raising the money for our 2014 Pacific Ocean row was huge. Being surrounded by Olympic rowers on that first session was one thing, but feeling like I'd turned up in falling apart attire was another, and felt a little disrespectful as I wasn't going to be able to perform to my best no matter how great the rowing coaching or access to Concept2s might be. I think I understand now, why joining a gym can feel so daunting to millions of people, especially if the last time you exercised was around the time that Jane Fonda videos were the norm as were folk wearing far too tight, pink lycra and ankle warmers. It's a fear of the unknown, and of standing out from the crowd. But once you've taken the plunge, the journey becomes easier and just another part of the daily norm and routine. And with practice, you start to get more confident and more aware of where your technique is not yet right and what the coach means when they give you advice. That has been my experience of rowing so far. It was the first time in years that I had tried my hand at something I'd never done before, and that I wasn't an expert in, which made me feel a little vulnerable, but at the same time, ridiculously excited, as if I were a kid with a new toy. I love rowing so much more than I ever could have imagined, and each training session seems to bring with it, a new level of awareness and improvement, and that feeling is still very magical.</p>

<p>March has been my first significant milestone on the journey of learning to row, and this month I've had to learn to row and talk simultaneously. Ensuring that my technique is correct, that I'm rowing at the appropriate strokes per minute, and splits, that I'm not too out of breathe, thinking on my feet, combating interview nerves, and having to chat and make it look easy. Learning how to be filmed whilst rowing was not on my list of things I ever expected to face, but I think the new tools will make life at sea much much easier, as it's a little like working under pressure and also having to maintain a conversation or relationship with another rower, rather than just staring into space and getting lost in your own thoughts. And what's especially funny, is that people now seem to think of me more as a rower now, which Im really not ready for and find quite ironic at times, but is a lovely compliment.</p>

<p>I'm really glad that I found out about the online record too, and I've been recording each and every row on that. Looking back over my progress is incredibly motivating, and this month I achieved my first world ranking for 5000m which was undoubtedly the best thing in my rowing progress so far. Being asked questions by a film crew, and rowing with a radio mike in situ, was a great (even if unexpected) experience, as it forced me to acknowledge my journey so far, and to reflect on how far I've come in just a few months. Filming took a long time, and that meant I had to row for a bit longer than usual, and be listening out for all the film cues like 'action' and 'cut' and knowing where to look at the camera and interviewer, all the while trying to remember everything I had been taught about rowing so far. I knew that my trainer would ultimately get to see the clip, so if I got my technique wrong, she would know all about it, and so would the folk at the gym who were watching me being filmed! The other milestone was the transition as my personal dream of rowing across an ocean, was suddenly now out there. Out in the public domain for the first time, with a lot more at stake but ultimately motivating me even more, and so surprising to find that just getting the word out there, has a kind of ripple effect, with one person getting involved, and then telling their friends, who tell their friends, often with each person adding something new to the pot.  In January I had no access at all to a rowing machine, and now I have complimentary membership of Urban Fitness gym, daily sessions of yoga, pilates, and tai chai at Purestretch Studio, row coaching from an Olympian, a personal trainer, sports massage from Tonic Massage, and a whole range of sports kit that has been donated towards my training, which will ultimately raise funds for three children's charities. That in itself is something very special and motivating, and I know it will make me mentally stronger as I row across one third of the planet in our little boat. Somehow it won't be just the four of us alone on the ocean, but we will have all those people in our heads, willing us on, having got us this far on the journey already. And we have met some really lovely people through learning to row and just spending time at our respective gyms and rowing clubs, learning to row.</p>

<p>My next pesonal challenge on the journey is to overcome my fear of public speaking, and having to dress up in non gym kit, as we host our official Fourbirdsaboating launch event at the <a href="http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Regal_Picturehouse/News/item/Rowing_The_Pacific_With_Live_Q_A/">Regal Cinema</a> in Henley-On-Thames. This will be a screening of the Discovery Channel documentary film 'Rowing the Pacific' which follows the story of ocean rowers Chris Martin and Mick Dawson as they row from Japan to San Francisco through electrical storms, super high waves, and lots of danger. Following on from the film, there will be a Q&amp;A session with Chris, Mick, and the film's producer Liz Tucker. This will be another important milestone in my own quest as I learn to row, and I'm already wondering where the journey will take us next!</p>

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		<pubDate>Sun, 07 Apr 2013 23:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Amy McLernon - Biggest Loser and Personal Trainer</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/amy-mclernon-biggest-loser-and-personal-trainer</link>
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<p>So I have had a busy few months training clients, training myself, moving house and a lot of other things too!</p>

<p>Recently I have been using the SkiErg when training and introduced it to one of my clients. My client was actually going on a skiing holiday at the end of her 6 week course with me, so I thought it would be foolish not to show her this wicked machine! I have been doing interval training with her a lot on the SkiErg and she found that this helped her really well not just with her amazing weight loss but with her skiing skills also. I have to say that alone made me love the SkiErg even more than I do now seeing how much she loved it and how it has helped!</p>

<p>I am doing small group training at the minute and I have to say I have never been this happy in a job before! I promise I am not just saying this, seeing how far my clients have come and how much they are changing not just in weight but with confidence and happiness too, well it gives me such a buzz and a lovely fluffy warm feeling (cheesy I know but true). I am super proud of each and every one of them, they ROCK!</p>

<p>Of course I have been training myself, harder than usual this past month as I was unwell for a little while and wasn't allowed to train, but I have totally made up for this, I found my fitness dropped once I started training again, so I hit the rowing machine and let it work its magic and jeez it sure did that. The rower is my ultimate machine at home and in any gym.</p>

<p>I have some fantastic news, I have been asked to host the warm up at an upcoming obstacle race The Norse Challenge 10K, Northumberland's first EXTREME 10K. I literally jumped up and down when I was asked. This is an amazing opportunity and I can't wait to get people warmed up, ready and motivated for what will be a tough but fun challenge.
I am also going to this year's fitpro convention with my Uncle Kevin. I am super excited about this and know two very beautiful ladies that are up for fitness professional of the year, my good friend Miss Jessie Sharpe from The Biggest Loser and the amazingly talented and last year's winner Miss Katie Bulmer-Cooke.   I would like to wish them both the very best of luck. I am really looking forward to meeting other trainers and meeting the speakers at the event, two of which I know of course; my awesome Uncle Kevin and the coolest dude Mr Richard Callender. This will be a great weekend and I know I will learn a lot!</p>

<p>Not sure if I mentioned this in my last blog so I will now. Back in October I went to what is by far the best seminar I have ever and will ever go too, Mr Paul Morts 'My Brain Your Business'. He is one amazing dude, very real which I love. The things he shared and helped with, well let's just say this dude is very clever! It wasn't just informative and life changing for me and everyone that went but it was so much fun too. If anyone is thinking about going to one of his events or seminars then GO he truly will blow your mind!</p>

<p>So I think that's all from me.</p>

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		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Coxless Rowers: Novice to Rowing the Pacific Ocean in 2014</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/coxless-rowers-novice-to-rowing-the-pacific-ocean-in-2014</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>Annabel Hancock (on the right) and I, Laura Penhaul, are the Co-Founders of the Coxless Rowers which will be the first all-female team to row across the Pacific Ocean in 2014. We will be covering over 7000 miles and taking approximately 6 months to row from Long Beach California to Cairns Australia, via Hawaii and Samoa.  In aid of Breast Cancer Care.
A common assumption is that we are women with a long standing history of rowing - I wish we were!  We come from various backgrounds; I being a Physiotherapist and competing personally in endurance sports such as triathlons, marathons etc. and Annabel the adventurer who has paddle boarded 1000 miles down the Missouri and climbed a mountain or two such as Kilimanjaro.</p>

<p>So what does it take, to go from having never rowed before, to preparing to row over 7000 miles across the Pacific?
Rowing we have found, is definitely by no means an easy sport to pick up and technically, as most people know, is very difficult to get efficient and good at, often requiring years of experience and practice if you're aiming to get good at fine boat rowing. However there are a number of things with rowing an ocean that appear to be significantly different to fine boat rowing; the blades are different, the boat is clearly much heavier and larger (29ft length, 7ft wide) and you get thrown around a lot in the big waves meaning that body position, placement and timing tend to go out of the window when you just need to get some sort of purchase or contact of the blade to water. Secondly, our pace at sea will be at a stroke rate of approximately 18-20 and a steady split that can be held for at least 2 hours, which on the Concept2 is currently around the 2:20-2:30. However, repeating 2 hours on: 2 hours off over 24 hours, it will be difficult to even hold 2:20 and that will definitely declines during the latter hours. It's difficult with fine boat rowing or even ocean rowing to race for a time/ record, for us personally, it's not about the split once you get out in the ocean, it's just making sure you're in your seat at the time it comes to your watch and then ensuring you're moving the boat and gaining mileage in the right direction!</p>

<p>After doing a bit of research, we spent the first 6 months getting a strong support team in place and getting to grips with the basics of learning to row.  Having 1:1 coaching at Imperial Rowing College really helped with this, alongside having Alex Wolf who is the Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach of GB Rowing.
We developed the awareness and importance of hip and thoracic spine mobility, the feeling of leg drive and not arms, and most importantly, trunk endurance to protect the back and transfer the forces appropriately.
Once the basics were in place, the strength training was showing some good affect (I apparently now have 'rowing' shoulders!) and we'd spent some time out on the water, it was then time to start building up the volume on the Concept 2's!
These have become our best friends over the last year.</p>

<p>Thanks to Concept 2 who have kindly supported us throughout our build up to the row, it has meant that we could have our ego's at home in the lounge or by our bedside - literally! Even though I live just a mile away from Imperial, it's surprising what a difference having an ergo at home makes. It has meant I could wake up at 5am and literally roll onto the ergo (clearly after stretching / warming up ;)!).
It's enabled us to repeat through the night 8/ 12 hour rows and 12 hour/ 24 hour continuous rows as a team, at different locations to help us fundraise for our target budget and for <a href="http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/">Breast Cancer Care</a>.
And that has meant that even on Christmas Day, I could take it home with me and fit in a 2 hour session before piling on the much needed calories...</p>

<p>Since deciding to do this row, it has developed into an amazing journey just to get us to the start line. We have learnt new skills, met some amazing people and more importantly it will mean we will hopefully raise significant funds for Breast Cancer Care. If you would like to help us to get to the start line next year, then please follow our journey at <a href="http://www.coxlessrowers.com//">www.coxlessrowers.com</a> or on <a href="https://twitter.com/coxlessrowers//">Twitter</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Coxless-Rowers/298233093565190?fref=ts//">Facebook</a> and feel free to email us - info@coxlessrowers.com.</p>

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		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Fourbirdsaboating 7000 mile Pacific row</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/fourbirdsaboating-7000-mile-pacific-row</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>It's been another amazing month for the <a href="http://www.fourbirdsaboating.com/official.html">Fourbirdsaboating</a> team and we are really relishing the challenge of learning to row now that our bottoms and hands are getting used to time spent on the rowing machine.  Out of our team of four girls, only one had rowed before, so we knew we had a lot to learn in preparation for our 7000 mile row across the Pacific Ocean from California to Australia which takes place in under 440 days from now!  Because we are an international team, we each have different access to rowing opportunities so we are working to a set programme topped up with individual training before coming together with our boat builder Charlie Pitcher (about to arrive in Barbados having broken the record for fastest Atlantic Ocean row!) to train on our boat as a team later this year.</p>

<p>For Brigid who is based in South Africa and living very far from the sea, this has meant rowing on a Concept2 at her local gym, with the occasional visit to row on actual water in real sunshine on a lake.  In contrast, Michelle is in snowy Bradford under the careful watch of Bradford University rowing club, out each week in a river rowing boat and indoors on a Concept2 when the river is less inviting.  Kate is the only one of our team with some rowing experience.  She was the Captain of her club whilst at Chester University and is now working on her technique and fitness with the Royal Navy rowing club in Portsmouth around her other Royal Navy duties. Finally, Sarah is at Urban Fitness gym in her hometown of Henley-On-Thames training on a Concept2 machine and receiving coaching from Olympic Rower and Leander Club Captain Debbie Flood who has put a basic training programme together that all the girls are following (picture above).  The four teachers are starting to get quite a bit of media coverage already and were this week interviewed by the Henley Standard and the Henley Herald about their row, so that was quite exciting.  It's a strange thing to be getting interviews so early on when we all feel like we don't know anything as yet and haven't actually rowed across an ocean, but the publicity is great for generating interest in children and education and for raising funds for our supported charities and for empowering others to take on endurance challenges and to achieve their dreams.</p>

<p>The team are very pleased with how their training is progressing and now they have mastered the basic rowing technique and posture, are starting to increase their endurance, and building up their time on the Concept2 in preparation for 2 hour sessions of rowing whilst at sea on the actual row.  The biggest challenge for now is building up the skin on their hands so they can avoid blisters, and making their rowing as efficient as possible so they don't waste energy if they can help it.</p>

<p>The physical training is a small part of the work involved at this stage in the ocean row as we are also busy raising funds to build our boat, giving presentations to schools, and meeting with potential sponsors.  Part of the fundraising will likely involve numerous rowathons on the Concept2 so training will also feed into the fundraising aspect whilst increasing our tolerance for endurance.</p>

<p>The team have set up the challenge to train on the concept2 in their respective countries, rowing the equivalent of 11584800metres before May 2014, and hope that others will join them on their mission. You can follow their progress on their blog or visit Oceans Project Georgia on Facebook, or the fourbirdsaboating team on Facebook</p>

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		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Kevin McLernon - What the &quot;Biggest Loser&quot; is doing now</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/kevin-mclernon-what-the-biggest-loser-is-doing-now</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>This month is the 1 year anniversary of me becoming The Biggest Loser, the time, as it so often does, has flown by, loads has happened but being human I am wondering what I could have done differently to do even more stuff. The thing is looking back in time should always be done to learn a lesson and reflect but never to regret or kick one's self in the backside! A year on and things don't seem to want to relent, this very week I am having an online meeting with some contacts in the USA, one of them being a guy who was the "at home" winner of Biggest Loser a number of series ago. This is exciting for me, to be honest I might even be a little star struck which is a bit daft, but there you go! We will be discussing me going out to the USA to speak alongside him and other weight loss type bods, and speaking is what I love and I love the USA it's just all about lots of love! Fantastic!</p>

<p>I'm currently working on a new online product, it's aimed at men, the men I am looking for are currently where I was two years ago. Perhaps with their own business and finding life is a struggle with the extra weight they are carrying, business could be better, life could be better, if not perfect, if they could just get this side of their life sorted out. Get committed to lose this thing that is holding them back from being the most awesome they can be, or at least, make significant advances towards that!  That's where I was, and I still am a work in progress (aren't we all!?!?) and I can relate to that and help guide and coach them in the right direction. If that's you, get in touch, Kevin@kevinmclernon.com</p>

<p>Work in progress, yup I believe we are all that at some level or another, if you are perfect please get in touch I'd love to learn from you! So I have been working towards my weight loss and body shape goals some more since I last wrote, more body fat has come off and more muscle has gone on. The thing is a lot of people get themselves worked up over the number on the scales, I was once pretty much obsessed, as you might imagine being in a weight loss contest, with the number on the scales. Now I am a lot more relaxed, whether or not that's a good thing time will tell, and I prefer to focus more on how I feel, how my clothes fit, how I look in the mirror and most importantly for a happy life, what my wife says!</p>

<p>I really have found a new love for the rowing machine, this past month I was taking part in the <a href="http://therowingcompany.com/challengeseries/">Concept2 Challenge Series</a>, I tried my hand at 2500m, dear me that was hard, and who knew that extra 500m would be such a killer! The best time I record was 09:52 on that, I didn't record it on the website as I intended beating and then I missed the deadline, that won't happen this month! 2000m, my current PB is still 7:29, try as I might I can't beat that, but I will this month. I have been doing a lot of intervals and tabata training on my machine. Intervals involve a 5 minute warm up followed by 14 rounds of 30 second sprints 60 seconds tick over. I sprint at about 1:40/500m. Tabata involves 5 minutes warm up followed by 8 rounds of 20 second sprint 10 seconds rest 1 minute rest and repeat for a total of 3 times. This is a killer! For the 20 seconds I start out chasing 100m in that time and by the end my goal is to stay above 90m distance rowed in 20 seconds. Try it and let me know how you get on.</p>

<p>This month I've also written a chapter of a book with number of other speakers and coaches. My chapter is called "Inspiration is great, Commitment brings greatness" basically it's about how we can all be inspired by an event or a person or book or any number of things really but it's what we do with that inspiration that matters. Be inspired but take action on it, and take action in the next 48 hours is the message I am putting out there. Amazing things can happen by doing what might seem a tiny thing at the time but that tiny thing can start gaining momentum. Just saying.............</p>

<p>Have a great month!</p>

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		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>2013 miles in 2013 for Menigitis Trust </title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/2013-miles-in-2013-for-menigitis-trust</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>Another slow month again, this time due to illness.</p>

<p>Because of the after effects of meningitis I have a rather suppressed immune system so when I caught the bug that has been going around it completely knocked me out.</p>

<p>I have also been suffering quite badly with headaches which are really debilitating and affect my balance, co-ordination and eye sight, again and after effect.</p>

<p>I have got quite used to this as I had meningitis when I was 10 and I am 48 now, but last year during my challenge I think my body didn't allow me to notice them as much.</p>

<p>But I did manage to complete a time for the Concept2 challenge series, again not a PB but an ok time. I do enjoy the series as it does motivate you to do something each month, keeps me on my toes.</p>

<p>We have just found out that one of the prizes for my competition has had to be changed. The trip on a paddle steamer prize which when donated was based near to where we live, has been changed as the steamer has been moved back to where it was based originally on the River Dart. The owners of our marina, Port Werburgh Marine Ltd, donated the prize but have now offered to add travel and overnight accommodation to the prize, so the winner is very happy to not only have a great trip on a cool boat but a nice little break as well.</p>

<p>As for my challenge to complete 2013 miles in 2013 by rowing, swimming, cycling and running has been a bit slow due to health issues, but I'm hoping to be back on the case next month.</p>

<p>Also the training for our upcoming triathlon in July has been badly affected which has been really frustrating as I was beginning to enjoy my running, something I hadn't done for years.</p>

<p>Likewise the restoration of my old model B ergo has been set back. Since Concept2 lent me the model C to complete my challenge I have been slowly stripping down my old machine but obviously I had no time last year, so I was hoping to get onto it this year. But as yet only half of the sections to paint have been painted. The worst bit was cleaning the flywheel as it was encrusted with thick dust, but is now all shiny. Just hoping I can remember where all the bits go when I start to put it back together.</p>

<p>The biggest thing to happen this month was the Meningitis Trust family day which was held at the Hilton in Maidstone, one of my biggest sponsors and supporters.</p>

<p>It was a brilliant day and something the trust organise a lot of. It's a chance for child survivors of meningitis to be in an environment to play safely and have all sorts of activities to do with their siblings and for the parents to get to know other families and talk to trust members about their experiences and to get support etc.</p>

<p>I took my trusty ergo with me and once Miriam, my wife, had introduced me and let everyone know why I was there and what I had done for the trust last year, it ended up with a queue of children and parents to have a go. The children absolutely loved it, all trying to beat each other's split and encouraging their parents to have a go.  It all got quite competitive. The younger ones they loved the row pro software as they could watch it whilst they had a go.</p>

<p>I really do enjoy watching the kids getting excited about the rower and we did find a few that we tried to encourage to find a club as they were doing really well.</p>

<p>As always if you want to support me and the meningitis trust you can do so <a href="http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DarrenSimmons">here</a>, I have yet to make a new page but in the meantime any donations are greatfully received.</p>

<p>Cheers.</p>

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		<pubDate>Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Plymouth Schools Indoor Rowing Champs</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/plymouth-indoor-rowing-champs</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>11 Secondary and 27 Primary Schools from across Plymouth City challenged each other for the prestigious title of top "Indoor Rowing School" in the city. Some 370 primary children and 209 secondary students totalled 579 participants topping last year's entry of 430.
The level 2 school games took place at Plymstock School on Wednesday 6th February under the control of the Plymouth Schools Sports Partnership Rowing Coach Kevin Sellar and his assembled team of 20 volunteers and 56 rowing machines.</p>

<p>Mattiulla Oriakhail Stoke Damerel Primary school set the mark with a fantastic 488 metres on the opening race to break the 5 year standing record for year 6 of 481metres. The girl's race saw Rachael Blain from Glen Park Primary push to the line with 463 metres just 9 metres short of the girl's record. As the day progressed Old Priory previous runners up stretched the lead and secured gold with Widey Court second and Elburton third in the Primary contest. All primary students raced 2minutes GRI and an eight man team relay.</p>

<p>The year 7 -13 event started well for the defending title holders Plymstock with Amy Trotter wining the post 16 event. This was instantly cancelled out in the boy's race with Tom James and Piran Speed taking 1+2 for DHSB in the men's race. Year ten girls saw a battle between last years winner Emmie Hoyte, fight hard against third place Rebecca Butchart. Rebecca had done her home work and trained hard - this was Rebecca's advantage at the half way Rebecca increased her lead and drove hard at 36spm for the last 30 seconds to hold off Emmie who settled for second place. 101.57% v 100% and Kate Little taking third with 99%. The days racing followed suit with 7 students achieving 100 - 102% of the gold standard. The finale of the day came with the "TEAM BOAT RACE" One student from year 7 - 11 all racing on one machine team work crucial. At the half way Plymstock held the lead to see DHSB push through to take the lead and enough points to take the title.</p>

<p>Prizes were sponsored by Plymouth Rowing Forum, Concept2, Mountbatten Water Sports centre and a community Grant from Plymstock and Radford district. Prizes were presented by Councillor Wendy Foster.</p>

<p>Schools now prepare for the Devon and West Regional Championships on the 4th March followed by the Nationals in London on the 14/15 March. Plymouth Schools will be looking to increase on the bronze team medals from last year.</p>

<p>Everyone who took part did themselves proud and I wish all the winners luck in the West Regional Championships and Nationals.</p>

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		<pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>London to London - Human Powered February update</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/london-to-london-human-powered-february-update</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>British adventurer Sarah Outen is now on countdown, with only one week left in the UK before she travels to Japan to embark on her second attempt at rowing solo across the North Pacific Ocean from Japan to Canada, Sarah has a very short space of time to get some serious training in before she leaves for 'part 2' of her challenge.</p>

<p>"February was a bit of a mixed bag for me. Exciting to be sealing sponsor deals, packing the boat off to Japan and getting closer to launch day, but a bit of a downer having two weeks of illness. I had every sort of 'itis' imaginable, courtesy of an overworked immune system and bad luck. Cough, cold, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, tonsillitis... Needless to say I am very grateful for antibiotics in helping me shift the various infections. I am still not fighting fit, but certainly getting there.</p>

<p>Up to that point, training was going well, really well.  I particularly enjoyed the sessions at Core Cambridge - where activities followed a familiar pattern of getting broken in functional training (strength and power) and then getting fixed on the couch of the phsyio as he massaged and manipulated various body parts back into being.  Peppered with circuit training (lots of plyometrics and core work) and some more time on the Concept 2 and I was feeling fit and strong and fat. And all three of these things are good - I need to be fat for the ocean so I have bulk enough to be robust.</p>

<p>And with that I turn to final farewells and last-minute admin. I am hoping to be healthy enough to have one last day of training on Monday, which will be three strength sessions interspersed with three erg sessions and a final pummelling by the physio.</p>

<p>Then to Japan. I hope to go on standby from April 1st, ready to launch across the North Pacific.</p>

<p>I am excited and raring to go."</p>

<p>For more information on Sarah see her <a href="http://www.sarahouten.com/blog//">blog</a> and follow her updates on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/SarahOuten//">@SarahOuten</a></p>

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		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>180km. 3 days. PAIN!!</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/180km-3-days-pain</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>"We will push our bodies to the limits to stop eating disorder sufferers from doing the same."</p>

<p>From the 23rd-26th June 2013, 8 women (plus 3 subs and a cox) from Corpus Christi College Boat Club, Oxford, will be rowing 180km from Oxford to London to raise money for the eating disorder charity 'Beat'. This charity is of particular significance to us because one member of our crew successfully overcame a severe eating disorder in part due to incredible support from Beat, alongside the motivation to build physical strength provided by rowing. Having been hospitalised for 9 months with a diagnosis of anorexia, she is now fully recovered and volunteers as a Young Ambassador for the charity.</p>

<p>The challenge will involve three full days of rowing, made up of one half day followed by two full days and then another half day to allow us to make the most of our launch party and welcome party for support and fundraising purposes on the first and last days. We are the first female crew to attempt this feat, so it will be quite a challenge!</p>

<p>Over the next few months we will be training, fundraising and raising awareness for this event, and we hope that you will join us in our endeavours to raise money for the truly worthwhile and necessary work that Beat does to improve, and even save, the lives of thousands of eating disorder sufferers nationwide. Our intense land training to build up strength and stamina will be carried out on Concept2 ergs, which is why I'm sure users of indoor rowers will understand the pain and endurance we are anticipating in the run up to the event!!</p>

<p>We recently launched our Just Giving page to start taking donations and have been overwhelmed by the support we've received so far. We are currently trying to publicise the event as widely as possible, with the view that if we are going to put ourselves through that much pain in the name of charity then we may as well to everything we possibly can to raise a significant amount of money and make it worth our while. We would therefore appreciate any support you are able to offer!! We would love it if as many people as possible would be willing to sponsor us and/or spread the word about our challenge by sending the link to email contacts or posting it on social media sites!</p>

<p>The link for donations and more info is: <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/londonrow">www.justgiving.com/londonrow</a></p>

<p>Our progress can also be followed on our Twitter feed: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/CCCBCforBeat">www.twitter.com/CCCBCforBeat</a></p>

<p>For more information, please feel free to contact Esther Rich at <a href="mailto:esther.rich@ccc.ox.ac.uk">esther.rich@ccc.ox.ac.uk</a></p>

<p>Thanks so much!!</p>

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		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Fourbirdsaboating Pacific Ocean Row 2014</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/fourbirdsaboating-pacific-ocean-row-2014</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p><a href="http://www.fourbirdsaboating.com/official.html">Fourbirdsaboating</a> are a team of four teachers from the UK and South Africa, who met whilst teaching in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. During that time, the children they met, started an environmental education and English language club called '<a href="http://www.oceansproject.com/">Oceans Project Georgia</a>' (OPG). This has grown extensively, to become a registered charity in Georgia, with Patrons including ocean rower Roz Savage, BBC Oceans Presenter Paul Rose, and Sir Rannulph Fiennes's expedition medic Dr Alexander Kumar from the European Space Agency. OPG's goal is two fold, 1) to bring the outside world and new friends in to the young people of Georgia, and 2) to raise money to provide tablet computers and free, online environmental education, to young people all over the world, many of whom have little or no access to any form of education.</p>

<p>During the OPG project sessions, the children (Oceans Ambassadors) on OPG followed <a href="http://www.rozsavage.com/">Roz Savage</a> as she rowed across the Pacific Ocean, and that was how the idea for the Project Leaders to row across an ocean came about. None of the fourbirdsaboating team had ever rowed before, so it was always going to be a huge task, especially when combined with teaching live from the ocean over 8 months from a 23 foot boat, visiting schools en route, and making 3D film footage.</p>

<p>Luckily for the team, they have received a huge amount of support in their respective homelands, including support from Leander Club Captain and Olympic Rower <a href="http://www.teamgb.com/athletes/debbie-flood">Debbie Flood</a> in Sarah's home town of Henley On Thames, where she also trains at Urban Fitness gym, and Purestretch studio. Because the team are training separately until they meet again in September 2013, each is training individually, and they have set themselves the challenge of covering the equivalent of their 7200 nautical mile ocean row, before they even reach the start line in May 2014. The Pacific Row will begin in Monterey Bay, California, rowing to Hawaii as part of the first ever Pacific Ocean Rowing race (organised by New Ocean Wave), and from there the team will continue to Cairns, Australia, unsupported. The row is raising funds for three charities: Oceans Project Georgia, <a href="http://thaichildrenstrust.org.uk/">Thai Children's Trust</a>, and <a href="http://www.firststepgeorgia.org/">First Step Georgia</a> who work with young Georgians who have a disability.</p>

<p>The team have set up the challenge to train on the concept2 in their respective countries, rowing the equivalent of 11584800metres before May 2014, and hope that others will join them on their mission. You can follow their progress on their <a href="http://howtocrossanocean.wordpress.com/">blog</a> or visit Oceans Project Georgia on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oceans-Project-Georgia/233653316691866?bookmark_t=page">Facebook</a>, or the fourbirdsaboating team on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fourbirdsaboating/229027710557936">Facebook</a></p>

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		<pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>5km a day for 50 days</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/5km-a-day-for-50-days</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>Building on the success of the <a href="http://5x50.co.uk/about-5x50">inaugural</a> challenge, this year's 5x50 event will see groups and individuals from  Scotland to Spain and Austria to Australia, embark on a 50 day activity-based challenge that is suitable for everyone. The 5x50 event challenges you to run, jog, walk or cycle 5 km (or participate in alternative activity i.e rowing for 30 minutes) EVERY day for 50 days.  Participants are supported by an online community that brings everyone, from couch potatoes to marathon runners, together to achieve a healthier and happier lifestyle.</p>

<p>Personalities from sport and entertainment, including Olympic athlete <a href="http://www.sallygunnell.com/">Sally Gunnell</a> and TV Presenter &amp; marathon runner <a href="http://www.officialjennifalconer.com/about/">Jenni Falconer</a>, have lent their support to the Challenge, recognising it as a clear way of changing exercise habits for a lifetime.</p>

<p>The 5x50 Launch day will see challengers complete their first official 5 kilometres on the 31st March . Participants are supported via a <a href="http://www.5x50.co.uk">website</a> to complete their daily 5k individually or in groups. The online community will allow users to register for the event, link with other challengers, receive training advice and importantly, motivate one another to keep going over the 50 days. On the 19th May 2013, participants will come together, celebrate and complete their final 5 kms at locations across the UK and select international sites.</p>

<p>To participate, a minimum registration fee of &pound;5 is required, which will go towards supporting the 5x50 challenge's charity partner, <a href="http://www.comicrelief.com/">Comic Relief</a>. After registration, participants have the option to raise funds for a charity of their choice.</p>

<p>The core team behind 5x50 come from different backgrounds and have varying levels of fitness.  A group of friends that quickly realised they shared a passion for improving fitness. They were inspired by co-founders, Kelly Mason's and Raymond Wallace's efforts to complete a similar challenge in early 2012. This shared passion resulted in the creation of the 5x50 core team.</p>

<p>Throughout the challenge, the 5 x 50 core team aim to  motivate participants by sharing stories, training tips and encouraging participants to get together for their daily 5k. Founder Kelly Mason comments "This challenge started with a vision to make sport part of everyone's daily life. Not everyone will run a marathon, however anyone can complete the 5x50 challenge and experience the physical and psychological benefits that come from taking part".</p>

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		<pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Darren Simmons 2012 miles row for Menigitis Trust - Update</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/darren-simmons-2012-miles-row-for-menigitis-trust-update</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>This month has been a bit slow with regard to rowing on my ergo, have just managed to get my 10km row in for the Concept2 challenge series, not my best effort but have had a bit of a rest from indoor rowing this month.</p>

<p>As I don't have to rack up the mileage just rowing this year for the 2013 miles in 2013, I have been concentrating on the elements for our impending triathlon debut this year. So to that end I started running, something I haven't really done for about 30 years, so that was a bit of a shock to the system. Because of this I did a bit of research and found a program of running that is called "couch 2 5k" which seemed perfect. Not because of fitness levels, but for the fact that all my exercise has been rowing specific so I have had to build up some different muscles. It is a nine week program and I was getting through it quite nicely, until we went running around a local lake which had large puddles which one had to jump over, after 12 laps of this I noticed that my Achilles' tendons were very sore, I just thought it was because I had run a bit more than normal and it would get better after a couple of days. But I have to report that I am still not running and walking is a bit tricky as well. But with some exercises from the brilliant Ben from Performance physiotherapy in Rochester it is now on the mend.</p>

<p>The other 2 elements of the triathlon are fine, swimming and cycling are going well, I just need some more speed but that is coming each time I go out, so I'm quite pleased with that. I have got to modify our mountain bikes a bit to make them a bit more competitive with some slick tyres and new chain sets which I have yet to do and luckily my wife's Aunt is a swimming coach, so we are going to get some coaching next month.</p>

<p>The sponsorship for last year's challenge is now slowing up but I have raised nearly &pound;3000 for The Meningitis Trust, which is much more than I was hoping to achieve and I hope to keep fundraising for them this year, and for however long I can keep doing these challenges.</p>

<p>I am myself going to be getting some help from them as my hearing has really got an awful lot worse, so I am hoping they can help me find some lip reading courses to combat this. I am also having to go to my cranial osteopath much more regularly than before, so am hoping for some assistance with that as well as it severely effects my balance, back and stomach which this chap sorts out for me.</p>

<p>On a much more positive note, we are getting nearer to obtaining a boat for my rowing partner and me to compete in the Boston rowing marathon and the Ringvaart regatta in Amsterdam. We had several leads for a stern coxed pair, as if we are to get to the Ringvaart regatta neither of us wants to be steering for a 100km race, so we thought it would be safer to have a cox. On that note if there is anyone out there that has a stern coxed pair then please let us know, just in case there are any problems with the one we are after.</p>

<p>As always this is all for The Meningitis Trust and before the page ends it would be nice to get a bit more sponsorship in, so please donate <a href="http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DarrenSimmons">here</a> cheers</p>

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		<pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Kevin McLernon - What the Biggest Loser is doing now - Feb update</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/kevin-mclernon-what-the-biggest-loser-is-doing-now-feb-update</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>January came and went in a flash! February already, wow! I wonder how everyone's New Years resolutions have held out. My made up stat of the month is that 99% have already been broken. I didn't make any resolutions really; I just had plans for the year, goals, intentions or whatever you chose to call them.</p>

<p>One of my intentions was to compete in the <a href="http://therowingcompany.com/nationals/english">English IRC</a> in January. This didn't happen for me and I was really disappointed in myself for not making it happen. I have no BS story to tell for not doing it, it was down to me and me alone to make it happen and I just didn't. My time just wasn't anywhere near what I wanted it to be. I have been working hard on my 500m sprints and getting great times there but struggling with my 2000m time, my current PB is 7:28, as it turns out I would have come last in my category. I mainly work on doing intervals, either time or distance based, rather than steady state cardio work, I prefer this because I feel I get a great work out in a lot less time, you just have to be efficient in your time spent exercising when you have a busy life, that's a big lesson I have learnt in recent months, no time to monkey around!</p>

<p>Not fulfilling this challenge and intention has been somewhat of a kick up the backside for me. I'm not one for giving up easily and will crack on and up my level of use on my Concept2 Rower; I have also registered for Concept2 <a href="http://therowingcompany.com/challengeseries/">Challenge Series</a>. This month's challenge is to row 2500m in the best time possible, that will be tough but I am up for it! Next month I intend to have a new PB, as I strive towards getting a sub 7 minute 2000m time, I don't expect to achieve that in next month's challenge but I am confident I can improve my current time.</p>

<p>Weight loss wise, well like most people I over indulged a bit over Christmas, maybe a bit more than some, this was my first Christmas since 2010, the previous Christmas I was still taking part in Biggest Loser so was still 100% on plan at all times. The problem I find is that I put 2 stone on just looking at a piece of cake! I smell fresh bread being baked and my jeans tighten! 90% of the time I avoid anything processed, wheat based products and dairy, I rarely have a drink. It's been 11 months since I won Biggest Loser, and I am happy to say my weight is below what it was on that day, despite my over indulgences at Christmas, around my wedding and maybe a couple of times on trips away. This is a massive achievement for me, the first time I have lost a significant amount of weight and kept it off for a significant amount of time plus more besides! I do of coarse owe some of this success to my fantastic Concept2 rower and ski erg machines, they are the best bit of kit I could hope for, and I have them right here in my home! I'm happy with my weight but not ecstatic, I know where I have gone wrong at times, I know where old habits have refused to die at times and I know what I need to do to make improvement, in the past I have known these things and done nothing with it, this time it has been different.  I intend to get more weight off and be where I want to be physically and mentally within the next 12 weeks, watch this space, I will update each month with my progress.</p>

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		<pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>London to London - Human Powered update</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/london-to-london-human-powered-update</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>Many of you will have read Britsh adventurer Sarah Outen's earlier <a href="http://therowingcompany.com/blog/post/london-to-london-human-powered/">blog</a> this month where Sarah gave us a brief insight into her training.  With only six weeks to go until she leaves for Japan to start her second attempt at rowing solo across the North Pacific Ocean from Japan to Canada, Sarah has kindly sent us an update to let us know how she is getting on with preparation, as her first attempt in 2012 ended in her rescue after Typhoon Mawar damaged her boat. This is just one leg of her London2London: Via the World expedition which aims to complete a human powered loop of the planet.</p>

<p>"With just six weeks until I leave the UK for Japan, things are getting exciting and rather busy at <a href="http://www.sarahouten.com/">London2London</a> HQ. People often ask me if I am training full time now - I wish I was. At the moment my training sessions feel like a luxury, little nuggets of focussed time where I can switch off from the seemingly endless 'To Do' lists and travelling about the country for speaking engagements and meetings and visits and kit sorting.</p>

<p>My training is masterminded by the brilliant team at <a href="http://www.core-cambridge.com/">Core Cambridge</a>, who look after me with physio and massage as well as strength and conditioning coaching, meaning that everything is joined up and one feeds into the other. We have worked together since before I left on this expedition in 2011, so they know me well and I know that they will build me up physically (which in itself helps my mental prep), fix the niggles and prepare me as best as possible for preventing and dealing with issues at sea. Through the autumn we focused on strength and endurance 'making the engine as big as possible' and now we're focusing on fine tuning it, overloading with high volume and high repetitions, so that I can keep going for longer at sea. The very nature of the row means that I am rarely working at my maximal output, so by working at maximal effort now, it means my 'engine' will burn more efficiently and for longer once I get on the water.</p>

<p>I have a weekly coached session and then they advise on my programme out side of that too. At the moment this involves two circuits session (involving lots of plyometrics and core work) and as many hours as I can on the Concept2 rowing machine. It's all about making the most of opportunities - last week I had no time or space for any rowing but this week I should manage in an hour a day on five out of the seven. I set the resistance to ten and just row, slow and steady, focussing on good posture and sequence of legs, back, arms, legs, back, arms. From time to time I'll mix it up and do some high intensity stuff, intervals perhaps.</p>

<p>Water time has been pushed out lately as I have been away travelling so much, but at the start of the month I spent a week in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, just plugging up and down the river in my boat Happy Socks, dreaming of the ocean ahead and getting to know my new team mate. For a soloist and her boat need to be a formidable team to succeed at sea, looking out for each other, every stroke of the way."</p>

<p>For more information on Sarah see her <a href="http://www.sarahouten.com/blog//">blog</a> and follow her updates on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/SarahOuten//">@SarahOuten</a></p>

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		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>National Junior IRC 2013</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/national-junior-irc-2013</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>London Youth Rowing are pleased to announce that the 7th NJIRC will be held on the 15th March 2013.</p>

<p>NJIRC has become one of the largest indoor rowing competitions in the world and has welcomed over 9000 young people since it started. Over 120 organisations attend from across the UK every year. The event, organised by London Youth Rowing (LYR), is part hosted by the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race which this year is sponsored by BNYM and many of the actual Boat Race crew members attend and help cheer on the athletes in all events and categories.</p>

<p>The categories range from year 7 - 13 for boys and girls. There is also have a Special Invitation Race for those people who regard themselves as having a disability although the mainstream events are also open for all athletes too.</p>

<p>The Boat Race Relay Events are raced over 6780m (the length of the Boat Race) and are open to teams of either 8 boys or 8 girls. It can be madly busy as every one of the 80 race machines are occupied by cheering teams as they watch their opposition race as it is displayed on 4 giant screens on the race floor.</p>

<p>There are also lots of other activities for competitors to try before or after they have raced. In the past we have had climbing walls, giant Wii games, electronic graffiti walls, BMX bikes, Parkour, Tag rugby, Skateboarding and brush board surfing!</p>

<p>Entries are now open, to enter &amp; for more information please go to the <a href="http://www.londonyouthrowing.com/njirc/">LYR</a> website.</p>

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		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Dermott Shier's 20 year endorsement of the Concept2</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/dermott-shiers-20-year-endorsement-of-the-concept2</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>Ciaran Shier got in touch recently to let us know about his dad who has been a great advocate of the Concept2 rowing machine for the last 20 years.</p>

<p>"I'm writing to tell you about my 69 year old father who, unknown to you, is possibly one of your best advocates and proof of the incredible health benefits of the Concept2 rowing machines.</p>

<p>Recently I went to visit my father and as is usual during my visit I jumped on his Concept2 rower. I regularly use Concept2 rowers at my gym which are quite new and I was amazed how my fathers Concept2 rower still provided such a consistent performance which matched that of the new ones at the gym. My amazement comes from the fact it is about 20 years old and after rough calculations must have clocked over 25,000 kilometres. My father currently rows for 20 minutes on it every day. When I say everyday I really mean EVERY day! Unfortunately the display is broken and so he just uses a timer.</p>

<p>He has been a dedicated rower all his life and was very successful all through School and University. He has always been a very fit individual through rowing and playing rugby. He was a very dedicated family GP working along side and then taking over the local practice from his father, he is now retired. He has also been an integral part of the local rugby club, Penryn RFC where he has been a player, coach, chairman and president and continues to volunteer in whatever needs doing to help, including every Tuesday morning to do cleaning and maintenance work at the club. He maintained his love of rowing by buying a single seat sculling boat about 30 years ago to use on the creek he lives on in Cornwall which he would use early in the morning before going to work at the surgery.</p>

<p>It was about 20 years ago when he became aware of Concept2 rowing machines and bought one to allow him to row when the conditions didn't allow him to get out on the water. He has been fanatical about it ever since, positively endorsing the amazing fitness and health benefits of Concept2 rowing to family, friends, colleagues etc. To this day he still tells people about the health benefits of rowing and how great the Concept2 rowing machines are and everyone who knows him, knows his dedication to rowing.</p>

<p>Like I said at the start he is 69 years old and nothing is going to stop him continuing to row every day. The benefits are clear to see by looking at how fantastic he looks for his age.</p>

<p>So why am I telling you this? Well following my recent visit to see him and being amazed at how well his Concept2 performed still after 20 years and the use it has had over those years, I felt compelled to write to you.</p>

<p>I should say he has no idea about me writing this email. I write it to tell you about his amazing commitment to Concept2 and his endorsement of them over the past 20 years as a GP, a sportsman, a family man and great friend to many people in his community."</p>

<p>We thought it was a lovely email for a son to write on behalf of his father plus it's nice to know that after 20 years Dermott is still rowing on his Model B every day!</p>

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		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Anne Yates - Getting back to rowing after beating Breast Cancer</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/anne-yates-getting-back-to-rowing-after-beating-breast-cancer</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>For those of you that read Anne Yates blog back in November (<a href="http://therowingcompany.com/blog/post/breast-cancer-has-got-me-rowing-again-says-former-gb-champion">Anne Yates rowing again</a>), where she told us how she was getting on following her breast cancer operation, she has sent us the below update.</p>

<p>Anne has come along way from her last blog in only a few months, previously she was only able to row one mile &amp; she did that with one arm.  Now Anne is back to her winning form after winning gold at the 2012 Welsh IRC Results - Women 50-59 Hwt.</p>

<p>"Training/rehab is going well. I'm slowly getting fitter and stronger... a great feeling! The Welsh Champs were fantastic... always a good turn out and so well organised. I knocked 7 seconds off my Newark 2k time, so I was really thrilled!</p>

<p>My next race will be in Manchester at the end of the month. Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club are working so hard to accomodate my request to race for 'charity', I'm overwhelmed at how many people are helping me.</p>

<p>Officially I was going to close my Just Giving site after the Manchester race, but I am now booked to go to Boston and besides taking photos for the GB team I am also racing!!! Yay! This will be the icing on the cake... to end up at the World Champs racing under the team GB and for Cancer Research UK, I couldn't think of a better way of ending my charity fund raising. I'm aiming to turn 2K  into &pound;2k for Cancer Research UK.</p>

<p>No heroics, just taking part is more than I could ever wish for. After surgery I hadn't the strength to do anything. I remember being driven up to the local reservoir so I could sit and admire the view. Then a while later I tried a 5 min walk, a 10 min walk.... and on 23rd December I walked the whole way round without stopping or needing to rest...12.5k....wow, that made my Xmas!!!</p>

<p>The same thrills are happening as I row.... slow but sure, strength and fitness is returning. I am so lucky!</p>

<p>To sponsor Anne visit:<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/anne-yates">http://www.justgiving.com/anne-yates//</a>"</p>

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		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Support through Sport</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/support-through-sport</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>You may know of Dave Holby who over a 2.5 period rowed 40,075km on the Concept2 rowing machine in Basingstoke shopping centre, The Malls. <a href="http://www.basingstokegazette.co.uk/news/10019843.Round_the_world_rower_Dave_Holby_claims_his_place_in_the_record_books/">Dave Holby claims his place in the record books</a></p>

<p>Dave is a nine-times endurance rowing world record holder and, in 2010, set a Guinness World Record by becoming the first person to row the distance of the Earth's equator on a land-based rowing machine. He has committed himself to a lifetime's worth of endurance challenges to raise funds for Breakthrough Breast Cancer and to help, encourage and inspire children to find themselves through sport. Dave is a qualified football coach and is currently studying for a degree in Sport Science to then train as a PE Teacher.</p>

<p>But did you know that Dave is also a patron of Support through Sport UK? It is a national sports charity that believes that sport has the power to improve lives. The charity was founded in 2012 by Helen Keeling.</p>

<p>Helen contacted us recently to let us know more about the charity, she told us that Support through Sport UK has six main aims:</p>

<ol>
<li>to raise awareness of UK sporting clubs for low-participation groups</li>
<li>to encourage sports clubs to become more inclusive and to encourage the use of sport as part of rehabilitation programmes</li>
<li>to profile inspiring sports clubs and events</li>
<li>To interview famous sports stars and unsung sports charity workers to understand why they think sport's so great and to learn what benefits they believe sport can bring</li>
<li>To raise awareness of some of the more unusual sports that you can get involved in</li>
<li>To raise awareness of the various companies that sell bespoke sports equipment for younger athletes, disabled athletes, older athletes etc</li>
</ol>

<p>If you would like to learn more about Support through Sport UK then take a look at their website - <a href="http://www.supportthroughsport.co.uk/">http://www.supportthroughsport.co.uk/</a> and, if you're involved in a sports club, register its details at</p>

<div style="display:none;visibility:hidden;"><a href="http://gamesmine.net/c/racing" title="car racing games">car racing games</a></div>

<p><a href="http://www.supportthroughsport.co.uk/register">http://www.supportthroughsport.co.uk/register</a>. It's free to register and will help to raise awareness of your club.</p>

<p>You can also contact Helen &amp; Dave directly through the website.</p>

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		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Darren Simmons 2012 miles row for Menigitis Trust - Update</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/darren-simmons-2012-miles-row-for-menigitis-trust-update</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>I can finally report that I finished the challenge in December, I was hoping to finish earlier but due to illness and injury it was not possible. But if it hadn't been for Ben and Chris from Performance Physiotherapy in Rochester, I don't think I would have finished at all as they looked after my injuries really well and kept me going with physio and sports massages, but I cannot release the exact date until the 18th January because there is a competition to guess the day I finished which you can enter here - http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DarrenSimmons</p>

<p>The last serious challenge of the year was my favourite as it was at The Rowing and River Museum in Henley, the staff were amazing and looked after us so well. It was another 100km row which was harder this time, not because of the challenge, but because I had the likes of Katherine Grainger, Steve Redgrave, Jurgen Grobler and the heavyweight men's four all watching over me (well pictures of them with their medals) no pressure then!  Also the Row2Recovery guys were there as well giving a talk on their experiences of rowing the Atlantic.</p>

<p>I started rowing upstairs in the rowing gallery but there was not much passing traffic, so they moved me down to the main entrance area after I had completed 30km. This was much better and we were able to achieve many more donations, the only trouble was that the entrance had under floor heating so was rather warm.
All went well up till the 60km mark when I was hit with my stomach cramps again, I am now sure it is down to what I am eating during these challenges, so I'm going to have to talk to a nutritionist about this. Despite this I carried on and completed the 100km in basically the same time as the last one - 8hr 30mins. The only adverse effect was the ends of all my fingers went numb for quite a few days after and because it was hot my hands were sweaty and the fingers were really rather sore but it's all in a good cause.</p>

<p>To date I have raised &pound;2400 which beats the target of &pound;2012 that I had set myself. The total was helped hugely by Leo Gagliano the General Manager of The Hilton in Maidstone who has become very involved with my challenge and The Meningitis Trust by helping us via The Hilton's 'Hilton in the community foundation programme' to which I am very grateful.</p>

<p>The money is to be used by The Meningitis Trust locally and the south east to set up a support group for Meningitis survivors and their families to get help and advice, also we are going to be holding "Support days" at the Hilton in Maidstone for people to meet the trust and other survivors and families. I will be attending these with my rowing machine to show them what can be achieved by some survivors.</p>

<p>The challenge on the whole was much easier than I had expected. I think getting into a routine helped and doing some of the long separate challenges really knocked off the mileage. But I feel so much better for it.  I didn't lose any weight, in fact I went up slightly as I put on a lot of muscle, but my stamina has greatly increased and my shape has changed a lot.</p>

<p>Now the challenge is over I have been able to take Christmas quite easy and had a break from training but there was a certain amount of depression, which I had been warned about, but was still quite hard to deal with. I was told that it was a form of grief but I have got over it quite quickly as I have signed both me and my wife up for the London Virgin Triathlon this summer, so there is training for that to do.
Also, I am still going to be fundraising for the trust and am planning some 12 and 24 hour rows, with my trusty Concept2.  I am also doing the 2013 miles in 2013 challenge, but this time I am going to include rowing, swimming, cycling and running into the totals so that will be much easier. The biggest challenge hopefully to be completed this year is to row the channel but both ways so from the UK to France and then back again in one go. We are not sure if it will be as a crew or on my own at the moment but things are in the early planning stage.</p>

<p>Then there will hopefully be the usual Boston rowing marathon a 50km race and we have found a new extreme rowing race in the Netherlands called the Ringvaart regatta which is a 100km race, but you do get to have 2 rests where they stop the clock so we are hoping to try that one as well, especially as there is nothing in the record books for a coxed pair.</p>

<p>I have really enjoyed this year and hope I have inspired a few people to do some mad things on a Concept2 or in general.</p>

<p>Happy new year to all and just in case I haven't mentioned it before; you can sponsor my efforts for The Meningitis Trust here</p>

<p><a href="http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DarrenSimmons">http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DarrenSimmons</a></p>

<p>Cheers</p>

<p>Darren</p>

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		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>London to London - Human Powered</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/london-to-london-human-powered</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>We know that everyone's challenge is personal &amp; individual to them.  Some people use the Concept2 rowing machine to beat a 2k personal best, or to row a daily target of 10k or even to row a marathon for charity.  Some of you use the rowing machine to help you to lose weight or to generally just get fitter.</p>

<p>British adventurer Sarah Outen uses the rowing machine to help with her endurance.  As an endurance athlete Sarah sets her sights higher than most of us 'mere mortals' can even dream of.</p>

<p>Sarah has already rowed solo across the Indian Ocean (<a href="http://www.sarahouten.com/meet-sarah/indian-ocean/">http://www.sarahouten.com/meet-sarah/indian-ocean/</a>) &amp; her latest challenge London2London: Via the World, is a two and a half year expedition that will see Sarah use only human power to complete a loop of the planet.</p>

<p>Sarah originally set off on the 1st April 2011 from London's Tower Bridge with the intention to cycle 16,000 miles, row solo across 7,500 nautical miles of ocean and kayak 300 nautical miles before arriving back at Tower Bridge.  Sarah cycled and kayaked more than 11,000 miles from London to Choshi, Japan before she had to be rescued.  Unfortunately after 26 days of her record-breaking solo row across the North Pacific Ocean from Japan to Canada, she was hit by Tropical Storm Mawar and was unable to continue. She is now in the UK making plans for a continuation of the L2L journey.  So, watch this space...</p>

<p>Once completed, the journey will see her cross two oceans, three continents and 14 countries.</p>

<p>Sarah kindly sent us this picture of her at a pre Christmas training camp on her trusty Concept2.</p>

<p>The final session of day 1 involved a</p>

<p>2k sprint
30 min max distance
intervals: 5k, 2k, 1k capped rate</p>

<p>The first part of the day was power circuits, strength circuits and functional circuits. Which Sarah assures me was 'all good fun'.</p>

<p>Check out Sarah's website as she breaks records, blazes trails and shares her adventure as she goes</p>

<div style="display:none;visibility:hidden;"><a href="http://gamesmine.net/c/racing" title="car racing games">car racing games</a></div>

<p><a href="http://www.sarahouten.com/">http://www.sarahouten.com/</a></p>

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		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Kevin McLernon's Christmas Message</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/kevin-mclernons-christmas-message</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>So here it is, it's Christmas time, I'm sure they have moved it forward this year, time has flown since last year, but what a year it has been. Don't worry I'm not going to spin off into a review of how great 2012 has been for me, although it has, and I will say that it's been the polar opposite to The Queens Annus Horribilis she had 20 years ago, god save her! This has been my Annus Mirabilis (year of wonders - thanks Wiki!) or better still my Annus Awesomeness! This is a far cry from two years ago, when, sat in the car waiting for ice to melt in the windows a song came on the radio, Christmas song, "So this is Christmas, and what have you done........" Oh I hated that song, I was angry with John Lennon for asking that question, it was after all his fault! The answer was, nothing, nothing at all.</p>

<p>In fact I had gone back over in my life; I was sat there at 32 stone plus, miserable, bitter and broken. I decided to make a New Years Resolution! "If in 2011 something doesn't happen to change this life of mine, I'm going to set Joanne free, she deserves so much better than me" Harsh but so very true at that time, and maybe even now it's true but it's too late because she is married to me and she isn't getting away! 2011 was the year I found my solution, The Biggest Loser; you know that this changed my life in so many ways. This can't, sadly, be a solution for the masses who want to lose weight and change their lives. There are a million and one different solutions and one of the problems is the level of choices &amp; the conflicting information from all the "experts". There is no quick fix, the solution should always contain a combination of diet and exercise but most importantly above all else, it needs to help you with your mindset. If you want my advice, here it is, find your solution, don't dilly dally, and just take the action you have to take to move you forward to making 2013 your Annus Awesomeness!</p>

<p>For January 2013 I have teamed up with Concept2 to come up with some fantastic programs to help you get you moving and taking action to your weight loss goals, Concept2 will be providing some awesome packages which will include some online coaching with me via Facebook and my website. We will be sending out details on that very soon.</p>

<p>You are more than welcome to connect with me on Facebook, I'm at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/kevin.mclernon">facebook.com/kevin.mclernon</a>, I accept all friend requests unless you don't have a profile photo and come from a country I have never heard of and send me a PM first asking me to help you rescue a princess with &pound;500 via some online bank, never again!</p>

<p>Rowing wise, I still can't get that time down, I must be doing it wrong! I've just to keep on cracking on, I'm going to break it down into improving my 500m time first then, 1000m and so on, I will keep you informed, either way I better get a wiggle on if I'm going to win the EIRC, or at least not make a total fool of myself! Are you going? Get on it, especially if you are getting a PB slower than 7:30, please! <a href="http://therowingcompany.com/nationals/english">therowingcompany.com/nationals/english</a></p>

<p>Catch you all in the new year, have a fantastic Christmas and I hope 2013 is everything you want it to be and more.</p>

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		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Matt Brewster - Husband, Father &amp; Adaptive Rower - update</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/matt-brewster-husband-father</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>Back in March we posted a blog from Matthew Brewster, Matt contacted us to let us know that even though he had been diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis (AVN), Osteoarthritis &amp; a Liver disease in 2008, he wasn't going to let that beat him.  So Matt has been raising money to help others, he hasn't been baking cakes or a sponsored silence although these are both great fundraisers.  Matt has been pushing himself to his physical limits...</p>

<p>"I won't be sorry to finish 2012 in some respects, I got off to a flying start with the challenge of 2012 - arm powered miles in 2012, but one injury followed by another and then a house move put me more off track in my progress than I could really hope to make up during the year. I did get back on track and have been powering away on the rower since the start of September, getting stuck into the Challenge series and setting new seasons best all the time, I feel like I have come back stronger.
It seems to be a weird thing for me having a degenerating bone disease, as whilst my legs are getting weaker the upper body is getting stronger and though I turn 41 in January in some respect I feel like I am just reaching a peak and fired up for the New Year.
2012 was not a total write off, I still raised a fair amount for the charities I was supporting which overall is the most important thing.</p>

<p>So to 2013, thinking about mistakes and problems in the last year, I have decided to do things a little differently, so my fundraising challenge will be a "ParaDecathlon", 10 events in several sports over the course of the year, which will include a world record attempt in wheelchair basketball in June and a world record attempt for the fastest half marathon on crutches in Plymouth in April, the Concept 2 March Madness challenge will form the 3rd event of the year as well as a trip to Newquay for the Cornish IRC, all in aid of the Childrens Hospice South West, one of the events I am looking at doing is a distance row at my local Cooperative supermarket.</p>

<p>My fundraising has helped me meet some lovely people, people who make you feel quite humble and make you think twice about moaning about lifes trivialities, I want to achieve as much as I can.
I have a facebook page on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MattB2013">http:/http://www.facebook.com/MattB2013</a> which I try and update people regularly on my progress etc, my main fundraising page is <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/teams/matt2012">http://www.justgiving.com/teams/matt2012</a> "</p>

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		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Welsh Indoor Rowing Championships Report - Saturday 1st December 2012</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/welsh-indoor-rowing-championships-report-saturday-1st-december-2012</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>Thanks to Mike Hnatiw from Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre for the following blog from the Welsh Indoor Champs that Mike organised.</p>

<p>The seventeenth Welsh Indoor Rowing Championships attracted an excellent entry of well over 400 individual competitors and nearly 30 teams which battled it out over eight hours of competition to become crowned Welsh Champions.</p>

<p>It all kicked off with the Men's Fresher event, which is for 1st year rowers in University and which boasted the highest number of participants with 75 doing battle over four heats. Matt Smith from Cardiff University lead home Anthony Dakin from Swansea University in a time of 6:40.5, with Cardiff University Lorenzo Giacci picking up the third place medal.</p>

<p>Jack Thomas, led a clean sweep of the medals for Cardiff University in the Men's Under 23 lightweight category in a time of 6:37.9 from his two colleagues Jack Notley and Sam Vatvani, while in the same race Luis Amallobieta, from Spain made the visit back to Cardiff again this year to take the Men's Lightweight 30+ category very convincingly, in a time of 6:48.9 from Joe White and Pete Johns.
 Race 5, Men's Under 23 achieved the fastest time of the day for Josh Bugajski, Cardiff University, who won in a fantastic time of 5:56.9 title, with his University colleague Sam Whittaker in second and Matthew Hnatiw from Cardiff City RC in third. Josh also lowered his welsh record in this category, held from last year.
Race 5 also brought together the first medallists for Women in the Under 23 Lightweight classification and Rebecca Andrews from Swansea University took the honours from Aberystwyth's RC Rebecca Ansell and Swansea's Jenni Pearson.
The sixth race saw three categories being contested, with Craig Petersen going one better than last year to secure gold in the Men's 30+ with an excellent time of 6:06.5 from Rhodri Jones and Michal Szatkowski. In a battle of lightweights Dennison Gould, Taff Attack Racing took the honours in 6:43.6 in the 40+ category and Huw Carrick from local club Cardiff City RC lead home the Open category in 6:45.4</p>

<p>The next few races saw heats of the second largest category 47 competitors in total for the Women's Fresher category. Cardiff University again took the first two medals with Giv Barrett leading home Olivia Witt in a time of 7:55.6, with Swansea's Kathy Larcombe preventing a clean sweep in third.
In Women's Open Sarah Faull, Newham College, Cambridge made the long cross country trip worthwhile in a time of 7:32.4, while the Under 23 title and quickest female time of the day went to Cardiff University's Beccy Girling in a time of 7:09.6 from last year's winner Helen Roberts with Hannah Mansfield collecting the bronze medal. The last category in this race saw long distance travellers from Jersey RC, Vicky Bruce-Miller hold off Barbara Taylor from Spain in the 30+ category in a time of 7:50.3, with local athlete Bethan Davies from Llandaff RC in third.
Race 10 brought together Men's 50+, with Paul Turner, New College Durham taking gold in 6:43.4 from Andrew Townsend and Robin Sweet, while Jamie Evans Aberdyfi RC took the Under 18 title from Hereford youngsters Stephen Griffiths and Laurence Osborne.
Sam Bannister back again from his success last year from Gordon's Sch in Surrey took the J17 title in 6:35.7 from local Penarth RC youngsters, Julien Birkholz and Lloyd Phillips, with the J16 title going narrowly to Penarth RC Sam Laity in 6:54.1 from Freddie Dewey and Henry Jones.
Race 12, saw 10 categories being contested with Men's 50+ Lightweight category being the largest in numbers and James Howard, Sub 7 IRC,  being comfortably in front in a time of 6:41.3, from Keith Hiley and Andy Robinson.
Men's 60+ lightweight was a tighter affair and Thomas Yule, from Newbury took gold in 7:09.8 from Paul Roberts and John Exley.
Laura Clement, Llandaff RC took the Women's Open Lightweight title in a time of 8:20.7, with Lisa Morgan from Derby taking the 30+ lightweight medal in 8:26.1 and Joanna Allsebrook, Sub 7 IRC in the fastest lightweight Women's time of the day of 8:03.6 taking the 40+ title, Suzanne Briggs, Wallingford took the 50+ title in 8:35.2, and Cardiff City RC's Glenys Rugman the 60+ title in 8:49.6.
Marjorie Roome Sub 7 IRC took the Women's 60+ category in a new British Record of 7:46.4, but the achievement of Ann Yates, representing Cancer Research and back on the machine racing again from illness to take the 50+ category was one of the highlights of the day, for the appreciative audience.
Race 13 brought together the Men's 40+ and 70+ categories, and there wasn't much surprise to see Evgenii Trofimov from Marine Technical University, St Petersburg, Russia winning in 6:10.1, the third quickest time of the day, with Warren Matthews and Jeff Gay collecting the other coloured medals. The 70+ medals saw an equally convincing Michael Wrenn from Sub 7 IRC lead the field home in 7:19.9 from Steven Hill and Allan Buchanan. A special mention must be made for Charles Morley who at 81 was the oldest competitor in the race, and will have his own category of 80+ to race in next year.
Race 14 saw Anna Diamond from Birmingham take the Women's 40+ category in the tightest finish of the day over the 2k distance from Megan Brown. This race saw three different leaders but a 1:54.8 split in the last 500 secured Anna the title by 0.9 sec in a time of 7:40.0, with another fast finish by Josie Hunsdon taking the bronze medal.
The Women's J16 title was taken in a very good time of 7:58.9 by Hereford RC's Charlotte Hodgkins-Bryne from Laura Morris and Francesca Ford with the J17 title being won by Leonor Worssam from Cardiff &amp; Vale Schools Rowing Academy, from Natalya Sage and Laura Bell.
And so to the last 2k individual race of the day, and still running to timetable the Men's Open and Men's 60+ Category. Marcus Sherwood from Chichester put in a commanding performance to take the older category title in a time of 7:04.2 from Robin Corser and Christopher Friend, while the Open race lived up to all expectations again with three different leaders of the race and the eventual winner Ollie Osbourne from the Royal Navy not taking the lead till the last 500 metres with a finishing split of 1:31.1 to take the title in 6:14.9, from fast finishing Peter Robinson, who just managed to edge out mid race leader Eddie Ventress by 0.2 sec, in fact less than 2 seconds covered 2nd to 5th in this finale.</p>

<p>It was good to see entries in the adaptive categories, especially Britain's Paralympics' athlete Samantha Scowen taking the Women's TA title from Laura Swetman and Shaun Swetman taking the male equivalent in the same race.</p>

<p>Although the Welsh Schools Indoor Championships was held the previous day, well over 60 youngsters battled it out for the junior categories from 11 to 15 years old, which gave the seniors a little rest bite before the 500 metre sprints, and the eagerly awaited Brains sponsored University Indoor Boat Race between Cardiff and Swansea University. And the crowd certainly weren't disappointed, the atmosphere reached fever point as first the Women's Boat Race consisting of eight athletes from each University row together with their combined effort being added together into just two boats on the giant screen. Cardiff's girls narrowly won this race over 8k, but the tables were reversed in the Men's race, giving each University success in this new venture between the colleges.</p>

<p>Although there weren't many age categories in the sprints nearly fifty individuals ripped into the machines with the quickest time of the day going to Sean Dickinson from Durham in a time of 1:18.1. In taking the open title, while Evgenil Trofimov, from St Petersburg Russia took the 40+ sprint in a time marginally slower of 1:19.0
The quickest lady was Emily Doherty from Llandaff in 1:44.8 in the Open category and the quickest lightweight over the sprint distance was Luis Amallobieta from Spain in a time of 1:29.1.
And so finally to the team events were nearly 40 teams battled it out for the honours in the 3 events. Jon Goodall took time off from the microphone and managed to find himself in alongside his teammates, Sergey &amp; Evgenii, from last year together with bronze medallist Matthew Hnatiw from the Under 23 event, and gave a power demonstration of team rowing in a time of 7:59.3 quicker than last year's winning time and giving an average split of 1:19 for the 3k race. Llandaff RC took the silver medal ahead of Swansea University. Llandaff RC went one better in the Women's race but only just beat a fast finishing Swansea University team by 0.3 of a second in 10:45.4, while Llandaff RC took 1st and 2nd in the mixed team event, in a time of 9:44.1 with Aberystwyth RC taking the bronze medal.</p>

<p>So after eight hours of racing on the second day, the hall was returned to normal, the competitors some with medals ventured outside to make the long journey home. Another fantastic day of racing on time, a real credit to the organisers and competitors alike who helped achieve this. Special thanks to the men on the microphones, Nigel Mayglothling and Jon Goodall, who's enthusiasm is always appreciated by both the competitors and spectators alike, and the staff of Cardiff Harbour Authority Water Activity Centre, and particularly Simon Larkin from Concept2 who never seems to get flustered despite all the stress around him keeping the race system flowing smoothly and being able to tweet as the races continued.</p>

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		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Which sport do you do?</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/which-sport-do-you-do</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>So we know from Social Media &amp; the forum on our website that it's not just rowers that use the Concept2 rowing machine.</p>

<p>We know from Gary Linge that motocross use the rowing machine - <a href="http://therowingcompany.com/blog/post/linge-training-academy-motocross">http://therowingcompany.com/blog/post/linge-training-academy-motocross</a></p>

<p>We know that Rugby League players use them thanks to this video from Wigan Warriors - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=u01EHDJoE-Q">https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;v=u01EHDJoE-Q</a></p>

<p>Thanks to Yannick Green from Team Evolution we know that Alpine skiers also use the Concept2 - <a href="http://www.teamevolution.eu/">http://www.teamevolution.eu/</a></p>

<p>Triathlete Hywel Davies set a 100k Lightweight World Record on the rowing machine -
<a href="http://therowingcompany.com/blog/post/hywel-davies-lightweight-100k-world-record-holder">http://therowingcompany.com/blog/post/hywel-davies-lightweight-100k-world-record-holder</a></p>

<p>We also know that Formula 1 drivers use the rowing machine for resistance training thanks to the McLaren Technology Centre &amp; T3 magazine - <a href="http://www.t3.com/features/how-to-train-like-a-formula-1-driver">http://www.t3.com/features/how-to-train-like-a-formula-1-driver</a></p>

<p>That's just a small section of sportsmen &amp; sportswomen that use the rowing machine for fitness, cardio &amp; resistance.</p>

<p>We would love to hear you story, which sport do you take part in?</p>

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		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Olympian Alastair Campbell helps British Airways to row...</title>
		<link>http://www.indoorsportservices.co.uk/blog/post/olympian-alastair-campbell-helps-british-airways-to-row</link>
		<description><![CDATA[
<p>We were very pleased to receive this image of 2012 Olympic Bronze Medallist Alan Campbell on the Concept2 rowing machine, as you can see by the snazzy outfits of the ladies alongside him he was at an event on behalf of British Airways.</p>

<p>Alan was helping BA to promote their ECO Day which was held at Waterside HQ nr Heathrow last week.</p>

<p>A time trial was set by Alan &amp; the other participants had to beat the time that he rowed 500m in.  Alan then very kindly helped people with their technique &amp; gave them advise on how to use the Concept2. He also spoke with the attendees about power and efficiency to support the energy saving message being promoted by BA.</p>

<p>The best times to compete against Alan were:
Male: Rob Williams
Female: Jennie Webster</p>

<p>Thanks to Alastair from Team Cycles for sending the image &amp; details of the day to me.</p>

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		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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