Today marks the commencement of something extraordinary: the first day of the 2023 Concept2 Fall Team Challenge. For the next 30 days, I’m committing myself to rowing 10,000 meters each day on my Model C Concept2 Ergometer. My objective is twofold: personal growth and contributing to the overall score of my team, the Potomac Boat Club. The challenge runs annually from September 15 through October 15, inviting enthusiasts of rowing, skiing, and cycling from around the globe to unite in a celebration of physical endurance and team spirit.
Why I Joined
The Concept2 Fall Team Challenge is not new to me. I participated in it last year but could only manage an average of 5,000 meters per day. This year, I decided to push my limits. Inspired by the Japanese concept of ‘Kaizen,’ or continuous improvement, I chose the 10,000-meter daily target to force myself out of my comfort zone.
The Significance of 10,000 Meters: More Than Just a Number
While 10,000 meters may sound like an arbitrary target, its symbolism runs deep in various facets of life and sport. Notably, in rowing, this number denotes a strenuous but feasible challenge—combining the attributes of endurance and dedication. If I maintain this pace, I’ll end up with a staggering 300,000 meters by the end of the month, which substantially exceeds Concept2’s top-end goal of 200,000 meters.
A Mental and Physical Balancing Act
Rowing this distance daily is not solely about demonstrating physical strength; it also involves mental resilience. It’s akin to entering a realm of new potentials by pushing past previous limitations. The nature of this challenge—being significant enough to demand a considerable exertion yet realistic enough to not deter one’s spirits—makes it a fantastic goal.
Gaining Momentum
One might argue that the first 2,000 meters or even 5,000 meters come with relative ease. The real struggle starts after that point. It’s where mental tenacity kicks in. The feeling of lactic acid building up in the muscles, the exhaustion settling into your bones—it’s all a part of the journey. By overcoming these obstacles daily, I look forward to gaining not just physical stamina but mental fortitude as well.
The Intricacies of Teamwork: A Collective Voyage
The Fall Team Challenge goes beyond individual accomplishments. Although rowing 10,000 meters daily may seem like a solitary endeavor, the event underscores the power of collective effort. Your contributions only matter if they add to a team’s tally, making this challenge fundamentally about group triumph rather than individual accolades.
The Magic of Community
My team, the Potomac Boat Club, is a dynamic mix of seasoned rowers and newbies like me. Some of us are located in the same city, while others are scattered across various parts of the world. What binds us together is our shared passion for rowing and our commitment to contributing to the team’s success. And this commitment isn’t just numerical; it’s emotional. Each meter rowed adds to our collective morale, encouraging every member to put in their best effort.
Competitive Spirit
As much as the Fall Team Challenge is about collective achievements, there’s also a competitive angle. Teams are ranked based on their performance, visible to all participants through the Concept2 Honor Board. This competitive aspect infuses an adrenaline rush that transcends the physical act of rowing, adding an extra layer of excitement and motivation to the event.
The Guidelines: Navigating the Challenge
The Rules of the Game
Concept2 has set specific rules to guide participants. Meters rowed on Concept2 RowErgs, SkiErgs, and BikeErgs are counted, but BikeErg meters are halved. Furthermore, team members must register and confirm their participation by September 30.
Upholding the Spirit of the Challenge
To maintain the integrity of the competition, Concept2 holds the right to verify the authenticity of meter totals. Participants are expected to log their meters honestly, upholding the spirit of fair play that is intrinsic to the challenge.
Rewards and Recognitions: Beyond the Finish Line
Material Incentives
Completion certificates and the option to buy exclusive merchandise are offered to those who hit the 100,000 or 200,000-meter mark. But what makes this challenge truly rewarding are the unquantifiable gains.
Emotional Payoffs
Beyond certificates and merchandise, the Fall Team Challenge offers intangible rewards like the respect of your teammates and the incredible feeling of being a part of something larger than yourself. This sense of community and collective achievement offers a deeper emotional satisfaction that no material reward can match.
FAQ
What machines are allowed in the Concept2 Fall Team Challenge?
Only meters from Concept2 RowErgs, SkiErgs, and BikeErgs are valid for the challenge.
Can I participate individually without joining a team?
No, the essence of the Fall Team Challenge is team participation. Individual efforts don’t count unless they contribute to a team.
What if I miss a day? Can I make up for it later?
Yes, you can row extra meters on subsequent days to make up for any missed sessions, as long as it’s within the challenge period.
How are teams ranked in the Fall Team Challenge?
Teams are ranked based on the total meters rowed by all team members. Rankings are displayed on the Concept2 Honor Board.
Glossary of Terms
- Concept2 Fall Team Challenge (FTC): An annual event focused on rowing, skiing, and cycling, emphasizing team efforts.
- RowErg: A rowing machine from Concept2, commonly known as an ergometer or erg.
- SkiErg: A skiing simulation machine from Concept2.
- BikeErg: A cycling simulation machine from Concept2.
- Potomac Boat Club: A rowing club mentioned in this article.
- Honor Board: The official leaderboard for the Concept2 Fall Team Challenge.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Rowing Event
As the days unfold, I am filled with anticipation and excitement for what the next 29 days will bring. While rowing 10,000 meters each day may be a daunting task, the sense of community and collective purpose brings a greater level of significance to this endeavor. The 2023 Concept2 Fall Team Challenge is more than just a rowing event; it’s an experience that brings together like-minded individuals under the flag of perseverance, discipline, and unity. To all participating teams—let’s make every stroke count!
More Slow Fun
- About the Concept2 Logbook, Team Challenges, and Individual Challenges
- How to Walk Onto a College Crew Team as a Novice Rower
- March is Indoor Rowing Season for Concept2—come join me as I start rowing 10k every night through April 15!
- Concept2 indoor rower rowing challenges and how to participate
- Just Under the Line: Completing the First Week of the Concept2 Dog Days of Summer Challenge