So I started thinking today. What if I took all the time I put into rowing and channeled it into something else, like learning how to code, mastering a foreign language, or, here's a thought, getting another hour or two of sleep?
I put about seven to ten hours a week into rowing, whether on the waters at Open Water Rowing or Marin Rowing, or in the gym on the erg. That's pretty much the equivalent of a full work day spent going up and down a slide, slogging through about ten thousand strokes, each one a rhythmic repetitive dance calling upon legs, core, back. Ridiculous, huh?
Not at all. Just look at the photo above. Yes, it was that pink and gold and dreamlike. And if I could add sound, you'd hear the splash of water and drumbeat of oars as Stefan and I match strokes. You'd startle to the sudden bark of the sea lion that popped up right after I took this shot, as if to check out who else was on dawn patrol. The deep, low song of foghorns would serenade you, the briny smell of saltwater would tickle your nose and far, far away the steady rumble of early morning traffic would remind you just how lucky you are to be here, nearly alone, with miles of open water, as the city slowly wakes.
Of course I could spend my time doing other things and no doubt that will come to pass some day whether it's my choice or not. But right now, this is about as good as it gets.