312,256 Meters Down — And One Very Unexpected Encounter
Two weeks into the Million Meter Mission on Main Street, the numbers are beginning to add up.
Through August 29, I’ve logged 312,256 meters — 31.2% of the million-meter goal and more than 107,000 meters ahead of pace.
Rowing, cycling and paddling have all contributed. And so far, spreading the workload among three different activities appears to be making this ambitious little experiment considerably more manageable.
But numbers only tell part of the story.
One of the reasons I love getting outside is that you never quite know what you’re going to encounter.
(AI recreation submitted by a follower. The actual cormorant was considerably less healthy-looking, was not walking on water, and the rescue took place in an entirely different section of the river. But you get the idea. 😉)
During a paddle on the Saco River this week, a woman near the Biddeford bridge adjacent to the falls, flagged me down and told me there was a bird in trouble.
I found a cormorant exhausted and badly tangled in fishing line and branches, with the current carrying it toward a difficult area around the bridge abutments. I managed to position the kayak upstream, use the structure and current to hold my position, and reach the line with the rescue knife attached to my PFD.
A few careful cuts later, the bird was free.
Unfortunately, it still appeared to have a large fishing lure lodged around its beak. I followed for a while but decided that attempting to capture and restrain an already panicked bird from a kayak in moving water was considerably more likely to create two creatures requiring rescue.
So I left it with considerably better odds than when I found it and continued downstream.
Not exactly part of the Million Meter training plan. But definitely part of the adventure.
COACH’S CORNER
The Test Subject Has Entered the Laboratory
At my age, I’m not interested merely in proving that I can grind through a million meters. I want to find out whether I can do it intelligently enough to arrive at the finish healthier rather than simply more battered.
Over the coming weeks, Coach’s Corner will explore some of the challenges I’m encountering along the way: shoulder soreness, hip and lower-back mobility, occasional knee complaints, recovery, strength training and balancing workload across multiple activities.
We’ll also look at broader subjects that apply to anyone trying to become more active: setting realistic goals based on your current fitness and lifestyle, measuring progress, using basic technology effectively, and knowing when determination needs to give way to recovery.
I’ll share what I’m researching, what I’m trying and what appears to work — and occasionally bring in coaches, trainers and other professionals who actually know what they’re talking about.
I’m not the expert. I’m the test subject.
SAVVY GEAR
Take Your Music With You
Whether you’re out on the water, cycling or rowing inside on an erg, having the right music can elevate your exercise experience.
When outside, consider in-ear options like AirPods for a seamless, wire-free listen, or go for a portable speaker like the Sonos Move to fill the your indoor rowing space with your favorite tunes.
Each choice has its benefits, so think about what fits your style and space.
In Ear – Apple Airpods
In-ear Apple AirPods have revolutionized the way rowers enjoy music during their workouts or competitions. With their sleek design and wireless convenience, these earbuds provide the ultimate freedom to move without the hassle of tangled cords or. You can easily slip them into your ears, ensuring a snug fit that keeps them secure even during intense rowing sessions.
One of the standout features of AirPods is their impressive sound quality, which enhances your workout experience. Whether you prefer upbeat tracks to keep your energy high or calming melodies for focus, AirPods deliver crisp audio that immerses you in your playlist.
Plus, their noise-cancellation feature helps filter out distractions, allowing you to concentrate on your rhythm and technique.
Battery life is another strong point; you don’t have to worry about running out of power mid-session. The charging case keeps your AirPods ready for use whenever you need them.
With touch controls, you can easily adjust volume or skip tracks without breaking your stride. In-ear AirPods not only elevate your music experience but also make your rowing workouts more enjoyable and motivating.
Savvy Savings Tip
I use the ear pods for cycling and kayaking a lot. Consequently, I tend to worry about either losing them when riding or ruining expensive ear pods if I take an unepected dip. I have found these Anker Soundcore earpods a cost-effective alternative that still sounds pretty great, and I won’t lose sleep over if I happen to go for a swim…
Portable | In Home – Sonos Move2
While I enjoy Sonos throught the house, the Sonos Move2 is the weapon of choice in the basement, “pain cave” or even outside on the patio.
For rowers seeking a powerful audio experience on the go, the Sonos Move stands out as a top choice. This portable smart speaker delivers immersive sound quality that enhances your rowing sessions. Larger than most blutooth speakers, it has strong base response and enough power to fill a room and is portable so you can even take it outside when you want to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while rowing on your erg.
Weighing in at just under 3 pounds, it’s easy to carry, and its durable design makes it resistant to both water and dust—ideal for outdoor environments.
The Sonos Move features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, so you can stream your favorite playlists from your phone or connect directly to your home network. With up to 11 hours of battery life, you won’t have to worry about running out of power during your outings.
Plus, its built-in voice control allows you to manage your music hands-free, leaving your hands free for rowing.
🎧 THE SAVVY SOUNDTRACK
What’s On YOUR Playlist?
Music has always been part of how I train. Sometimes it establishes rhythm. Sometimes it provides energy. Sometimes it simply makes another 5,000 meters considerably less tedious.
So I’m adding something new to The Savvy Cyclist:
The Savvy Soundtrack.
Every so often I’ll nominate something that’s found its way into my current rotation — new discoveries, old favorites, forgotten songs and unusual reinterpretations.
My criteria are fairly simple:
Make me move. Make me feel something. Or make me hear something familiar in a way I haven’t heard it before. Preferably all three.
This week I came across a track which stuck in my head for days. It was a remix of a familiar song from the 70s (and before I think)…which made me forget about the aching twinge in my deltoids…and kept me moving forward…
Give it a listen and tell me what YOU think!
🎵 WHAT WOULD BE ON YOUR SAVVY SOUNDTRACK — AND WHY?
Drop your nomination in the comments. I’m looking for additions to the playlist — and I may feature some reader selections in future Mission updates.
PASSION → PURPOSE
The Million Meter Mission isn’t simply about seeing whether I can log seven figures before October 31.
It’s part of a larger Oars of Hope experiment: can we take something we already love doing — rowing, riding, paddling, walking, running or just moving — and turn some of that energy into something that matters?
Do What You Love. Turn YOUR Passion Into Purpose….at:
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WHAT’S NEXT?
687,744 Meters To Go
The first 312,256 meters have already produced a few sore muscles, some lessons, a lot of music and one extremely fortunate cormorant.
I’m rather curious to see what happens during the next 687,744.
