Rowing to Nowhere

Before the Covid lockdown, I saw a film about a women crew who rowed the ocean. It was called Losing Sight of Shore and it turned out to be the launch of my relationship with rowing. No, not in the water, but on the shore. The day after watching the film I had my first go on a rowing machine at the gym. I only did 5 minutes, but that was enough. I instantly became addicted to the repetitive rhythmic nature of rowing. I remember how I closed my eyes and despite the blaring noise of the gym, felt completely calm. It was just me and the machine. Nothing else existed or mattered.

I eventually bought a $99 rowing machine, and I use it almost every day. Better than Xanax...but not a glass of Chardonay.