Rowing. The most physically demanding endurance sport. Complete with its own torture device, the Concept2 Ergo rower. If you really want to find out how unfit you are try using one. First learn the correct motion - drive with your legs, then pull with your arms, and finish by putting your back into it, then release back your arms, and then your legs. All whilst breathing. And not, "catching a crab." If you can pull 5,000 meters or more in 20 minutes you are doing pretty well. That translates into a "rating" of around 2:00 consistently for 20 minutes. The equivalent of rowing 250m every minute. In the early 1990s you could have caught DQ running up and down Clifton Gorge under the instruction of the University of Bristol's Rowing Coach, "Do it five times. Or until you throw up. Or pass out." This was the very same sadist who would shout words of encouragement that, although clichéd, stuck - "A winner never quits, because a quitter never wins." And other such gems. While social participation was limited to a maximum of six pints of beer per week, with no more than two on any given day, it was an incredibly rewarding pursuit. And one which continues to bear fruit. In the form of an instilled discipline, endurance, and threshold for pain. All necessary qualities in anyone who hopes to succeed at anything.
The original instrument of athletic torture. Guaranteed to get you fitting into your fighting weight attire in no time at all.
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Continuing our sporting theme, and particularly our theme of team jackets, dive into this celebration of man's accomplishments. And in particular ponder the hard work, application, and focus required to achieve such excellence. All whilst maintaining the gentlemanly status of, "Amateur."
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An inspiring biographical read for anyone who has ever wanted to do something and been told that they cannot. John Tarrant struggles with authority, bigotry, and prejudice of all kinds as he conquers the running world in the 1960s and becomes one of the greatest long distance runners the world has known. An incredible story of an incredible runner banned from partaking in the sport he loved. A de minimis expense reimbursement as a youth robs him of his "amateur" status, and results in him being banned for life. No matter. He runs anyway. With no number. And no support. And begins his rage against the machine.
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As some of you may have heard, this does not exist. But if you happen to see a chap with a smoking skull gusset who are we to stop you winking in recognition as you offer to buy him a stiff drink?
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