Unsinkable: Episode Four (The Review)

I often get asked if there is anything I can do or alter in regards to my training to minimise the chance of this 'injury' happening again. I know everybody who asks this or who tells me to 'train less' or 'train smarter' wants to see me succeed and has my best interests at heart, however of course if there was something I could change I would already be doing it... trust me.
Rather than have me explain, I think Bill Campbell answers the question very succinctly in episode four and puts to rest any questions over the control some may see me having in regards to my artery entrapment issues.



On the day I went to see Bill, i was quietly freaking out, I knew if the scan showed entrapment my sporting life was over, I couldn't stomach it to say this on camera on the way to the appointment however I am at a point now where I am comfortably able to reflect on the day, and say that the signs of a full return to sport are extremely promising.
I hope you enjoy the episode.

Cheers, John

Solid week and body holding up well

Hello all, 

I wanted to share with you what my week of training has looked like. I chose to share this as it is the first time my week has resembled a 'normal' training week. 

Although I am pretty fatigued from the workload, my body is gradually adapting to being back in the boat again, and although tired, my legs are not showing any adverse vascular signs. What I can tell you about my legs is that even as I am almost 6 months post op, after the training this week I still get swelling in my ankles and lower legs, a sign that the soft tissue is still repairing and adapting to being physically active again. The good news is, they are improving each week, and according to the medical advice, will continue to do so for some time still. Attached below is a screen shot of everything physical i have completed this week. I understand as an elite athlete or rower this is nothing super impressive, but hoping to show those outside that category the commitment and hours of training being completed each day and this may encourage you to continue your own personal fitness challenges.

Now I have some time away from the boat and I will be cycling lots of Km's on the Great Ocean Road until training camp which starts on the 2nd january. The training camp held in falls creek will be a big challenge for me, but as always am up for it.

Be in touch.
John

Fantastic BikeNow opportunity for Unsinkable fans in Melbourne!

I have a fantastic opportunity for you!! 

It's almost Christmas time and I thought that it's a great time to give you something back for following and supporting my journey so far. As such, I am willing to provide you with some amazing products from BikeNow (240 Kings Way, South Melbourne).

With a lot of you being health and fitness enthusiasts I know you will all be thinking about purchasing cycling-related goods as Christmas presents for your loved ones. What better present to give than something from BikeNow (at 10% discount) which not only provides them with great presents they will cherish but also supports the Unsinkable: The Race To Recovery web series.

Do you need a new pair of Oakley Sunglasses? Come check out the range in store and protect yourself in style from the glaring sun this summer.

If you are a school rower, athlete or general fitness enthusiast looking to improve in your chosen field, then what better time to get a Garmin GPS heart rate monitor to track your training. Or purchase some new cycling apparel/cycling equipment to help you get stuck into your training.

Why not purchase a GoPro camera to help capture all the exciting moments over the summer break.

Come check out the store to see for yourself the exciting range of what they have to offer you.

I will be in store this Friday from 12:00-1:30pm to assist you make all your purchases and also give you the opportunity to ask me any questions you may have.

*All 'giveaways' will be exchanged for 10% less than the listed price of the goods

**Disclaimer: all sponsorship proceeds contribute directly and solely towards the production costs associated with the Unsinkable: The Race To Recovery web series**

Unsinkable: Episode Three (Baby Steps)

I wrote about some of these emotions of which I am speaking about in posts on this blog through July this year. This clip sums things up very nicely and hopefully gives you an understanding of some of the turmoil i put myself through. Watching this episode makes me feel a bit 'funny'. Looking back at where I was a few months ago is proving a powerful motivation for me to keep pushing forward, I have come a long way since this point, but much more water to pass under the bridge before I am where I hope to be (pun intended). Looking back at all the pain and frustration I caused to those close to me drives me even harder to achieve my goals so I ensure that it wasn't all for nothing. Enjoy the clip!

Cheers, John 

How YOU can support Unsinkable

Hello all,

By now I am confident all of you have viewed the first two episodes of 'Unsinkable: The Race To Recovery.' The feedback I have received from people in passing has been fantastic and is greatly appreciated. I would also love to hear thoughts from those of you outside of the Melbourne rowing community through comments on the YouTube channel, my blog or the official Facebook group.

The reason for this post is to update you on what has been going into producing these episodes. Like anything great in life, it isn't free. The Unsinkable production team are enthusiastically putting significant amounts of time into producing the web series. This ongoing effort requires your support and the following are all opportunities for you to become involved and ensure I am able to continue sharing my story with you all:

If cycling is your passion please head to BikeNow (240 Kings Way South Melbourne) who have kindly offered you a 10% discount on all products in store, with 5% of your purchase going towards Unsinkable production costs. Simply download from our Facebook page or by commenting on one of the posts here with your email address, print off and bring with you when you visit the store.

The photos below are from the SPORTAROO crowdfunding website and give you an understanding of what you can get in return for supporting this project - because I know that if it was me, I wouldn't be willing to give a donation for nothing:

I want to make things extremely clear in regards to the fact that I am not asking for charity. By purchasing SPORTAROO items you are directly assisting the production costs to make sure this digital media project comes to fruition. The fundraising goals are not overly ambitious and if everybody who follows the web series presently contributed just the cost of a coffee then we would reach our fundraising targets and ensure the sharing of the journey is able to continue :)

As a final note, if you did have other ideas of what you might appreciate in turn, we'd love to hear from you so drop me a line or contribute a comment through the aforementioned social media hubs.

Regards, John