Kathi Strichman, USA

In April of 2001, I was 40 years old, weighed 270 pounds, had never exercised a day in my life and literally lived to eat. A very good friend, Jack (a man who lived 3000 miles away, and to whom I had only communicated with via e-mail and the phone) said exactly the right thing at the time that I really needed to hear it and he inspired me to start changing my lifestyle. In December of 2004, we were trying to workout at our local gym. All of the cardio machines were being used except a C2 erg. I eventually gave in and decided to give it a shot. I rowed for half an hour and believe it was the best workout that I have ever had. By February 2005, we had our own erg in our home and were rowing on an almost daily basis. The C2 website provided us with an enormous amount of information, inspiration and motivation with the online rankings, challenges and forums. By April 2003 I had lost 100 pounds and was living a healthy, very rewarding lifestyle. My lifestyle had made a dramatic change before I discovered the C2 erg, but I have to say that the erg, C2 website, Boulder Community Rowing and Jack have all served to keep me continuously motivated and looking forward to the next challenge.