I row with a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The short version is that this is a genetic condition that means you don’t produce a protein that is, among other things, really important for preserving lungs. I’m much less sick than most people my age with the condition, but I still lack about 40% of my lungs. The damage is substantially slowed - now that I’m diagnosed - by weekly infusions of a synthesized version of the protein, but there is a good chance that this is what I’ll die of - hopefully many years from now.

Anyway, exercise is enormously good for people with lung issues. And I’m determined to fight for every bit of efficiency that I can squeeze out of this cardio system. My lungs limit the power output I can sustain, so I’ll never be particularly competitive with my teammates in conventional rowing competitions. But I’ve been at this a while and have built up lots of endurance. Last January, I put that to the test, entering an informal worldwide competition to see how any total meters one could erg through the month. My goal was 1 million - which is about 35 k per day. And, yeah, I did it.

Not that the world class athletes were trying to win or anything, but over 9000 people participated, and I finished 13th. That was pretty cool.

I’ve also won 3 first place medals coxing and 2 rowing in various masters regattas.