From Mark, whose presence I enjoy every time he joins us for a workout, thanks for your kind words!

Hey Xeno, Mark here....This is my article that maybe you can post
to the blog...


I have worked for the Long Beach Police Department for approximately 15
years. During my career I have had many bumps and bruises, two stand
out in particular. While stopping a stolen vehicle, the suspect decided
that instead of going to jail he was going to use his car as a battering
ram and the intended target was me...he hit my vehicle and the opened
car door struck my right knee. The suspect was apprehended after a bit
of a foot pursuit,it is amazing what adrenaline will do, but after my
knee swelled up and was pretty stiff, I didn't think much about it and
went on. The second incident occurred in a liquor store when a suspect
decided he would rather fight than go with us. The fight ensued and when
we fell on the ground, (I do believe that a liquor store needs way more
space to fight in) my right knee struck the floor. So what has this got
to do with rowing.

During my first 12 years as a police officer, I was an avid runner, 2
New York Marathons, 10ks, 5ks, and I was also on the police department's
Baker to Vegas Team. Baker to Vegas is a race between police
departments throughout the world. It is a 20 person relay team covering 120
miles, from Baker, California to Las Vegas. In June 2002, my right knee
finally gave out. After my third surgery in December 2004, my doctor
notified me that there was to be no more running. He said try the eliptical
machine, the stationary bike or anything of low impact. I started to use
the machines but never felt the same as when I went out on a run. I
needed to find something because I surely could tell that my weight was
going up...from my running weight of 195, I was now up to 225.

One day while reading the Daily Pilot, I saw a coupon for a free
workout at the Iron Oarsman. Indoor rowing? What the heck, I've tried it all,
why not this? I stopped in one Tuesday morning and Xeno introduced
himself and put me on a rowing machine. Needless to say that after the
first class, I really felt like I had run some distance (only no pain in my
knee), I was hooked.

I would like to thank Xeno for his enthusiam and encouragement. My
right knee feels better and I'm gaining back a lot of strength without any
unnecessary pounding on my knee. But most importantly, I'm still able
to be a productive member of the Long Beach Police Department.

Thanks again Xeno.

Thanks again

Xeno Muller, Olympic gold and silver medalist, indoor rowing, rowing technique.