Snoresome row by weary Elaine
27 hours on machine to prepare for Atlantic challenge
A Dunblane woman battled throughout the night to set a new rowing world record.
Elaine Hopley is planning to row across the Atlantic in a mammoth charity challenge at the end of this year.
And to prepare for the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, she spent 27 hours on a rowing machine from Friday into Saturday at the Dunblane Centre.
The 44-year-old set a new world record for the longest individual row on the Concept2 machine, having started at 10am on Friday and finished at 1pm the following day.
“It felt really long, it was a hard row for sure,” she said. “I think because I was inside for it and towards the end it got a bit difficult.”
Throughout the challenge, Elaine received great support from her friends and family, and said she was delighted to achieve her goal.
She said: “The atmosphere was great, there were lots of folk who came down to cheer me on. The last hour was difficult but the support really helped me through it.”
Rowing through the night, Elaine struggled at points and even fell asleep while still rowing - but was helped through by friends who made sure she was continuing to move.
“I actually fell asleep while I was rowing,” she said. “I was in a routine and my body just kept going, and one of my friends was there to make sure that I didn’t topple over.”
Training will now move to a new stage for Elaine, who plans to raise £20,000 for Alzheimer Scotland in memory of her mother.
The aim for her now is to put on and build up muscle, ahead of leaving San Sebastian in December and arriving in Antigua around 10 weeks later.
“I know what areas I need to strengthen now, and my recovery has been good. I have always found I have had a great recovery rate. I felt a bit tired but within an hour a lot of the pain that had affected areas of my body had gone. I think the key is staying hydrated, and I’m very thankful to have Highland Spring providing me with lots of water.”
Elaine is now looking to source further sponsorship to ensure that she can undertake her challenge.
On July 24, she is planning an It’s a Knockout at the Strathallan Games Park, Bridge of Allan, with teams and individuals being sought to take part.
To sponsor Elaine and learn more about her challenge, visit www.eh-oceanrow.com or email ehoceanrow@gmail.com
I actually fell asleep while I was rowing Elaine Hopley