Three years ago, four friends made the daring decision to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean from the Canary Islands to Antigua. As they train for this monumental journey, the team has a mix of excitement and apprehension about the upcoming challenge.
The crew consists of Dan Dicker (52), the techie; Jon Wilburn (52), the navigation expert; Jason Howard (59), the medical and physical support; and Steve Potter (62), known for his resilience and strength. Together, they aim not only to conquer the ocean but also to inspire their communities along the way.
Throughout their training, the team focused on building physical endurance and strength through a structured training program that combines flexibility and endurance workouts. They meet on weekends to practice rowing and are gradually preparing to handle the demands of a long sea journey.
Expecting to row two hours on, two hours off for potentially over 50 days, they have also adapted their nutrition. They plan to consume approximately 5,500 calories daily, adjusting their diets to be higher in carbohydrates to sustain their energy levels.
Mental preparation is critical for the crew. They are working with a sports psychologist and have established a regimen to discuss their fears and stresses openly. They acknowledge that they will face emotional highs and lows during the voyage, but they plan to support one another through shared experiences, knowing that camaraderie will be key to navigating the challenges ahead.
As they prepare for this journey, the team also aims to raise awareness for important health issues, including diabetes and cancer, while advocating for ocean conservation. They have already visited numerous schools, spreading messages about the importance of physical activity and environmental stewardship.
On December 12, the voyage will commence, and excitement is building as these four friends move closer to their goal of not only completing the toughest row on Earth but also leaving a lasting impact on their communities and the world.
Source: Men’s Health
