One of the Indoor Rowing News' New Year's resolutions was to have more reader input into the Newsletter. As this resolution was made at midnight on the 31st after one too many Snowballs, we can't remember whether this was to give more of a voice to the indoor rowing community or to allow us to do less work and catch up on Neighbours. Whatever, this is another in our occasional series of interviews. This time, it's the turn of the British 50-59 Lwt women's record holder women Susan Little, from Castle Green Fitness and Leisure Club.Q. What other sports have you taken part in?A. I tried everything when I was younger. I gave up on squash and hockey a few years ago, and because I am focussed on indoor rowing for the time being I have had to give up on my running too. I hope to begin it again in February.Q. Which sports have you been successful at?A. I have medals and trophies for squash, hockey and running. I played hockey for the county, but being in the Lake District there aren't really good enough facilities to compete nationally.Q. Do you have any favourite memories?A. My best memories are my holidays rather than anything sporting in particular. A couple of years ago I went to Japan and I have some fantastic memories of that trip. I don't have much spare time so when I do I really like to go on holiday.Q. How did you become so focussed on indoor rowing?A. By accident, rather than design. It was included in my fitness regime. After spending some time on the machines, I managed to get hold of a ranking list and realised I was doing really well relative to all of the other entrants. I managed to break the 'magic 8 minutes' and that was really exciting. If a woman gets below eight minutes when rowing 2,000 meters it is extremely good.Q. What's been your best indoor rowing race and why?A. It was last November in Birmingham – the BIRC. It was a fantastic day out and a real thrill to be successful at the event.Q. Do you have any top tips for other indoor rowers?A. Undoubtedly to enjoy it! If you don't enjoy it, then you shouldn't do it in my opinion. I think it's also very important to have really good technique to make the most of all of the training you might do and my last bit of advice would be to follow a good training programme. Lots of people think they follow a training programme, but cutting corners means they're not really doing it correctly. Q. Would you stick to indoor rowing or try rowing on water if you could 'do it all again'?A. Hindsight is a wonderful thing! Actually, I think I'd like to try both. I don't really row on the water at the moment as the lakes around my home are unsuitable. It would be quite dangerous in the Lake District! It would also be very-time consuming with my other hobbies.Q. What preparation do you do physically for a 2,000m race?A. I weight train three times per week at the gym and do two or three runs per week.Q. What keeps you motivated?A. The two races I have next month are my motivation. Getting my PB down is another. I want to maintain my level of fitness whilst still enjoying indoor rowing. Enjoyment comes first I think.Q. Where do you plan to race in 2003?A. I'm racing in the North of England this February in Manchester. Then I'm off to the World IRC at the end of February in Boston. After that I'm going to have a calming down session and will begin to get ready from July onwards for the British IRC in November, in Birmingham.Q. Will you compete in any other sporting events?A. I'm in two minds about competing in a dualthon. This is a competition integrating both running and cycling. I would like to do something a bit different. I'd find it hard to stay indoors all year round. Q. With all the training, how do you relax?A. I relax by walking the hills. It's peaceful and you can get away from the people and traffic. That includes my husband as well – but don't tell him that! I'm a self-employed gardener too and I also find decorating very calming as well!Q. What is your main advice for anyone taking up serious sport?A. Go for it! It's a fantastic outlet for people. It's worth it with the general trends in British society for obesity. And it's not just the physical side of sport; it's the social side that counts as well. There's far more variety in sport now so it should appeal to everyone.Q. When did you first compete at indoor rowing?A. Last November at the BIRC!Q. How much have you improved since then?A. It hasn't been that long. I would like to break the seven minutes forty second barrier; I'm at 7.42.8 at the moment.Q. How much more do you think you can still improve?A. Improve? I'm getting older and it's always harder. I'm going to try and improve this year and next year, but after that I might taper off and look for something else. I'm keen to pick up running and cycling again. I'll almost certainly do something though!