Gary Hemmings: On August 5th, 1999, I had a triple bypass and, as part of my rehabilitation, it was suggested that I go to the gym under a GP 10 week programme. I had good support from my local doctor and I started a fitness programme at my local gym, Long Stratton Leisure Centre.The first year I just got myself fit. However, as I spent a lot of time on the rowing machine, it was suggested that I rowed a million metres keeping a log and be part of the Concept 2 Distance Award Scheme.It's now four years later and I have just completed my five million metres (3,107 miles) at Dunston Hall Leisure Centre. I have found the whole experience a satisfying one. Many people have asked why I did not do it for charity. It was not until the last half million that I even considered this, but it's bigger than that; it's the message that it sends out, that life can take on a whole new meaning, that we can move on and live a normal life. Often when sitting on the ergo I could see that I was fitter than a lot of others,I recall asking the physio at Papworth what's the best exercise in the gym, her reply was 'the rowing machine or the cross trainer.' My rowing programme was to complete 30,000m each week and, as I usually attend the gym four times a week, anything over that was seen as a bonus and still is. Along with doing free weights and other cardio vascular training, this is how my programme is structured. With being diabetic I have found it difficult sometimes balancing the sugar levels and still do. Any suggestions on this would be very helpful.Where do I go from here? Well I'm not sure but, as someone who likes rowing, I am setting my sights on doing the next Distance Award Scheme, which is 10 million metres.I hope this message give hope and encouragement to others. For more on the Distance Award Schemes: http://www.therowingcompany.com/rowing/distance_award_scheme.phpIf you've got a story you'd like to send us, email editor@therowingcompany.com.