Training in the final days.... « WaterTribe Forums

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Training in the final days....

(18 posts) (12 voices)

Started 6 years ago by CatsPaws
Latest reply from Santiago

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CatsPaws
Member

I'm looking for any tips, tricks, etc that people use to stay in shape, when they can't get their boat out on the water....

What training regimes do you have? What do you find to be the best cross training? How do you build endurance when not in your boat?

Not only is this my first Watertribe event, but the best laid plans got shot to hell recently, when my husband died in a plane crash three weeks ago. I'm committed, and this is now something I need more than ever to keep my head above the water--so to speak-- but unsure as how to approach my now drastically changed training schedule.

I've got good core, run marathons, do tris, and have paddled for a number of years, but how can I best build endurance, when I get only a few days on the actual water prior to the race?

And if anyone lives or will be in the Tampa/Ft. Myers area in the next few weekends... I'd be interested in paddling one or two day trips with some more seasoned folks to get a good lay of the land (UM route). Would love the tips.... and some company wouldn't go amiss. Trying to speed things along, since I don't get the laid back lay of the land I had originally planned....

Posted 6 years ago #
Squirrel
Member

So sorry to hear about your husband, our condolences to you and your family.

Posted 6 years ago #
DeadCat
Blocked

Purrfect - so, so sorry to hear of your loss....so many thoughts and emotions but can't find the right words and sequence to write.

As for your training and endurance, don't sweat it. You are a marathoner and triathlete; sounds like you have a good base and should have a basic understaning of replenishing your fluid / nutrional consumption. As I am sure you know, a huge percentage of executed endurance involves ones mindgame. Many people have greater endurance reserves that are never tapped because of their mentality. Just keep going and don't let your mind give up on your body.

DeadCat

Posted 6 years ago #
Scareman
Member

Lauren, stay strong and get stronger!

I learned skills from this WaterTribe community that enabled me to complete the EC last year.

What I have learned by training is that several 60-80 minute paddles per week develop the muscle memory that enable endurance capability. Couple that training with intermittent 20+ mile days of 40+ mile days will help.

I would do most of my paddling in GA at night from Christmas to mid-Feb while training for the EC. These were short 4-5 mile trips that I could complete in about an hour.

I tried to paddle with many WaterTribers over the years through paddle meet ups and event series. You should have an easy time finding paddlers in Tampa.

Regarding the course to Cp1, I'll email you my number to chat if you wish, but try my video link below. Or look-up "scaremanthe watertribe" on google to find my YouTube movies.

FYI. I spotted a cougar near Marion, IL last Sunday off of I-57. Thought you and your coworkers could appreciate that.

Here is alink to 122 videos I have from my EC 2011 event. Hopefully this will link through from nighttime training, to my GPS loss of data and reboot, and then to the UM route to CP1. http://youtu.be/vIZbVkuSz34. Make sure you find the Play All button, or scroll through this playlist to see what you wish.

Posted 6 years ago #
Scareman
Member

My point above about paddling is that a few short 1 hour plus paddles will help you, if you can get those in while you are in FL over the next few weeks.

Swimming is great. I did that when I couldn't get in the kayak due to business travel last year.

Oh yeah, I forgot the best enabler for me to complete the EC was finally getting sleep 2 days before the start on Thursday and Friday nights.

Mental strength is the key. It sounds like your fitness base is strong, and DeadCat pointed out that will serve you well.

Rest well and keep paddling and moving! Even in strong headwinds you can make progress, just be careful where you hug the shore to break the wind on the ICW. Some spots after Venice and along Lemon Bay can "getcha" because of shallow mud and oyster bars on your way to CP1.

Posted 6 years ago #
KiwiBird
Member

I am very, very sorry to hear about your husband, PF. I hope we can all help in some small way to help you along. Based on what you've written about good core and marathons, etc, you should be fine. If you can get a paddle or two in before the EC, that'll benefit you psychologically perhaps even more than physically. For a number of ECs I've had to rely on core and exercise history rather than actual exercise and paddling in the now due to various life/health circumstances the few months prior to an EC, and have managed okay. This year will be another similar one--I'm hoping to get my first paddle in tomorrow since a day's paddle in September, and my exercise has been sporadic fighting various illnesses and work travel. My 2cents: know your route. Plan to finish, and even more importantly, have fun. Plan to keep well hydrated and eating regularly (I'm every 90mins or so). Plan to make sure you're dry and warm when you sleep (wet ones and talcum powder).

I very much look forward to meeting you on the beach.

KB

Posted 6 years ago #
JoeWildlife
Member

I admire your determination to do the Challenge! I think you will have a great time and it will do you good.

I totally agree with the other posters--you are way ahead already with core fitness and an athletic base. I wouldn't worry or panic about lack of specific training for this event. For one, the whole "race" aspect of the Challenge is really downplayed...over the course of 300 miles there are so many other things that come into play to determine how or if you finish, besides your fitness level. Living in Missouri, I can't (or don't) do much winter paddling and a March event is just hard to train for. I didn't have nearly the training level or fitness I desired going into the race. I felt weak and slow leaving the beach at Fort DeSoto. I did the event slow and steady, and felt my strongest the fourth evening of the race and paddled around 39 hours straight by the time I pulled into Flamingo. I didn't even catch up to a lot of paddlers, including Kiwibird, until the second night of the race. I blew through the Everglades in that marathon stretch while other paddlers did their own thing at their own pace. I was happy happy with my overall effort, and everyone else was too judging by the smiles at the finish! The EC is a Challenge that involves so many aspects not directly related to fitness level--don't sweat it!

Posted 6 years ago #
LeatherLungs
Member

Very sorry for your tragic loss, PF!

I'll defer to the other 'yakers for your training as a paddler (Class 4 myself), but I too lost my wife suddenly, 3 months before EC2013. I thought about dropping, but stayed in and it was the best thing I could've done. The training was great therapy and it gave me something positive to focus on. The Tribe is a great group of people to be around and the Challenges are awesome!

Hang in there,

LL

Posted 6 years ago #
Dorsalis
Member

Dear Purfect

We are all so sorry to read of your recent loss. Your plan to preoccupy your life with training right now can be a very good thing BUT, you should be sure also to get through the grieving process which is essential to recovery, following a catastrophic loss. Hope you have someone, a counselor or therapist, you can talk to about this.

With respect to training, for what it is worth, I have found that using a mounted stationary bicycle OR erg machine in the living room in front of the TV set is a slick way of training by default. Any time you want to watch a television program or DVD, work the machine while you are watching. This way, you can occupy your mind with the visual plot and at the same time, strengthen your body. The time seems to pass quickly and you get a great CV workout. Of course, this will not substitute for on the water experience in getting to know your boat and resources, but it is a slick way to strengthen when you cannot get out on the water.

Look forward to seeing you on the beach.

Dorsalis

Posted 6 years ago #
Puma
Member

We are all behind you . I am in the St Petersburg area , If I can help in any way . Please call or E mail . Phone # 727 455 4030 or joefrohock@hotmail.com

Puma Aka Joe Frohock

Posted 6 years ago #
Santiago
Member

So sorry to hear about your husband. I admire you for sticking with your plan to complete the UM. The others have made great points and I'm sure you'll be fine.

I live in Brandon and was planning to paddle in Sarasota Bay next weekend, probably Saturday. I was planning to put in at the Manatee Ave/Hwy 64 boat ramp and paddle south to the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, and then return. It's about a 30-mile round trip. This is an open invitation to anyone else who might be available.

Regards,

Santiago aka Joe Spooner

Posted 6 years ago #
CatsPaws
Member

Thanks for the kind words, everyone.

I had already heard stories about what a great bunch WT was, but you have all certainly confirmed it. I am more than excited to meet you all.

Santiago, if you end up going out Sunday instead, let me know. I am doing my 18 hour drive down to transport boat and gear Friday/Saturday.... but if for some reason you end up out on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday instead, let me know-- I would be game-- even if for just part of the route.

Cheers,

Purrfectly

Posted 6 years ago #
riverslayer
Member

Hello PF - very sorry to hear about your loss. Bill Whale and I are doing one more workout on the Hillsborough River at Rotary Riverfront Park on Sat. Feb. 22nd. Details are on my meet-up site - Swamp Dogs Adventure Club of Central Florida. Best of Luck !

RiverSlayer

Posted 6 years ago #
Santiago
Member

Purrfectly,

Sunday works for me. Really, even Monday. I'd like to scout an alternate route through Sarasota Bay in case the winds are up on March 1st, so I'm studying maps and we may shorten the mileage and meet at a different location in the morning. Prior to my first EC, somebody casually mentioned that Sarasota Bay "can be tricky". That's true... when the wind picks up. Last year I was among six or so kayakers who joined the Sarasota Bay Swim Club. And 2012 was a whole different adventure!

My email is joespooner at verizon dot com.

Santiago

Posted 6 years ago #
BeastOarman
Member

Yeah, after the last 2 years this time I'm considering a long portage around Sarasota Bay.

Posted 6 years ago #
JoeWildlife
Member

Yeah, folks got wet and broke stuff in Sarasota bay last EC. Wouldn't have guessed it would be worse than Tampa Bay, but it was.

Posted 6 years ago #
CatsPaws
Member

Santiago,

Monday works best for me-- gives me a chance to gear up and get situated Sunday.

Looking forward to seeing you on the water!

Purrfectly

Posted 6 years ago #
Santiago
Member

Ok PurrfectlyFeral, let's meet Monday morning at 8:00 a.m. on the west end of the Manatee Ave/Hwy 64 causeway that leads over to Holmes Beach/Anna Maria Island. This is the first bridge you will pass under on race day, by the way. There's a boat ramp right there. I'll be in a white Mazda SUV with a white kayak on top. If you get there before I do, don't unload your boat just yet. We may drive several miles south to another launch point.

Anybody else in the area is welcome to join us! We'll head south into Sarasota Bay and probably explore an alternate route along the western shore.

Santiago

Posted 6 years ago #

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