I'm sure it is a no-brainer for most that it is probably not a good idea to do an aerobics class the day before a race especially if you haven't done one in a year or more, but in what must have been yet another senior moment I did just that. Five minutes in the boat and my quads started to glow and my lower back and hip were beset with what I believe must be sciatica which made for what seemed to be my hardest paddle ever.
By the time I reached the finish I couldn't quite sit upright. (below) I thought I might be needing a crane to get me out of the boat.
Anyway it was still great to be back on the water and I managed to avoid the rocks so still felt a sense of accomplishment, of course this was somewhat mitigated when this laddie passed me.
I guess there were so many turned up that by the time he arrived it was standing room only! I only saw one couple in a canoe come to grief in the long set of rapids about 1 - 1.5 kms from the finish and in true paddler form the young fellow got his canoe safely to shore while the girlfriend was left to fend for herself in the rapids.
Most dunking occurs at the start line which is in an area of fast flowing water and you have to tread water while you await your turn at the rope strung across the river, this in itself can be pretty tricky particularly for kayaks as the rope can drop and foul on your rudder with disastrous results. As usual we had some dedicated Tko representation with Phil and John who started in heats after me but were seen whizzing by so I gave them by best friendly grimace as they passed.
Phil
John
And Art another friend from Brockville comes screeching in to the finish, he was moving along pretty good and should probably have a fast time.
Art
So begins another paddling season and I look forward to many future Jock races, next week is the Raisin but I think it would be prudent for me to sit that one out. Photo credits to my better half who used my new camera for the first time.
