This year, however, I was looking to compete not only in a trail race, but also a flatwater kayak race, a flatwater SUP(stand-up paddleboard) race, and a top rope rock climbing competition. While I only have SUP'd a couple times, I have kayaked dozens of times, and used to rock climb fairly regularly, so what could go wrong?
The first event was the night time trail race which I started with the cheers of Kenny and Matilda spurring me on. I lead the entire way until we came out of the woods and I promptly tripped losing two spots. I finished a few seconds between in third place. But still, a podium start to commence the weekend's competition. More to come?
Long answer: see below.
The next morning, Kenny took it out for another trail race and finished strong. We cheered her on the headed to the flatwater docks for the kayak race. It was only 1.5 miles long but in a sit on top kayak. Which I didn't realize was an issue until I started kayaking. My brother Andrew, who joined us with Vic Vic for the weekend, summarized my race well. "You started good".
That I did, the first 100 yards or so, I was right up with the leaders. Suddenly, I was struck with a strange sensation: my back and hip flexors were cramping. Arms/lungs? Totally fine. But with no back support and my tight hamstrings, my lower back and hip flexors were working double time and failing quickly. I shifted my position, then shifted again, but could not find a position that I was comfortable paddling in. Despite only lasting 19 minutes, it felt like forever. I finished mid-to back of the pack and my legs were sore all day long. Luckily, our plans consisted of little more than lounging and listening to the music.
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| Tilda chilling in front of climbing wall |
After the kayak fiasco the day before, I was prepared for the worst. Which is about how I performed. Apparently you need balance to stand-up paddleboard. Especially in a river upstream and when trying to paddle vigorously. Again Andrew: "It looks like you may want to work on your paddle stroke, you were just splashing water around-probably annoying the few people behind you."
Again, I finished mid-pack-ish but that's only because, as Vic Vic pointed out, all the real competitors did two laps. My finishing average was plummeting but I'd certainly make it up with a solid rock climbing performance, right?
Short answer: again no.
Long answer: noooooooooooooooooooo.
So with this rock climbing competition, it was a USAC sanctioned regional competition so it attracted lots of competitors all vying for qualifying for regionals. Did I mention that many, nay most of these competitors were ankle biters? Well a tiny hyperbole, but I'd say I was one of only a half dozen climbers who could legally vote no less imbibe. So I've got this, right?
Being my first rock climbing competition, I was unfamiliar with the rules including just how long the competition even lasted. For clarification, it's THREE hours long, you can climb as much as you want and your top five scores are totaled and highest points wins. Each route is rated by difficulty with the highest score being 17,500. I started with an attempt at a 1,000 point route, thinking I'd ease myself into the competition. Nope. Made it about half-way up and was thwarted. After another attempt at a 1,200, I lowered my standards to the 2-500 point routes. Meanwhile, I had a little tail following me. A seven year old girl who was always next in line for the belay after me. But unlike the routes I was attempting, she was consistently attempting, and completing 1,800-2,500 point routes. Not a hyperbole. My total score of 1,700 was surpassed with one of her climbs.
Suffice it to say, this weekend was a very humbling experience. Despite, losing at nearly everything I competed in at, it was a very fun weekend and I had a blast. You don't grow from doing things you're good at but rather when you struggle. Supposedly. We will see ;)
Until next time,
Danny
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