Pinjarra to Ravenswood
Julie MacDonald
16.5 Kim Sunday 11th April 2021
Paddling partnership with Kylie Meloury.
Chauffeured to Pinjarra my spoilt husband Paddler Brett who packed the car in the rain, boats on the roof, hot shower water tub ready and off we go. He even tolerates the thousand questions I always have before the race. Also me talking to myself advising my body it’s ready to do such a big race.
I see Kylie, she throws me another pack of lollies. I let her know my plan, hold at the back wait for the crowd to go then pick up the pace and advise Kylie if I’m too slow she is to just go ahead of me. My goal was to keep heart rate under 160bpm.
On the water, ready to take off with the other 18 of us. It’s raining and a cool 15 degree. This time though unlike two weeks ago I’ve had breakfast, gaterode in my life jacket and two packets of lollies, ate a healthy dinner the night before.
We get to go off first which I very much enjoy. Fun letting everyone catch us.
10klm pass by very quickly, just about everyone has passed us and boy oh boy some great waves to ride (or tip) and I’m feeling great, we have a short break - lollies and drink tiny amounts bit at a time. Lots of chit chat back and forward, although I could talk for two hours straight I’m conscious not everyone would enjoy that so I keep reminding myself to behave.
14klm in and I felt like crying I’m tired, I remind myself to keep form watch my technique- dig, stay connected, upper body work out. Oh I say to myself drink and sugar lollies you’ll feel good again-did that and yep felt great.
I look over my shoulder and see two doubles heading past I say to Kylie let’s go jump on board we give it our best - was fun.
15klm in and I’m stoked feeling hopeful and happy as I may just finish this one.
I did many things wrong at the state marathon championships and a few other races recently and really suffered and truly wished I had done things differently. Today I was committed to doing things differently.
Today was a time of celebration as Kylie Meloury and I finish strong and yes it’s still raining (refreshing). Thanks partner it was fun. For Kylie and I it was the longest race we had completed. Go us!
We see wise Ray after we finished he’s up close behind us and once again he finishes strong.
Of course Paddler Brett is there ready to support at the finish line with boat pick up, I see he’s proud of his wife (makes me nearly cry) and provides me with a hot tub shower.
Travelled home, visited my massage at my favourite massage shop at Rockingham City. The massage I feel it removes the stiffness in my upper back and neck really well and feel so much better after.
I very much appreciate the volunteers waiting in the rain, encouraging us in the rain / without them we wouldn’t have this opportunity to be healthier versions of ourselves.
