Busy Busy Busy

I’m in the middle of a 4 day business trip to San Antonio Texas. All work and no play, but I am getting in some nice early morning jogs on the River Walk, and of course enjoying some great food. Still, I envy KiwiBird’s exotic location, visiting family in her New Zealand.

Last Sunday I had to miss the clubs Boat Demo day, but, staying home meant I did get in a good bit of work on my skin-on-frame. Once Paul and Alan let me have my saw horses back, I removed the old poly skin that wasn’t working for me, and managed the longitudinal stretch of my canvas across the bow and stern. It turned out to be a 3-person job; luckily Alan was home for ‘the big build’ so Alan and Paul both helped with the pulling, lots of pulling. I also managed to get in all the loops needed for the lacing that will pull the skin together for my stitching. I understand that’s another 2 person pull.

The kayak will now have to sit and wait in our living room (I was booted out of the basement, our new sailboat workshop). I’ll get home just in time to pack for a paddle camping trip on the Coast. It lets me get out of the way while they build their sailboat late into the weekend nights (or should I say mornings), and I’ll get a weekend vacation. Car camping, paddling, great company, great food (oyster fest), etc…; it doesn’t get much better.

On Saturday, we’re planning an 18 mile round trip paddle to historic Bath, North Carolina’s first town going back to the late 1600’s. Sunday will be shorter explorations of the many creeks near and around Goose Creek State Park (where we are camping). Look for pictures and a trip report later next week.

After that it’s time to get really busy. I’ll officially start my training for the 2008 WaterTribe Everglades Challenge (EC) after the weekend. As in years past, my training will consist primarily of 15 mile Friday night paddles, and with a longer paddle on Sundays. For cross-training, I’m following a triathlon maintenance plan given to me by Laura, a triathlete, triathlon trainer, and co-founder of TriBabes. Laura, the Captn’s other half, is an accomplished Ironman Triathlete, who has not only offered to help me train for the Louiville Ironman in August, she’s decided to run the race too.

And to make it even more fun, Alan (along with Paul) and his friend Adam will also each be competing in both the WaterTribe EC and this Ironman as well.

Once the EC finishes and I'm recovered, it’ll be all about distance swimming, running, and biking as I get ready for the Ironman. I haven't had the nerve to ask Laura about a few paddling races during the training :)