There are strange things done…
There are strange things done in the midnight sun…
In two weeks I will be pushing off from shore on the Yukon River for the longest endurance event of my life (OK, that sounded dramatic, but it is long!).
Last September an article describing the Yukon River Quest (www.yukonriverquest.com) in the Globe and Mail got my attention and within weeks I had convinced long-time compatriot Greig Gjerdalen to chip in. The two and a half day race starts in Whitehorse and winds its way North through Lake Laberge (“…there are strange things done in the midnight sun…”), scrubby pine forest, and scattered river camps for 740km to the shores of Dawson City. Through the night 74 teams from 10 countries in all manner of canoe and kayak will compete with no-doubt all manner of preparation.
Our team “What would Dan Do?” (in loving memory of late-brother Dan) had all of three (count ‘em, three) training sessions together. Given that we live 500 kms apart it’s all we could muster. To make up for lack of boat-time together we have piled on the solo surfski paddles and just cranked off an epic 14 hour length of the lake paddle from Vernon to Penticton (that’s another story).
The race has two mandatory lay-overs (7 hours in Carmack and 3 hours further down stream). In between we are looking at three verrrrrry long legs of about 21 hours, 13 hours, and 18 hours (don’t quote me on that) to finish somewhere around 52 hours total time in the boat.
We’re down to the last two weeks and I’m spending more time thinking about what we are in for. Here’s what’s coming up: excitement, dread, and a little guilt.
I’m definitely excited about cranking for that many hours and seeing how the mind and body hang in there. A little dread of sore muscles, numb butt, and the monotony of thousands of strokes are coming up. And I’m feeling a little guilty of being away from my gals for a week and indulging in such a selfish endeavour (at least it’s green, sort of).
If I get a chance I’ll send an update as we get closer.
About Hugh Culver
Hugh Culver co-created the world’s most expensive tours (to the South Pole), started five companies, and consults to Telus, Shoppers Drug Mart, Red Cross, and Bell. His keynotes, courses, and events teach and inspire leaders to do what matters, make a difference, and to fully show up. He is the author of Give Me a Break – the art of making time work for you.
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Jun 15, 2011 @ 16:11:50
Wow that sounds like a journey. All the best and good luck!
Jun 15, 2011 @ 19:10:33
Thanks Christine!
Jun 15, 2011 @ 16:43:19
Enjoy the experience. I am hoping one day I can do this race as well and thanks for the inspiration to consider doing this myself.
Jun 15, 2011 @ 19:10:14
Thanks Hendrik
Make sure you touch base once I’m back for a run down. I think that there will be lots of details we will learn about once we get there.
Jun 15, 2011 @ 17:12:37
Hugh
All the best on this journey. There will be plenty of time to think and I wish you the best. enjoy the sleep, the tiredness, and the thrill of finishing.
steve
Jun 15, 2011 @ 19:09:05
Thanks Steve.
We will definitely have loads of time. I’m looking forward to the mental challenge – the physical one will be obvious!
Jun 15, 2011 @ 20:49:22
Hugh!!!! That is awesome “What would Dan say?”, Dan would say go for it! Or have another team that would work to beat your butts out there! Jamie and I have Gregg’s niece and nephew working with Alpha here on the Sunshine Coast (super cool kids as is your partner I can imagine), they will love to see this post and I’m sure are rooting for you as are we! Way to go, way to push the limit and see where it takes you! Wahooooooo!
Sarah