A couple of weeks ago, I checked off another item on my paddle bucket list by participating in the Tahoe Crossing Cup. It was my first long-distance solo race, and it was a fantastic experience. After following all the workouts posted by @Tek Li on the TrainingPeaks app, I felt well-prepared for the 22-mile race. During my training, I learned not only what pace/stroke rate I could maintain for 4+ hours but also what fuel and how much water I needed to carry with me during the race. I discovered the optimal breakfast and dinner to support my performance on race day. All of these lessons have certainly paid back well in my results and overall experience. My goal was to finish in under 4 hours and 10 minutes, with the ultimate goal of finishing under 4 hours and securing a spot in the top 3. The first 10 miles were enjoyable as we rode with the current, using small waves to save energy. However, the second half became more challenging as we paddled through flat water, with occasional waves from motorboats. The last 5 miles were particularly painful due to muscle spasms in my left hip, requiring multiple stops. I lost time relaxing my hip. I finished in 4 hours and 6 minutes, and I even got a reward for 3rd place in the open women's division, which I'm very proud of. I'll definitely participate again whenever my schedule allows it. Now I need to achieve my ultimate goal. Here are some key takeaways: 1. Arriving a few days early to adjust to the elevation was wise, as I'm sensitive to it. 2. I need to distribute my weight between my hips better while paddling to avoid discomfort. I don't lean left, but I do tend to put more weight on my left hip. I am currently working on this issue, and I appreciate any advice. 3. Take a few sips of water every mile! Skipping hydration in the first hour led me to some fatigue, but luckily, my endurance mix helped me recover quickly. It is funny that I didn't make this mistake during my training for the race.

My paddle journey started in May 2023. I paddled before that, but it was just for fun and mostly to take a cute photo with my dog. One day, OC6 from the HPOCC club surrounded my paddle board and I joined the club. The amount of adrenaline I experienced in my first-ever race was so high that my body was shaken for five more minutes after the race was over. That was the moment when I understood I wanted more. After the team season was over, I treated myself with a beautiful Cantare. The only issue was I had no idea how to paddle OC1. Tek, I found you on Instagram. We scheduled some 1:1 sessions and a program for me to follow. Over the year, I've made good progress, and still, there is a lot to learn. Paddlesport is quite a big part of my life now. It helps me to be fit, content, and focused, and more importantly, it helps me take care of myself better. I don't have specific goals, but I want to race and be confident in different water conditions, enjoy downwind, and paddle in various locations, especially remote ones like Hawaii.

Hey Paddle Skool, I am training for my first 30 mile race on an OC2 "Gemini" and am looking into a water system that I can bungee onto the canoe. I am totally open to recommendations, something that is 2L. This race will take roughly around 3ish hours I think? I have never done one before, I would love any extra tips or gear suggestions! Possibly electrolytes to add or whatever you may suggest. The race: https://racetothedome.org/ Thank you so much!

With my 30 mile race coming in October, I went out today to try and hit 15 miles. Unfortunately I only got to 11. Though, It was not due to fatigue rather than time. Still, This is the longest and farthest I have paddled before. I am proud of myself, and can tell that all of my training from the Paddle Skool and Tek is really paying off. I have a lot to improve on and will always keep learning and pushing ahead. This workout I was in Zone 2 for 93.8% of the time. 140 AVG HR Max Speed 7.1 mi/h "must have been down wind" This will be my first paddle race other than a dragon boat, so my first Outrigger race. It is a mixed race with any time of paddle craft so we will be fighting with single blade River Hawks, "if you know you know". We will be on a Gemini OC2 and I have the pleasure to be paddling with an experience and very fast paddler. We expect to be able to complete it within 3ish hours. The goal is to finish and no huli! I would love to hear all of your first Outrigger race stories! Please do share!

Take a selfie the next time you get ready for your training session! Whether it's on water, at the gym, or on a run!