How far can you go before you have to stop?

That's a question I'm asking myself right now as I prepare to take on the longest endurance event I've ever attempted - 200 kilometres of continuous kayaking - along the trusty river Thames. Starting at a point where the river is first classed as navigable in Lechlade, I'll paddle my way roughly East this weekend until I hit the tidal section of the Thames, and my end point near Richmond, #London some 40 hours later. 

There are around 46 locks along the #Thames - a reminder of its historic industrial contribution- and I'll need to physically carry the Kayak an average of 100 meters per lock so keeping the weight down is important. I’ve been tweaking the kayak and my kit continuously for the last week or so and I’ve also had it on the water a lot – testing its capabilities, making sure it’s up to the job. Possibly, the only capabilities still to be tested are my own. 

I'm a keen kayaker, and this is not my first endurance event, but attempting 200 kilometres in one go is a huge challenge. I rarely see the point in doing anything unless it's going to challenge me, yet I can't actually imagine how this is going to roll out. I'm doing map studies, looking at potential opportunities and threats, and that's building up an overall picture but there are many unknowns on this journey. And that's why I just have to do it, at some point I have to put the map down and make those first steps (or paddles), and try. 

By taking on this challenge I hope to raise funds for Bravehound, a charitable organisation that offers support to veterans by carefully placing dogs with them to help with mental health issues. The responsibility of caring for a dog can help them see past their own struggles, even if they don’t much feel like caring for themselves. It also offers much-needed routine and exercise, because dogs need both as much as we do. So, this August, keep your eyes on the river and, if you see me lumbering past, give a wave. Or better yet, follow this link and give what you can to Bravehound. https://tinyurl.com/kayakThames

How far can I go before I have to stop? I’ll keep you posted.