Notes to Self: Leg One is Done! Yukon River Quest is in the Books

WOW! I felt all your positive energy out there on the course, and it helped me put together the best race performance of my life. Finishing on the podium in third place was an incredible experience. From being in a hospital bed two years ago with a DNF (did not finish) on my last attempt at this race, to medaling this time around—I am ecstatic about the result. Even though, the race was called at the 300 km mark due to wildfires, with the highway to Dawson City closed to all but emergency vehicles it was impossible for the race to run its full route.? Saying that it was still an incredible adventure and a major personal victory.?

I hit the water and started racing the Yukon River Quest on my stand-up paddleboard, marking the first leg of what was meant to be a 1,400 km journey through the rugged Yukon wilderness. The adventure was filled with heavy winds, storms, and wildfire threats. Despite these challenges, my training paid off, and I managed to finish 3rd in the SUP division after 31 hours of straight paddling.

The experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of preparation and resilience. Here are some key insights from the race that helped me overcome doubt and challenges:

1. Training in Adversity Prepares You for the Worst

One of the hardest parts of the race was paddling across Lake Laberge, known for its notorious winds and storms. I had to reach the end of the lake, 87 km away, within 13 hours. As I was making good progress, a strong headwind of over 30 km/h hit for over 4 long hours, drastically reducing my speed. All those hours spent training in bad weather paid off as I remembered my experiences of pushing through similar conditions. I waited out the wind and paddled hard when it turned to a tailwind, eventually surfing on massive waves towards the end of the lake.

2. Overcoming Doubt with Mental Fortitude

The heavy winds on Lake Laberge brought doubt and panic as I calculated the cutoff times in my head. However, I reminded myself of the many times I had faced similar situations during training. My support crew’s GPS message that a tailwind was coming helped me stay focused. As the wind turned, I paddled with all my might, beating the cutoff by 30 minutes. Observing and stopping the negative narrative my mind was trying to build was crucial.

3. Dealing with Physical Challenges

The smoke from nearby wildfires made breathing difficult, burning my throat, and causing me to cough up phlegm. It got to the point where swallowing was hard, so drinking and eating became difficult. Thankfully, I adapted my nutrition to the two thermoses of chicken noodle soup, which helped keep me hydrated and fueled. All plans will be blown up, the key thing is how to adapt to the unforeseen events.?

4. Pushing Through Sleep Deprivation

After 28 hours of paddling without sleep, I began to experience hallucinations and confusion. These are common symptoms of extreme sleep deprivation. I kept focused on the goal and chunked down the hours ahead into small milestones of getting to the next corner, or next key landmark. It was key not to think of the several hours ahead but instead to stay in the moment.?

5. Having Key People in Your Corner

Racing alongside some of the SUP paddlers I look up to was incredibly motivating. SUP trainer Chris, an athlete I admire, and who I was paddling neck and neck with cheered me on and supported me as we raced the lake and river. His encouragement meant a lot. Also, the messages from my family, friends, and support crew kept me inspired during the dark points of low energy. "Do it, they believe in you" was my mantra in my mind.

Key Takeaways for Overcoming Big Scary Challenges:

• Embrace Adversity in Training: Training in difficult conditions prepares you for the unexpected. It builds mental and physical resilience.
• Stay Mentally Strong: When doubt creeps in, remind yourself of past successes and the challenges you've already overcome. Mental fortitude is as crucial as physical strength.
• Prepare for Contingencies: Bring along essentials that can help you cope with unexpected challenges. Proper preparation can make a significant difference.
• Focus on Relentless Progress: Keep moving forward, no matter how slow. Every step, paddle, or stroke is progress toward your goal.

The Yukon River Quest was an intense and transformative experience. It reinforced the value of preparation, resilience, and mental strength in overcoming challenges and doubt. By training hard, preparing for the worst, and maintaining mental fortitude, we can push through even the most daunting obstacles. Remember, it's not just about reaching the destination, but about the journey and the growth that comes from facing and overcoming challenge.

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