We went with a support car to Dreadnought yesterday to paddle down to Marlowe a distance of 16 miles. We neither of us know why but we both felt that the whole thing was hard work, we both seemed to be struggling to keep the pace up and the weather was not helping.
The first 2 portages are no access to support so we were really lookinf forward to Marsh only to be disapointed when they were not there. (stuck in traffic) The portage was very low so it was a question of dangling our legs into the boat and ballet dancing our way into the boat.
We finally caught up with our support car at Hambledon after the heavens had opened and we were drenched. we set off with cags and soggy sarni's only to nearly capsize 20ft further on when the weir stream washed us straight back into the bank.
After that the paddle was reasonably un-eventful but when we got out at Marlowe it became apparent that there was a problem. within a couple of minutes my back has seized up solid, it had been twinging the day before and I would normally note the warning signs and go to the osteo but as we had babysitters and support booked I reckoned that necking some painkillers would do the job. I couldnt have been more wrong. By the time I got home I was in quite alot of pain and not able to breathe without significant pain.
Anyhow, quite message to my osteo and I spent the night laying on icepacks and hot water bottles and was seen very early this morning. after having my back cracked and sounding like a peice of bubblewrap the offending rib has been sorted and I am once again pain free albeit very sore in the muscles that ended up doing all the work paddling as my back had given up the ghost. Huge thankyou to my osteo who saw me at short notice and put up with my very babyish low pain threshold squeaking throughout not to mention the odd expletive. I owe you a large bottle of wine.
Going to Savernake at the end of the week to practice the dreaded tunnel. think I might take my waterwings with me and a powerful torch. Check in after the weekend to find out whether we swam.
Monday, 4 April 2011
Sunday, 27 March 2011
Beached whale, apparently!
We had a trip out on the Kennet and Avon canal today. Put in at dreadnought and did Blakes, County, Fobney and one other before turning and coming back to dreadnought. It was mostly uneventful except for my little run in with a bunch of stinging nettles. My hand still hurts 6 hours later!
County Lock proved quite tricky as the water level was quite low and there was nothing to stop the boat being washed under the portage as you got out. This was unfortunately being filmed by my brother who took great delight at our situation as you can hear on the video clip attached.
Otherwise, a lovely day for paddling. Oh but we got very muddy at fobney where there is no portage just a very squelchy wet bank where you are up to your knees in mud when getting in and out. At least on race day clean, dry clothes won't be too far away at dreadnought.
I'm not sure I would reccomend paddling through county lock on a weekend, the place was packed and it felt like being in a goldfish bowl with people watching, filming and cheering at us.
well less than a month to go now, I just want it over with.....
County Lock proved quite tricky as the water level was quite low and there was nothing to stop the boat being washed under the portage as you got out. This was unfortunately being filmed by my brother who took great delight at our situation as you can hear on the video clip attached.
Otherwise, a lovely day for paddling. Oh but we got very muddy at fobney where there is no portage just a very squelchy wet bank where you are up to your knees in mud when getting in and out. At least on race day clean, dry clothes won't be too far away at dreadnought.
I'm not sure I would reccomend paddling through county lock on a weekend, the place was packed and it felt like being in a goldfish bowl with people watching, filming and cheering at us.
well less than a month to go now, I just want it over with.....
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Dress rehearsal
We went out on Sunday for a dress rehearsal with both of our support teams and had a really good day.
We paddled from marlow to Old Windsor which is about 17 miles in a time of 2.55hrs. we met a huge amount of river traffic and coped very well. The only dodgy moment was at Maidenhead where or paddles hit large boulders under the water and nearly tipped is in. We had a chance to try out our drinking systems and food and can report no problems.
In fact everything went to plan, Except that is. my partners idea to wash hang from a pleasure boat that resembled a yacht. The wash hanging went fine untill we realised that we were on the wrong side of the river for an upcoming lock and had to cross the wash to change sides. What's the big deal I hear you say. well there was another 'yacht' coming the other way so not only did we have to cross 2 washes but had an interesting moment in the middle where the washes were bouncing of each other causing something resembling a small tsunami in the middle of the river... anyway. we didnt swim so again nothing to report..
We paddled from marlow to Old Windsor which is about 17 miles in a time of 2.55hrs. we met a huge amount of river traffic and coped very well. The only dodgy moment was at Maidenhead where or paddles hit large boulders under the water and nearly tipped is in. We had a chance to try out our drinking systems and food and can report no problems.
In fact everything went to plan, Except that is. my partners idea to wash hang from a pleasure boat that resembled a yacht. The wash hanging went fine untill we realised that we were on the wrong side of the river for an upcoming lock and had to cross the wash to change sides. What's the big deal I hear you say. well there was another 'yacht' coming the other way so not only did we have to cross 2 washes but had an interesting moment in the middle where the washes were bouncing of each other causing something resembling a small tsunami in the middle of the river... anyway. we didnt swim so again nothing to report..
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
2 Good ones
Yesterday we went out for a paddle on the Thames starting from Teddington and had a really good session. we slogged against the headwind upstream at slower than canal pace but turned round and felt like we were flying on the downstream leg. We really felt in time with each other and the tips we have been given have really helped with correct rotation which in turn adds alot more length to each stroke thus sending you further each time.
Today was another good one. 11.5 miles from Shepperton to Bell (almost) and back.
we turned on the GPS and were astonished to find that downstream even against a headwind we were averaging nearly 6mph. Its making a possible 24hr run seem more possible.
A passing barge made our day by asking for a tow. Yes astonishingly we were passing the barge not vice versa. Makes a change from being overtaken by dog walkers on the canal.
We are going to do Marlowe to Old Windsor on sunday with our support crew for practice which will mean we have done all the portages from Marlowe onwards.
Check back after the weekend for an update...
Today was another good one. 11.5 miles from Shepperton to Bell (almost) and back.
we turned on the GPS and were astonished to find that downstream even against a headwind we were averaging nearly 6mph. Its making a possible 24hr run seem more possible.
A passing barge made our day by asking for a tow. Yes astonishingly we were passing the barge not vice versa. Makes a change from being overtaken by dog walkers on the canal.
We are going to do Marlowe to Old Windsor on sunday with our support crew for practice which will mean we have done all the portages from Marlowe onwards.
Check back after the weekend for an update...
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
On a roll...
Well here goes.
BMF last friday
K1 Monday 1hr on the river wey
K1 Tuesday 5 miles on the Wey
K2 Wednesday 2 laps of the Desborough island. Strong head wind the whole way round (figure that out, I swear it was following us)
BMF tomorrow
Rest on Friday and meeting with the support crew on Saturday ahead of the long runs where they are helping out to get some pratice.
Well I have left my job and am now working part time....Ivan reckons that now makes me a full time athlete......It took a while for me to stop laughing.......Beginning to get nervous about the DW now.
Have bought a stash of painkillers and the proper old fashined really sticky plaster that rips your skin off when removed to deal with the bruising that is developing on the inside of my left thumb.
Torso rotation now well and truly cracked and blow me down it adds another 4 inches to each stroke and does actually make you go faster. oddly enough if you rotate properly you don't actually have to cycle your legs they just seem to do it naturally without thinking about it.
Dry bag now bagged and ready to fitted into the boat for practice runs. Not looking forward to the extra weight. Wash hanging lessons are to commence as soon as we find a willing crew to practice on.
Another report after the weekend.
BMF last friday
K1 Monday 1hr on the river wey
K1 Tuesday 5 miles on the Wey
K2 Wednesday 2 laps of the Desborough island. Strong head wind the whole way round (figure that out, I swear it was following us)
BMF tomorrow
Rest on Friday and meeting with the support crew on Saturday ahead of the long runs where they are helping out to get some pratice.
Well I have left my job and am now working part time....Ivan reckons that now makes me a full time athlete......It took a while for me to stop laughing.......Beginning to get nervous about the DW now.
Have bought a stash of painkillers and the proper old fashined really sticky plaster that rips your skin off when removed to deal with the bruising that is developing on the inside of my left thumb.
Torso rotation now well and truly cracked and blow me down it adds another 4 inches to each stroke and does actually make you go faster. oddly enough if you rotate properly you don't actually have to cycle your legs they just seem to do it naturally without thinking about it.
Dry bag now bagged and ready to fitted into the boat for practice runs. Not looking forward to the extra weight. Wash hanging lessons are to commence as soon as we find a willing crew to practice on.
Another report after the weekend.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Now we've done it!
We have entered the DW! Yes, we got the receipt through this morning. Oh cripes!
Went for a BMF session last night and completely lost count of how many squat thrusts we had to do. those guys really are sadist's but having said that it does work. And underneath it all they are pussycats really. (Don't tell them I said that)
The elbow seems to be holding out and actually seems to be improving. Bit sad I missed out going to watch the waterside A race, it sounded like a good one. Might try and make it to the thameside 1 race instead.
By the way I have a booking for a double and a twin room at a B&B 5 minutes from devizes wharf which will be going begging as we have decided to drive up on the morning of the race as we have to farm out 3 children the day before and wont really have time to drive up the day before. If anyone is looking for a pillow for the night send me your email and I will let you know the costs.
Went for a BMF session last night and completely lost count of how many squat thrusts we had to do. those guys really are sadist's but having said that it does work. And underneath it all they are pussycats really. (Don't tell them I said that)
The elbow seems to be holding out and actually seems to be improving. Bit sad I missed out going to watch the waterside A race, it sounded like a good one. Might try and make it to the thameside 1 race instead.
By the way I have a booking for a double and a twin room at a B&B 5 minutes from devizes wharf which will be going begging as we have decided to drive up on the morning of the race as we have to farm out 3 children the day before and wont really have time to drive up the day before. If anyone is looking for a pillow for the night send me your email and I will let you know the costs.