In January, I got a text that read 'Happy new year, fancy doing Eurochallenge?' which resulted in a lot of early morning interval sessions and me doing my first international surfski race.
The event was fantastic, things came together on race day (thanks to the race-bananas, of course!) and I had a great time paddling from Villajoyosa to Altea (about 22k).
Last push to the finish
There wasn't a lot of wind, but it was enough to make it a downwind race and let me use the skills I've gathered training here in Scotland. It was amazing to be on the water with so many other paddlers.
I was absolutely knackered at the finish, especially because it was so hot, but managed to power through because we'd laid the groundwork in training (I was actually thinking 'we've done it plenty of times, you know you can sprint 1000m even if you're tired'). I'm really happy with my time, 1:57:27,(6th place senior women, 12th place and fastest GB boat in the women's category overall), and how things went in general - and I also had an absolute lovely week in Spain.
Lesley came along to support, and of course, Alan (Carbonology Sport UK ) got my boat race-ready (with green stickers and a tiny saltire) and where it needed to be! Thank you!
Carbonology Alan
Couldn't have done it without Lizelle
Even more important than the race was the training, though. Lizelle and I were out on the water early most mornings, even earlier than usual if the wind was right for a pre-work downwind. I absolutely love the focus that came with training like this, and the tea and chats after sessions.
After the race. Knackered, but happy.
I did also need reminding that I'm supposed to get going at the start line on race day...
I'm very lucky to have a friend and training partner like this — Lizelle , thank you for helping me catch waves that were previously too big for me, literally and metaphorically.
Another really cool thing about Eurochallenge is the SLS competition on the Sunday after the long race. I loved getting to try a new kind of paddling! This was very chaotic fun. Made it through to the semifinal but not the final.
