So lovely to have a social weekend at the Moray Firth Challenge (and Scottish Championships) last weekend.
It started off with a broken paddle on Thursday night, which Alan miraculously fixed by Friday so I was able to do my pre-race session. This was followed by a brilliant braai at Michael's in the evening, and then a hot, flat, tough race on Saturday. I really wasn't feeling great and so I'm super happy I managed to perform decently anyway - the training is working. It was an awesome surprise to get a proper race in a challenging group as well! And of course I'm happy I got to take home the lovely Scottish championship trophy again , and with my seventh place overall.
We then had another very Scottish braai and campfire on the beach in the rain : D thankfully Micky let us use his gazebo. There were dolphins in the Firth putting on quite a show!
Sunday brought the wind we wished we'd had for the race, so we got a lovely downwind from Nairn to Findhorn (only Nick, Kevin and Calum could be persuaded to come along).
Thought I'd get away after lunch but my car wasn't quite having it and took until the evening to sort out - very grateful to Kevin, Kirsty and Calum for looking after me
Generally having a bit of a hard time with work, so fitting in the training has been a challenge (doing it, though!) and I'm quite exhausted overall. It's so difficult to balance, sometimes, but it wouldn't be as rewarding without the ups and downs. Looking after myself and resting when I can, and hopefully this manuscript will be handed in soon!
Thanks Carbonology Sport UK for the boat and fixing my paddle,
Nairn Kayak Club for putting on a brilliant event
and Sea Spirit Photography for the photos!