Chattajack SUP Race Prep: Rookie Errors

Closing Countdown to Chattajack

So, we’re rather less than two months away from Chattajack SUP race time – Delta variant however (fingers crossed!) And first-timers is likely to be beginning to get a little bit antsy proper about now.  I do know I used to be main as much as my first CJ!

With that in thoughts, right here’s a cheat sheet of issues to keep away from as you wind up your preparations.  Most of us have made no less than a few these rookie errors – so hopefully you may study from our errors!

1. Not Being Sincere About Your SUP Race Coaching

Should you’ve put within the work, you don’t have anything to fret about.  Belief the method and bear in mind the Paddle Monster motto: Coaching Works. It actually does.  Don’t be tempted to do further exercises or further lengthy exercises. Comply with your plan, you can be wonderful.

Conversely, should you haven’t been following your plan, or coaching as a lot as you understand you      ought to, acknowledge that and settle for the implications. It’s okay- no judgement here- life occurs.  There’s nonetheless time, however it’s operating out.  In case you are on the Paddle Monster plan, shoot your coach a be aware and clarify the way it’s been going and see what recommendation coach can provide you. Be okay, in the end, with what ever occurs.  And don’t be that one that brags about not likely coaching. Nobody desires to listen to that, particularly in the beginning line.

2. Taking an Excessive Amount of Stuff in Your Race Board

Proper about now, you’re both occupied with all of the issues you’ll need through the race and should you haven’t already, you’ll quickly begin coaching with all of it.  Battle the urge, particularly the nearer we get to race day, so as to add in stuff you haven’t educated with, or take every little thing however the kitchen sink.  That was my largest mistake my first CJ.  I had WAY an excessive amount of stuff. It made getting my board into the water tougher than it wanted to be and I didn’t use 90 p.c of it.

One in every of my largest rookie classes was to change to a liquid diet supply that would offer each hydration and vitality.  This enables you to not fear about slowing right down to open packages. At about Mile 21 I at all times cease to change out hydration bladders and at the moment I’ll eat a little bit strong one thing.  Follow that.  Know what your physique wants and when.

Apprehensive about diet? Coach Victoria may also help!

3. Not Being Ready for the Climate

The very very first thing you’ll study Chattajack SUP race is to NEVER believe the climate forecasts.  It may be a ravishing, heat Fall day on Friday after which chilly as hell on race day. Be taught to decorate in layers for the race.  Deliver every little thing for paddling in all circumstances.  Sure, you’ll not want three-fourths of it, but when the climate turns unhealthy hours earlier than race day – and it may possibly, it has – then you can be glad you introduced the chilly climate tights. And the winter paddle high. Conversely, if the climate is hotter than forecast, you’ll be glad for the lighter package as properly.

Likewise, plan in accordance for the garments you’ll have ready for you within the automobile on the end line. Make sure to embody a knit beanie cap, a heat jacket, and possibly even a comfy throw blanket.

4. Worrying About “The Circulate”

New CJ racers obsess about how briskly the present can be.  NO ONE KNOWS.  Don’t obtain the Tennessee Valley Authority’s app that reveals how a lot water the TVA plans to launch from the dam above the beginning line.  That’s akin to Googling about some perceived medical difficulty you assume you have- possibly even worse.  Just like the climate, you’ll not know the way quick the present is flowing till you’re in it on race day. Plan as is you’ll have ZERO push from the dam launch. Don’t rely on any.  And bear in mind, even when there’s a good launch and quick present, the daddy you get downstream, the much less it will likely be.

Simply don’t.  Please.

5. Worrying About “Biology”

That is additionally an obsession. This primer would possibly assist.  However principally, simply go. Follow getting used to that in your coaching runs.  Should you like, you may cease and dangle over the aspect, however truthfully, if it’s #1, there’s not have to waste time stopping or on the lookout for a spot to pee. We just about all do it. I’ll admit, it’s a little bit tougher within the OC or ski due to how you’re sitting but when will be achieved. And it’s simply simpler to go than to fret about the place and .

As for #2 – I’ve by no means wanted to. Listed here are some methods for that.

Because it will get nearer to race day, look ahead to extra suggestions and hacks from the Paddle Monster group!