One of many worst issues for me about doing the Chattajack race on the Tennessee River was having to go away my paddle ohana behind and are available house, figuring out the lengthy darkish tea time of my soul – Winter – was coming. I missed these of us a lot that it damage virtually greater than my muscle mass did after the race. There was at all times that letdown as a result of the principle occasion of my racing yr was over. The factor that was the main target of my life for thus many weeks got here and went in what appeared like just some quick paddle strokes. Instantly, there appears to be no goal. Nothing to stay up for. Subsequent yr appears so far-off. Should you stay in a spot the place the climate is about to show chilly or already has, it’s virtually an excessive amount of to take. It’s simple to stoop on the sofa and binge on cookies, ice cream, and unhealthy TV.
Suggestions for Beating the Chatta-Blues
So, listed below are some issues I discovered useful in beating these Chatta-blues. I move them on not as any form of psychological well being skilled as a result of I’m not. However quite as somebody who has performed six Chattajack races, and that is what has labored for me.
Begin Planning your 2024 Race Bucket Listing
Begin engaged on these paddle targets for subsequent yr. Possibly it’s a race you’ve at all times wished to do or a spot you could have at all times wished to paddle. Take into consideration doing one thing new or totally different. That at all times helps me get excited for the approaching yr.
Be a part of a Coaching Plan or Group or Each
Join a coaching program like Paddle Monster’s or our Fb problem group to assist overwinter with accountability and to attach with people who find themselves feeling like you might be. Paddle Monster’s low season program simply began, so bounce on board!
Change up and Plan your Winter Exercise Routine
I at all times discovered the time after Chattajack to be good for reconnecting with mountain biking and path working – the issues I tended to not do when in full-on paddle coaching mode. Now is a good time to re-commit to getting particular shoulder muscle mass and my quads stronger.
Get Organized
Now is a good time to manage your summer season paddle gear so it’s prepared when the climate turns heat once more. Go over your paddles, boards, leashes, tie-down straps, and so forth., and search for harm or issues that must be repaired or changed. Make a plan for getting that performed within the low season.
Deal with Time
Possibly deal with your self to one thing that may assist make getting by means of the winter extra enjoyable, attention-grabbing, or snug. It doesn’t should be extravagant – nevertheless it ought to assist you to get enthusiastic about land-based work, cross-training, or braving the weather to paddle. Concepts: new paddle clothes, or particular winter gear, that steadiness board you’ve been eying; you get the image.
Plan Paddle Social Time
Lacking the folks was at all times my greatest set off for post-CJ blues. So, planning a reunion along with your paddle ohana is a good way to stave off these emotions. Your get-together doesn’t should be costly – perhaps simply meet for espresso or tacos or a weekend. Get it on the calendar. It helps to have an outing to stay up for.
Attempt one thing new or reconnect with an exercise (or folks, for that matter) you used to like or spend time with earlier than you went into coaching obsession overdrive.
Immerse Your self in Water-related Media
.Watch some surf and sup films – a few of my favorites embody Step into Liquid and Chris Aguilar’s Vacation spot 3 Levels that includes Jenny Kalmbach and Morgan Hoesterey. Higher but, get your paddle ohana collectively for a film night time.
Learn one thing paddle-related like Susan Casey’s The Wave, Daniel James Brown’s The Boys within the Boat, or Sam Low’s Hawaiki Rising or perhaps seize an area guidebook in your house state or a neighbor state and scout out new locations to paddle.
Above all else, care for your self and be good to your self. Have enjoyable. Calm down. Recharge. You earned it.
Obtained any wonderful self-care recommendations? Share them within the feedback!
