There is no better place in the world to train for an extreme endurance kayaking event than the Wild Atlantic Way! Being based in Kenmare we are lucky enough to have countless adventures/training opportunities right on our doorstep. Of course, being avid Star Wars fans, our favourite adventure is a visit to the Skellig Islands. I have been out there several before but I have never tried paddle around them (and back) in one go without getting out of the kayak!
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Before we set off on a trip like this we have to make sure that the conditions are suitable; most importantly we need a calm day with little to no wind. We don’t mind swell as our background in Whitewater kayaking helps us feel very comfortable in the ups and downs of tidal currents on the sea. Of course, safety gear like VHF radios, mobile phones, warm clothing, spare food, etc. all has to be packed in the kayak. 

Scotty and I loaded the car before the sun rose and started driving to the start point. The distance from the pier (our start point) to the Skelligs and back is 34km; we hoped to do this distance in under 5 hours. 

It was Scotties first time kayaking out to the Skelligs and he was a very excited young man at the start. We started to paddle out towards the islands and immediately we realised that we had the wind to our backs and the swell was bigger than we expected; this meant that the paddle back was going to be much slower and tougher than the paddle out (not ideal because we are inevitable more tired on the way back!). We made a decision to keep going in the full knowledge that we would just have to be prepared for a hard paddle back... As we paddled out towards our distant goal the sea rolled around in many different directions and was so big that we would lose sight of each other and the Skellig islands themselves! This of course was loads of fun for the both of us and in fact gave us more energy to keep going. 

When we made it to the skelligs, and began our paddle around them, the roar of the ocean as it slammed up against the side of the islands started to scare us. The feeling of being so insignificant was overwhelming and I could clearly feel my hands tightening around my paddle and my stroke rate increasing so that I could get around (and home) faster. Having completed our navigation around the islands we decided to stop for some food and water. The sense of calm you feel after experiencing power like that is incredible. Its hard to explain but you feel very alive, grounded and in the moment. I hung onto Scotties boat as he ate his sandwich and he did the same for me.

We started our journey back and, as expected, it was harder. We dug in and kept grinding away. After around 3 and a half hours of paddling we started to believe we were getting close. This of course was a cruel trick that your brain plays on you as you start paddle towards land. Can you imagine looking at where you are going for hours and feeling like you are not getting anywhere?! Friction, at this point, also became a major problem. Our hands, waists, underarms, elbows (basically anywhere that could rub) started to blister and it suddenly became very sore. Of course there was nothing we could do about it so we just kept our heads down and kept grinding away. When we got back we checked the clock and found that we had done the trip in 4 hours 40 minutes! We were very happy with the time we achieved and with the overall experience. 

Lessons learned for next time: softer and looser gear, Eat more often and bring tape to protect our hands. 

This is by far the longest race I have ever considered competing in, and training for such a huge distance is not easy. 

So what needs to happen?! In short we need to be aerobically and anaerobically in good shape. We need to be physically strong and as supple as possible. 

So, we have worked out that in the 1000 mile distance each of us will do almost 1,000,000 paddle strokes  and, as you can imagine, your body needs preparation to be ready for this! However because I have been kayaking for over 20 years my body is pretty used to it, so I have a very strong foundation to build on. My training will include short sprints and long paddles (2 hours and more), gym work, swimming and running. 
 
Food: Nutrition is probably the most important factor to get right. I have to treat my body like an engine and I need to keep plenty of fuel going in so that I can keep going. The right fuel is key! Over my life I have figured out  in a general sense what seems to work well for me, usually lots of carbs and fats! Over the next few months of training I will have to get used to eating way more than I’m used to. In the past I have always struggled to eat effectively whilst moving, my solution is to try and take in as many calories as I can through liquid. 
 
Mentality: This is where the race is won or lost!
It doesn’t matter how fit you are or how well fuelled you are; you are going to have moments during the race where you wish you are literally anywhere else. This is totally expected; especially during an 10 day paddle! It is a struggle that will be individual to every individual. Throughout my life as an expedition kayaker I have been able to find different ways and means of dealing with hardship for myself;  I plan to share these with you as the race gets closer and as my ideas develop for the Yukon!!! 

I hope you enjoyed the post and please check back next week for another update :)

Colin.

The Yukon 1000 for me started when I was in college back in 2008. A college lecturer named Dr John Brady took interest in my kayaking career and told me about this incredibly long race going from Canada into Alaska. 
I let it stew for years knowing how important timing would be before I chased this incredible adventure. 
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After the last Yukon 1000 in 2018 I decided to put together a team to hopefully be accepted into the race for 2020. Most important was picking the right team member, I was looking for experience, resilience, willingness to train, patience and above all the want to compete. Jim Kennedy was a perfect fit. With over 40 year’s experience along with a very competitive marathon background I feel we will make a great team. 

The Yukon 1000 is a race that will take you to the most remote areas of the world while physically and mentally challenging you. Both Jim and I bring different aspects to the table and we are looking forward to working together on the race. 

I aim to post training and other updates here regularly, please check back for updates!

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