The Power of Patience: Building Confidence and Stamina While Paddling

As a former running coach, I know that you can’t go from the couch to running a marathon immediately. If you jump from being sedentary to suddenly trying to run 6 miles - let alone the 26.2 marathon distance - in a month’s time, you WILL get hurt.

The same is true for paddle sports.

It's crucial to set realistic goals that take into account your current fitness level and experience on the water. Setting unattainable goals can lead to frustration and burnout, while setting achievable goals can help you build confidence and stay motivated.

This first stage of my MR340 training plan on the water is to get out in my kayak for short training sessions as frequently as I can, including one long paddle per week. In this way, it's not too different from building a marathon or triathlon training plan.

I'll gradually increase the intensity for some speed days. And, I'll gradually increase the distance on the longer paddle days. I explain in this week's podcast why that's important. (see podcast player below, or subscribe free anywhere you listen to podcasts!)

Building Confidence on the Water

One of the coolest things I've noticed about my own training is how I can swing from feeling incredibly defeated….. to super proud of my accomplishments….. in a matter of hours.

And I think this a perspective to consider: Anything you want to get better at requires learning new skills. There is a huge sense of satisfaction that comes from working through a problem and learning a new skill.

At some point, your mind will begin to spiral. If you're like me, you'll question your skills and doubt that you have any business racing. But when you stick with it, you will see the skills build.

Last night, I recalled that my first few trips out had the "soundtrack" of my paddle hitting the side of the kayak with each stroke. And my jaw was tense, as if I was trying to paddle with my mouth! I complain a lot that I wish things would just be easy. I wish that things would not always be a struggle. Then, I have a moment of realization like I did last night... where I can see the progress. It might not be progress anyone else can see, but it's there.

This is why I always recommend that athletes use a training journal, not just to log workouts, but to also log skills, feelings, and observations. It ultimately becomes a highlight reel that can be used whenever you need a pick-me-up!

Listen to this week's episode of The Paddle Sports Lifestyle.

It's About the Process, Not Finish Lines

It’s not the finish line that counts. While finish lines are amazing, the finish line is a five- second blip in the timeline of your season. It's cliche for a reason, but it's all about the journey!! Focus on remembering and savoring all the little tiny things that get you from point A to point Z.

This is where life happens, where confidence is built, and where true satisfaction originates.

Personally, I'm all about celebrating all the new things I've learned, the new perspectives I've gotten on my city, and the friendships I've made. I am a problem-solver. I love to solve problems and improve my performance, and that gives me something to focus on when times are challenging.

Find Your Own Epic Adventure

We often find ourselves confined by self-imposed limitations and fears that hinder personal growth and professional success. However, I firmly believe that limits are not roadblocks, but are instead, gateways to unexplored opportunities.

I would love to work with your team or organization to help them embrace the spirit of limitless living.

Here's how it can help your team:

1. Inspire Transformation: Inspire your team members to shatter their own limitations and strive for excellence. I will ignite the spark that fuels personal and professional growth within your organization.

2. Overcome Fear: Fear often holds us back from reaching our full potential. I'll share my strategies for conquering fear, equipping your team with the tools they need to embrace challenges head-on and thrive in a dynamic and ever-changing world.

3. Foster a Growth Mindset: By encouraging your team to adopt a growth mindset, you unlock a wealth of untapped potential. I will guide your organization in cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, resilience, and adaptability.

4. Embrace Change and Innovation: In today's rapidly evolving landscape, organizations must be agile and open to change. My insights will help your team embrace change as an opportunity for growth and innovation, enabling your organization to stay ahead of the curve.

Don't miss the chance to inspire and empower your team to break free from their limitations.

Invite me to speak at your organization and witness the transformation unfold. Embrace new horizons, unlock untapped potential, and cultivate a culture of limitless living. For booking, send a message to my marketing agency, Iris Digital Media Group, LLC - kim@irisdigitalmediagroup.com