As if owning and running your own business, coaching an entire canoe club, and playing first time race director and event coordinator wasn't just a bit much for one person, I think about the actual racing aspect of the Flathead Monster and I get a crazy adrenaline spike equal 10 shots of espresso.
"Hmm, you gotta settle down" I tell myself. But do I? Maybe this is what it's all about. People talk about commitment through love and passion. Sure, but let's not forget that some of us are adrenaline junkies fueled by an uncontrolable urge to compete and conquer.
The reasons for my involvement in the Flathead Monster Canoe & Kayak Challenge are all of the above and then some. I get satisfaction out of providing a competitive event that all of us can find our "rush" within, but there is also a great amount of pride involved. What if I actually pull this off and everyone goes home happy and next years event is twice as big with paddlers coming in from all over the country? Whoa, there went another adrenaline spike!
While it might seem like I'm rambling on (yes, I am) my real point is that I'm simply excited. And no matter what my personal motivations might be, the fact of the matter is that we will all be racing together in this shared excitement: While some of us will feed on the rush of competition, others will be stoked simply to be alive and on the water, which is really just great all the way around.
That said, I hope you all get the pre-race jitters and show up stoked for this great event! See you on Sunday!
