warm day ! Great afternoon for a paddle....

I love October. It's crisp and colorful, clear, and wonderful!!  Don't know why, really, but I do have one memory in particular of a Saturday in October a long time ago: I was living in State College after graduation, and it was a home game. Campus and downtown were deserted. The sky was blue and the leaves were absolutely ablaze with the colors of fall. The only sounds I could here were an occasion crow and the distant cheers from Beaver Stadium. It was unspeakably awesome.

I get the same feeling when I paddle in late October here. Summer and the recreational season have come to a close, but the lake is surrounded by such brilliant color this year. Ironically, when the drought is bad, the leaves really come to life. I know that there's a simple scientific reason for that, but I can't remember what it is. Anyway, it's peaceful, and it's beautiful, and I feel like I'm in a cathedral.

Not a whole lot of other kayaks around when I put my boat on the water this time of year. The water is actually still somewhat warm, but the air has a definite chill. Still, I don't overdress, because I know I'll warm up as soon as my muscles get going. Lots to decompress about right now; work is more challenging that I want it to be, and my boss is a little bit of a bully. But hey, that's my problem!

The open house at the club on Saturday was something less than I'd hoped. I was a little bit disappointed, but I know it was because the air temp was 50 degrees, and most people here associate lake sport with much warmer weather. I was glad that the sprint team was able to enjoy themselves with the boards though!!

At any rate, time to head out into the day. So glad that it's going to be nearly 80 degrees today. Hoping that I can squeeze in a paddle after work and before karate tonight. Knowing how awesome it makes me feel, I bet I FIND time.

see you out there!
TKM

Does anyone else get fatter in the summer???

Wow!  For years and years, I fought the battle of the bulge. I finally figured it out, or at least how it works for me. I couldn't understand how Oprah, with all of her money, couldn't pay someone to cook for her, someone to train her, someone to say "okay, fatty...get up and exercise!" To me, this just never made sense.

Even a year after my big weight loss (65 pounds,) I still thought it was oh, so simple. But my goodness, how the weight just sneaks back on!  It's hard to lose that much weight. Well, losing it is the easy part. The tough part is getting your body and mind on the same page. For the longest time, I looked in the mirror and didn't feel like I was the person who was staring back. I think it's been 6 years since my big weight loss, and over the last year I FINALLY have come to understand the key.

1. Fat is something that I have, not something that I am.  2. I really do have control of what I put in my mouth, and why I do it. 3. Food is intended to be fuel for the body. And 4. I can flip the switch any time I want to.

That said, I always get fatter in the summer! I don't know how often that happens to people, but it sure happens to this girl. I guess I think since I do karate three times and week and paddle as often as possible I'm giving myself carte blanche to pig out.

Probably when "post-karate Blizzard" is a thing, that should be a red flag. Duly noted.

So, it's time to get back on the cheerios for breakfast and a fruit salad a laughing cow wedge lunch regimen. Gotta get in shape to go back to Weight Watchers for the winter. That also is something that I do, although that may seem to defy logic.  This belly fat sucks! Just for fun, I've included a photo of me enjoying my wine from the Washington Canoe Club regatta, and a thin pic, although it doesn't show all of my wonderful muscle tone. Just saying.

 But hey. I got this. See you on the water!

TKM

Finally, a day off! Time to paddle.

Things have been pretty intense lately. Sometimes I'll go through a spell when the work days don't kick my butt. That is not the case right now. And as much disdain as I have for my "real job" sometimes, the fact remains that they actually do pay me.  So, they get all of me. That just means that I simply have to push myself that much harder to find the energy for things such as karate and paddling.

But, I find the time. Believe me.

I was completely wiped out after the long weekend at Mule Camp Festival. Talked to hundreds of people, and I'm kinda stoked that there is so much interest in the open house and Come-try-it this weekend. It blew my mind how many people live within 5 minutes of the club and have never been there. Hopefully this Saturday changes that.

That said, when I was finally able to get out on the water today, it was glorious.  Trees are just starting to turn ever so slightly, and the water was like glass. Except, that is, for the dock boat that blew up the course and plowed the water. I actually cheated and grabbed onto a dock. I was actually glad, because the waves were significant! The rest of the time, I was able to enjoy the sounds of nature, talk to a few nice folks who were just setting up to catch dinner off of their docks, and get some much-needed mental relief.  I can't believe how quickly the relaxation kicks in...10 meters off the dock, maybe?

On the way in I spoke with a member of the rowing club who shares our boathouse. We see things the same way in that we believe we need to pull the community in here to this venue. She may even try an SUP board this Saturday.  Here's hoping it's really, really crowded. If I have anything to say about it, it will be.

Got my fingers crossed.

So much potential out there!!

Yesterday I spent 10 hours extolling the virtues of paddling to about 10 million different people. There are so many possibilities out there for this club!

We've got this big blue SUP board standing out in front of the booth. There's no way you can miss it! May, many people are really excited at the thought of SUP coming to Lanier. A friend with the club and I have planned a come-try-it event for next weekend, and I actually contacted him yesterday about halfway through  to tell him he may want to double the amount of boards they're bringing! This is really getting exciting.

Honestly, though, the other end of it is more important to me.

I spoke with lots of senior citizens yesterday, and handed out a lot of business cards. I've made a pledge to go out and talk with senior groups and others weekly this off-season, and promote things such as my "Kayaks and Coffee" program coming next late spring. The feedback is telling me that this program is exactly what seniors want: a little bit of exercise, a little bit or social hour, and some coffee and something that probably shouldn't be donuts.

We talked about stiff joints, knees that need replacing and won't bend, and how these things only matter for about five minutes. I am always there to help the older kids into the boats. I've had my hand in places I don't necessarily want to think about. But hey, it's all in the name of paddling, so it's okay. But here's the thing: once you're in the boat, it's like you're eight. The wonderment, the awe, the feeling of freedom..it's all the same.

The kayak is truly the great equalizer. How cool is that?

So, on I go for 5 more hours.  Yes!!

TKM

I see you looking over here!

You can always tell if they're interested. They make that long glance, slow down a little. And often, they'll turn around and walk past you again with that same stare.

No, this isn't a singles club or a cattle auction. It's talking about canoe, kayak and SUP at the neighborhood festival.  And I'm doing it all weekend.

A lot of non-profits represent at this festival. For a lot of us, it's the only place where we get face time with the exact people that we need to meet. I really, really enjoy speaking with people about the sport and the club. We've changed it up a little this year, though. It's always been about kids, summer camp,and building the sprint program from the ground up. We've realized, though, that if we want true community involvement we really need to offer something that appeals to them.

I personally am making a commitment to building the senior presence around the club, I think it's the best sport in the world for seniors for so many reasons! This winter I pledge to visit group around the country, and I am starting a group called "kayaks and coffee" next year, which will be a little kayaking, and little bit of social hour. Also, we rolled out the para canoe aspirations yesterday. Only a little bit of response, which I was a little bummed out about. But we're having an SUP open house next Saturday, and the interest there is HUGE.

I'm so excited that we're moving in this direction! This lake is so beautiful, and everyone should find a way to experience it. Maybe this is yours!

So, I'm back out onto the square in downtown Gainesville. If you see me there, say hi and listen to what I have to say. It you're not around, well, check in later. I'll be here. Now...it's a beautiful day. Get outside!!

TKM

Hello, my niche! Good to know ya!

What a great day to be alive and paddling!!  It's such a glorious morning here. As I sit down I'm looking at the clock and I see that I have karate in an hour, but I need to talk about this morning.

Saw my friend Jim and his friend Mike as I was walking into the boathouse to grab my boat today. They're both really hardcore; they'll probably do 10k this morning and then go for a run. I do my little 5k and I'm done. As I passed Jim I made a comment about how I was warming up for karate and that I was paddling for clarity.

Wow. Light bulb moment for me!!  I've talked before about how my best thinking comes when I'm paddling on the water, and today I came to the realization that I really do just do it for clarity and mental relaxation. Up until this morning, I guess I felt that maybe I wasn't as good as the other masters because I don't do all of the tough workouts and I'm not as fast.

But, hey!! I get what I need from paddling, and that's okay with me!  We all get something different. I realize that I am really fortunate to have found this, and that I really enjoy teaching others, and it makes me feel healthy inside and out.

The best thing about today? As I was leaving I ran into a bunch of Special Olympians who were coming out to play around in boats. Spoke with the "man in charge," and as it happens they don't have a coach for the spring. So, I told them I would love to help!  This fits in really, really well with what I want to do with the rest of my life.

YES!!  Sometimes wonderful accidents happen.

Stay tuned.

TKM

Clearing the fog; on the lake, and in the mind..

I love this time of year. Besides family, fall is probably the thing that I miss the most about living in the Northeast. October has always been my favorite month because of the crispness and the color. This morning, here in Northeast Georgia, was very much reminiscent of a Pennsylvania fall day.

I had originally planned to go for a paddle this morning, but those plans changed fairly quickly once I saw the fog. As you know, I paddle by myself most of the time. Safety has to be something I take seriously, so fog makes it a no-go. The water is still warm though, so I know that this afternoon is going to be awesome.  I did stop over at the club on my way out to run errands, and the thirsty lake has come up over two feet in the last couple of days because of the seven inches plus of rain that we received. Prayers answered!!

I took some time out to work on my business plan this morning. Mule Camp, a local community festival, is coming up. I run a booth over there for the club. My goals this year include introducing the folks in the area to Stand Up paddling, para canoe, and more events for adults and seniors. The club does a pretty good job publicizing the programs we have for younger kids. But I'm a firm believer that the lake is there for everyone. Some folks just need a little talking to and a kick in the ass. So, I'll be kicking ass at Mule Camp, building awareness and really getting the ball rolling on the para canoe program at Lanier for the spring.

Lots to do.

TKM

The lake thanks you, and I thank you.

Yesterday it rained here on Lake Lanier. It rained a lot. I think I just heard on the news here that we got right about 5 1/4 inches. Wonderful news!  Weather is a crazy thing. I know that there are always regions of the country praying for no more rain; Northeast Georgia is certainly not one of them. Drought is an ongoing problem here.

Lake Lanier is what they call a "man-made" lake. It's expansive. When groups come here to train, there is always so much made about how many coves and such you can find your way into. Lately the coves have gotten a lot smaller with the lack of rain. It actually appeared to me to be somewhere around 10 feet down. That's why this rain is such good news!!!

Anyway, our kayak club is up at the Northern part of the lake. When the Army Corps of Engineers lets a good bit of water out, it's easy to see. There is a lot of talk by locals about how much all of this hurts the local economy, but I try to just enjoy what we have and not stress too much about all of the government and political stuff. It does make me sad frankly, when the water is so low that the land looks scarred. This place has become one of my favorites; it's like being on vacation at my house. You can't beat that.

So, thanks for the rain. The lake drank and drank yesterday, and will continue to rise today as the runoff happens.

Keep it coming.

TKM