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July 10, 2006
Rafting the Salmon
The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America's Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he's done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.
I got back last night from an eight day over night trip on the Main Salmon in Idaho. I rowed a boat again this year but brought along my kayak on the back which allowed me at one point or another to paddle on four of the days.
Other then that it was lots of fishing, and generally hanging out relaxing. I think that I might have gained some extra belly flab but it just gave me something to rest my beer on, and it will be gone soon enough...
As soon as we arrived home yesterday I quickly unpacked the truck and headed down town for a quick kayak session. This morning, like usual I was up running and will be heading to the river later in the day. If I am doing then math right our US Team trials are just over six weeks away, so it is time to ramp back up to full speed. For me that means longer play sessions and more running. I like to keep my competition weight at around 190 lbs or lower if possible, and I am at about 194 right now. There are two ways that I can do that. One, just paddle and eat way less. Two, paddle and run while eating the same. I prefer the second option as I have actually come to really enjoy a daily run, and food isn't bad either. Why do I believe 190 or lower to be the magic number? Because I feel much faster and more explosive at that weight, as well as gaining the ability to paddle harder for a longer period of time. I actually came home from the Colorado trip at 188 pounds which is the lightest that I have been since my sophomore year of high school, and I believe that it has show in my ability to be a lot faster in the races this year. I still am not where I want to be with the races or with the freestyle but I am always trying to reach that unattainable place of satisfaction.
So, from now until the World Cup is over this fall I am in full training and competing mode, and loving it.
Posted by Nadia at July 10, 2006 11:35 AM