I'm not really doing much at this point, but I've fine tuned my gear over the last couple of years to a point that I'm pretty  happy with the setup that I now have, assuming that I stay with the same boat.

I won't decide what boat I'm using for the 340 until probably after the freedom race, at which time I might have to rethink some gear placement or whatever.

I might consider buying a single blade backup paddle if I happen to come across a nice one.  I don't really like the idea of single blading, but considering the elbow problems I had later in the race last year I can see how it would have been nice to be able to switch it up with a single blade.  If I don't find a nice used one between now and then it's not a deal breaker for me.

If I didn't already have a GPS or Spot, they would definitely be on my Christmas list.  This is the time of year when you can get deep discounts on stuff like that.

I'll start a light training program at the Y after the first of the year and get back into paddling when it starts to warm up here, somewhere around the end of March. 

I'll also try to avoid putting on any weight over Christmas, but will probably fail miserably, even though every cookie I shove into my cookie hole means another lap paddled in the spring to try to get down to an optimal paddling weight

All four of your bullets are on my list, but your second one, get comfortable on new boat, cannot be over stressed.  Last year was a DNF at the Osage River for that very reason.

The third one about the app is also noteworthy.  I think I missed an update.

We have six months to work on these, so let's get to it.

My improvements this year will include a better seat.If your back hurts, it will be a long race....The next thing will be food and nutrition management during the race.Not having a sour stomach and no fatigue will improve the race....My thoughts for 2018.

Rusty,  Make it easy on yourself. Finish in 45 hrs. Then you won't have to stay awake for 50. 

DLJ



Fred- This is what I have to put up with all race.

Hey Rusty,Paddling a Perception Essence. I like the seat,the backrest is uncomfortable after a few days....Recommendations ? Thanks

bobber wrote on 01/14/18 at 11:43:36:


I think most seats are uncomfortable after a few days, lol.

Here are a few things I did to help. I made a thin cushion to enhance the factory seat and give me a little more padding.

I worked out my core quite a bit prior to the race. That made a huge difference in being more comfortable. I added a 1/2 of a roll up sleeping pad (blue cheap one from Wal Mart) behind my seat, on top of the yak. Lightweight, functional and gave me that needed support when I wanted to lean back and rest.

Finally, I used body glide at every stop to prevent chafing on my arse.

I paddled a perception sole last year for which I replaced the seat back.  I went with something like this:
https://www.austinkayak.com/products/15688/Harmony-Recreational-Seat-Back-Pad.ht...

It came up higher, where the original hit me in a place that sent pain down my back and leg.  It was a very easy swap.

My kingdom for a day with temps above freezing, wind under 50mph, and where I am not at work. It seems the tall order this year.
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This may incite some envy but this afternoon I finished the required paperwork that I needed to do around 4:45.  I was already working at the house so I loaded up and was on the water at 5:30.  Temperatures when I got back as it was getting dark were still in the high 70's.  Light wind.  A perfect evening out on the water.

I’ll second that envy!!! The Mississippi is still hard and white up here in northern Illinois.

did you say "roll it out on the river" or "roll it on the river" ha ha