A Kayak + Swim in the Thornapple

We've unlocked a new family activity: kayaking!

This comes after a huge flop of an inflatable kayak (but it had 24K high reviews!) purchase last fall off Amazon, complete with a maiden voyage where I shouted from shore to Ben & C--NO! COME BACK! THAT'S ENOUGH! YOU'RE IN THE WATER!

Then we realized Ben's company gives a good chunk of cash to each employee annually as "wellness dollars"--workout equipment including kayaks qualifies for reimbursement. Score!

So I shopped around and bought two from a sound, renowned water sports shop--our local grocery store. No, but for real, they put out kayaks for sale each season for whatever reason. And they're a brand name I know from research.

Immediately after purchase we took them to the Thornapple River public launch spot a half mile from our house. Ben & C in one, my brother & A in the other. It was a great maiden voyage! The boys loved it. We'll be back and back and back. 

Also this weekend was a trial swim for the GR Triathlon next weekend. This is a non-race, just-for-fun opportunity to get used to the open water. Each time I get more and more comfortable and this time I actually found a decent rhythm with my stroke that felt more natural and less floundering. 

It's been a busy 7 weeks of training. I've stayed diligent to my training plan but in general feel tight, tender, a little more sluggish than strong. I'm hopeful this last week where workouts ease up gives my muscles the rest they've been craving.

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