If you would have told me a few years ago that I would be rowing solo across an ocean, I would have found it difficult to believe. To be honest, a few years ago I didn’t know how to row, but even more, I didn’t understand the mental challenges which far outweigh the physical. But it is from my other endurance challenges with running, cycling, and swimming that I have learned a thing or two about the mental challenges of endurance and ways to deal with whatever “mental walls” may arise for me.
Here are a few random thoughts (as I have a bit of time on my hands these days for random thoughts):
- During some of my first endurance challenges I wasted too much energy questioning whether or not I could complete the challenge I set out for myself. The truth is that you never know until you try, and the worst thing you can do is not try. I learned to redefine failure, not as a failure to complete the feat, but a true failure as to not try. Fear of failure was one of the most difficult “mental walls” I faced.
- Break it down. You don’t row across an ocean in a day so it’s important for me to break it down into daily, sometimes hourly, goals and focus on that one step ahead. If I lose sight of that one step, I can become overwhelmed by the magnitude of the challenge.
- Know all things will pass. No matter how tired, hot, seasick, bored, lonely, etc. I get, it will pass. For some of my more grueling one-day challenges, like my ultra marathon (100k run), I can expect to go through all sorts of highs and lows all in a matter of hours.
- Do not make it personal. Here on the ocean weather will do what it wants, equipment will break, things will not go according to “plan”. But it has nothing to do with me. So often I can think and feel that things are happening “for”, “against”, “to” me. Things are just happening and I can choose to accept it or put up the fight.
- Understand the real challenge is me. The only thing that holds me back is me and it’s not about what happens but how I chose to react.
I can only speak of my own experiences but, above all, endurance has taught me about what it means to be present. When you set off on a 2,500 mile row, the scale is so immense that you are truly forced to focus on that one stroke, one moment at a time.
Excuse my ramblings. But what else would you expect after nearly three weeks of rowing?
{ 38 comments }
Some great words of wisdom that everyone can easily apply to their own daily challenges. Thanks for sharing. Praying that the seas are smooth, the sky beautiful and the currents working in your favor.
Excellent reflections and a great way to start your book. More reflections like this one on different things you are thinking about would make good input to a book, Plain Dealer articles, Rotary Magazine, etc. Have a great day!
I truly understand your Zen moments and your approach to the present moment is right on! You continue to inspire this landlubber! Have a great adventure, Katie and may God Bless you each day and each moment.
Katie I love your vibe! I remember ringing Sam when he was having a really tough time on his row and the word EQUANIMITY came up. Equanimity, acceptance, zen – they’re all fundamental to the success of this sort of adventure and you’ve clearly got them in spades. Loving it.
You are our heroine. We are following your journey, congratulations for achieving so much. Stay focused and know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Janet and Tom Canada
Katie, It is so good to hear from you. Once again I am humbled by your bravery and brilliance so early in life. Keep rowing, know we are thinking about you and praying everyday you face few troubles and get back to us soon. We miss you more than you know. We Love You.
Uncle Pat, Aunt Sheli and the boys.
Even though I have no control over it either, I too hope the waves are tame, the wind is sweet smelling, and the sun continues to give you colourful pictures. I guess the sky is kind of like your tv right now? (even though you don’t really watch tv?) I look forward to more words from the wise!
I admire what you are doing Katie – hang in there! You have the right attitude and you are doing so well. It is great to read that you are making good progress today. WELL DONE!! I look forward to your updates. Take care.
Katie, Our teacher read your blog to us. It is a good story. We learned to never not do what you were going to do. Whatever you do Katie, don’t give up (unless your boat is sinking–that is from Nicholas). We are in the first grade and we think what you are doing is a good but challenging thing. Keep on rowing and good luck. You will hear from us again. Hello to mini-Wilson. P.S. We will send an email to you with a picture of us.
Boy have you given me a lot to think about today. So wise and I will try to follow the thoughts you have put forth. Have a wonderful Thursday and know you are in my prayers. You can teach old dogs new tricks!
I really found your thoughts to be inspirational, especially since “this, too, shall pass” has been keeping me going ever since the moment I went into labor 6 months ago. It’s so important to break things into hourly or momentary goals! I love reading about your journey. You can totally do it!
How wise and beautiful are your thoughts. I am awed at your focus and strength. May you be blessed with a safe and peaceful journey with smooth seas, glowing sunrises and majestic sunsets. Thank you so much for sharing your adventure with us.
You go ahead and ramble girl! You’re AWESOME! I’m going to print those “ramblings” and use them here in our office as inspiration for everyday life! Carry on Katie – my thoughts are with you daily!
elli
I am 67, a daily rower, and a student of ZEN. Thank you, Katie for your lessons in the NOW. You are an inspiration to me.
Hey crazy Kate – An old coach told me ‘mental is to physical as 4 is to 1′ (could be an old Bobby Knight phrase too, no chair throwing allowed:)). So true, and I still use it today. Day by day, great progress. UM, AM, C,A,T
KATIE, WE ARE FOLLOWING YOUR JOURNEY ACROSS THE OCEAN WITH AWE AND PRIDE. YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE AWESOME AND INSPIRING–MORE LATER–doo and ellen.
I’ve been fasinated by your journey and checking progress often. I can picture the night sky so I am now reminded of you out there every time I hear a verse of the song “Under the Milky Way Tonight”(Sia on TV add).Remembered your music for the trip included Sia so I thought you may be listening to it also. May the seas and weather stay in your favor.
Oh Katie I am so inspired by you…I am in awe actually, you are truly amazing and I know you will endure. But by the mere fact that you are doing this you already have ‘won’ and succeeded.
I know all will go well and remember you are not alone we are rooting for you.
I talk about you all the time, I tell my family, friends and children about you!
Breathe when it gets tough and fatigue sets in…
How is the flying fish that was following you? His he still around. The pic is beautiful brought tears to my eyes. My kids asked me if I was sad and I said “No, I am happy.”
Gloria Escover
Katie,
You are doing an amazing job. You have given us all some things to think about it. Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts.Keeping you in our prayers.
Today’s post is goin’ on the wall, right beside your picture. You should be ready for a motivational speaking career when yu get back. Good way to begin funding your next adventure.
katie,
your words are profound for someone so young….as you apply them to your row…so too can all of us apply them for life. just today I found myself saying “oh gosh, what else can happen to me today”….and now I laugh at that, knowing that nothing is really happening “to me”…..so I thank you young rower, for making life seem so simple in this complicated world
I loved the 1st graders’ response! I’m a novice rower, 56. It’s been a great way to connect with my dad (he’s 87)as he was a rower in college and then recreationally in his 50′s. Now instead of him passing the phone off to my mom, we talk about stuff he hasn’t talked about in years. And I tell him about what’s happening with you and of course the Woodvale Rowing Club’s transatlantic race going on at the same time (they left a day after you and are going from the Canary Islands to Antigua). But you are in a class by yourself, Katie. I’m enjoying following your saga. Linds.
GREAT post Katie!! I read your blog every day and I trying to imagine what it will be like… Keep on! You are an inspiration.
Are you doing any meditation?
Greg
Hi Katie,
You may call it rambling but if this were a MasterCard commercial I’d call it…”Priceless”! Not only have you imagined doing things most of us have never imagined – you’ve gone out and DONE THEM! Remarkable. Wonderful. Inspiring.
Keep up the “rambling” and keep up the rowing. You’re turning a simple task (rowing a boat) into profound insights on life and life itself for those who have no choice but to drink unsafe water. I hope your Zen moments include an appreciation of all those lives you’ve saved. Since they can’t say it I will. “Thank You. You’re the best.”
Katie, you are so right. The bigest fairlure in any endeavor is the fear of trying. I used to skydive and I have seem people go through training and never make a jump because of fear of what might happen. Keep it up, Katie, you are already successful being there in the middle of Atlantic
Great perspective, it will serve you well. Stay safe and keep stroking. Southern Maryland is rooting for you!
Katie.
You’re doing great! Remember you are not rowing 2500 miles. You are rowing one mile……2500 times!
Absolute spirit !
Thank you for doing this noble and heroic feat.
Katie, You go, girl! We’re rooting and praying for your safe journey and arrival. We live in Concord, CA, and my wife reigns from Portsmouth, Ohio. Be safe.
Dear Katie,
Beautiful writing. Thank you for the inspiration of staying “in action.” A friend of mine says that, “God is action.” I like to think that you are modeling this perfectly with your orrs, your stamina, your Zen moments, and making your goal row by row.
Greetings, blessings, and prayers from India.
Again, I am inspired by your mind and your spirit. Keep posting your “ramblings” I love them. I too, share you with everyone I talk to. Awesome. Awesome. AWESOME!
Katie;
I just returned from being in my first open heart surgery on 9 month old Harold in Honduras. I’m a volunteer not a Doc. I was concerned if I could do it. Would I pass out? be sick? Chris the surgeon started to explain what he was going to do. Once it became an engineering problem, solving piping, pressures, and pump control, I was fascinated and in the moment! Chris’s response was exactly! If he thought about his grandson or the mom sitting in waiting he couldn’t do it, but focusing on the next step… is magic. Be in the moment. The rest well come to pass.
Wow — I may cut and paste this and keep it for “in general” — thanks for these thoughts!
Hi there Katie, I love this post “Zen Rowing”. I teach a type of childbirth preparation that incorporates some mindfulness practices. I’ll be sharing your insights with parents tomorrow morning! Your tips work for all kinds of challenges, childbirth included
Your fan base is soon to include some little ones “on the way”. Happy Rowing!
Take it from someone who has actually rambled far too many times: this isn’t rambling. Even though I’ve never rowed the Atlantic, I feel like you’ve nailed what it takes to do so.
Keep the random thoughts coming. Outstanding wisdom for all of us to think about. I made a copy and will post it so I can read it every day. Thanks for sharing.
Keep up the great journey that you are on – you are an inspiration to many. God speed.
Do or do not.There is no try.
YODA
Your “ramblings” are far more profound and mature than those of many of us two to three times your age. These thoughts about your challenges are especially interesting because they apply to essentially any endeavor. Thank you and may fair winds follow you. We are keeping up with your progress and wish you well.
Harriman
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