Day 51 — All the answers you’ve been waiting for

In the seven weeks Katie has been away, loads of people have been asking all manner of questions. And there’s only one thing that can really be done with questions: answer them. So that’s exactly what Katie has done. Here, for your enjoyment (or just as an excuse to have a break from work for a few minutes – go on, get everyone in your office reading it; it’ll even give you something to talk about over coffee) are those very answers.

(Thanks to Circle of Blue for putting the questions together.)

Are you in college? What are you majoring in? How did that fit into this trip? How to you plan on linking your academics with your sense of adventure?

I started college a bit early at age 16 and graduated in 2008 with a Bachelors in Business and Economics. I squeezed in my previous adventures during school breaks and this row is following a one year term of service with AmeriCorps. Not sure the exact link between adventure and my studies but I generally find what I am passionate about and do it!

I’ve read your blog entry about why water matters so much to you. Could you elaborate your personal connection to the issue? Why did you travel to Melbourne? How long were you there? What lessons stick?

I lived in Melbourne for six months during a study abroad program for environmental science. I remember, in one of my classes, the professor mentioned the wars of the future will be over water, not oil. Growing up in the midwest with an abundant source of freshwater, I had no idea how many people were struggling for something as basic as water. Water makes sense. It is the first step up on the ladder out of poverty. Coincidentally, one of the greatest dangers at sea is dehydration and without my desalinator I would be in serious trouble.

How did you choose the Blue Planet Run Foundation?

I was interested in working with a smaller organization with more grass-roots efforts. When I first found the Blue Planet Run, I was impressed with their “Peer Water Exchange”, an online community where donors can see exactly where the funds are being directed. The Blue Planet Run also directs 100% of donations to the projects. Knowing that every penny is going to the projects and being able to see the difference made is important.

How confident are you that 1,500 people or more (as it says on your site) will have access to freshwater from your funds?

So confident that I may just take a visit to see the projects funded and lives affected as a result of this row.

Could you talk about the balances of motivations for you, between the endurance challenge, the appeal of being the youngest to cross the ocean, and raising money for this charity? What keeps you going most powerfully?

Service has been an important part of my life from a young age. After completing my first marathon at age 18, endurance also became important, mainly driven by the curiosity to see how far I could go. When I found a way to combine both passions, the experience became much more rich and rewarding. Knowing that every oar stroke I take is making a difference to those in need of safe drinking water is a huge motivation.

I saw in the New York Times the trip will cost $100,000, why not do something less expensive and less extreme?

The moment I heard about ocean rowing it felt like I was almost called to do this. Once an idea like this grabs hold of you, it’s difficult to shake! It certainly captured my imagination and curiosity. Linking the row with the Blue Planet Run’s work made the project that much more meaningful.

I have luckily found an amazing network of sponsors, like Pentair Water, GaReat, Kinetico, Moen, and World Shipping who are passionate about spreading awareness about the need for safe drinking water and excited about supporting this project.

Have you already raised enough money to cover the trip?

Yes, the trip costs are covered fully by corporate sponsorships.

In terms of your preparation, I noticed you spent 12 hours a day meditating for ten days. Could you write just briefly what that felt like, how hard it was, and what you gained?

Before the retreat, I probably meditated a total of ten hours in my life! That retreat was far more difficult than several other previous adventures. With regular practice, it certainly has helped me switch gears from “doing” to “being”.

When have you felt most excited on this trip? Why was it exciting? When was it? How did it feel?

The first day has been one of the more exciting days. With two years of anticipation and planning behind me, it was a huge relief to finally begin. I had so much nervous energy the first week that I did not want to think about the magnitude of the journey ahead. I certainly was in “power through” mode, pushing for as many miles as possible.

Since then, I had an exciting visit by a dozen dolphins, circling around my boat, jumping from the water and doing flips.

When have you felt the worst? How did you push through it?

I have had my moments. Around day 30 I was feeling particularly down but, looking back, I’m not really sure what it was about. I was experiencing exhaustion due to poor sleep and it must have played with the emotions. Pushing through is the easy part. There is nowhere else to go or nothing else to do but face it. Accept it, experience it, grow from it. And keep rowing.

I saw on your blog you’ve been dancing. Any favorite tunes or moves while on the trip?

I listen to a fair share of electronic/house/downtempo. I think i have memorized all my songs by now!

How high are the biggest waves you’ve seen?

The wave height has been about 3-7ft but I have seen a few about 15-20ft pass.

You wrote you feel ready to keep rowing at the end of every day. Are you surprised by your stamina? Have you maintained your ten hours a day pace, or is your schedule more flexible?

It is a bit flexible but I row at least eight hours a day. From my other adventures, I knew I had the drive to manage exercising all day. Running, swimming, cycling, and now rowing – endurance is endurance.

You wrote on your site that your Mom has written you a letter for every day. What are some highlights? What was last nights’?

I like when she reminds me about silly things I got myself into growing up. Last night, she wrote about when she was driving around my sister and I. We made her stop when I saw a bunch of mannequin legs and bodies sticking out of a trashcan. We took them and would creatively use them for pranks in public! I like to think I saw the value of recycling, reusing, reducing at a young age!

Some of the previous news coverage said your parents were concerned about safety, but have been supportive. How are they doing now? How often are you calling at this point?

I email my mother every week and called once for her birthday. Both my parents check the website several times a day for blogs and tweets. I’m not sure it if is more difficult for me or them!

What do you think your transition to normal life is going to be once you’re done with your three months at sea?

I’m sure food will taste more delicious, showers more refreshing, and I may hold onto hugs longer. I sometimes like to dance between the extremes of human conditions but I guess I’ll have to wait and see. I am certainly glad to be working with a sports pyschologist taking on this challenge.

How has this trip tested your consumption habits? What’s the one thing you realized you can’t live without? Is there anything you thought you’d miss that you haven’t?

I have been more surprised at how little I truly need. I have nineteen feet of space and not much extra space for things that will not get me from point A to point B. But, I certainly could not live without my desalintor! Odd enough, I have been craving wheat grass!

How will these habits influence your day-to-day life when you’re done traveling?

I think it always helpful to be reminded the difference between “need” and “want”‘.

Will your water-related fundraising and outreach continue? If so, how?

Hopefully, I can host an event following the row to further raise funds for the Blue Planet Run Foundation. I also hope to visit the projects funded as a result of this row and share those experiences.

How will you continue your efforts after this experience? What’s next?

This is only the beginning! Stay tuned for an even greater challenge to further raise funds and awareness for safe drinking water.