Tried out my dream and I DID NOT LIKE IT...

Today I got the courage to go to the river and try out Dragon boat rowing. If you've read my blog for a while, you might have noticed I've mentioned my dream of rowing, a couple of times. Well I did it and I did not like it.

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NOT!!! IT WAS FABULOUS!!!

OK I get there and there were a ton of people everywhere. You see them walking toward the water with their life vests on and carrying oars. There was a buzz of conversations going on everywhere and a ton of excitement! Unfortunately, it was cloudy and rainy, but it did not diminish the anticipation of what we were going to do.

A gal from my Church met me there and finally they got us all together and got us into a boat. Our boat had 16 people including the caller & tiller positions (I think I've got this right). Most of the people were experienced rowers and we had 3 tiller trainees. The captain of the boat gave us some instructions and before I knew it, we were launched!!

It was fascinating to see how much you had to listen and work as a team, just to get out of the marina.

Finally we were out on the river. I was so overwhelmed with joy that I started to cry. Nobody knew I was being a big baby, because the raindrops disguised my tears. I was so happy!!

One thing I know about myself, is I have trouble doing something, when I don't know how long I will be doing it. After some time, I was beginning to panic, because I was afraid that I might not be able to finish. I did not have a watch, so I could not tell how long we were on the water. I did not know if I would have enough strength to make it back. But you know, I just had to decide to push through. Well anyway, what choice did I have, my only other option was to jump ship and swim to shore! I just had to do a quick attitude adjustment and I was able to keep going! With joy!!

Just about that time, we were in the middle of the channel and one of the teachers was giving instructions to the trainees. All of a sudden, another leader tells us to get our "oars up" and the teacher, said, "no not yet". Then the leader yelled, "oars up" and we got to paddling. Once we got started, I looked to my right and I saw the biggest barge ever...and it was approaching our boat. Needless to say, we got out of its way really fast.

On the way back, we got to do some paddling drills and racing starts. That was so much fun! I think I'm definitely getting my competitive spirit back, because when they said, "Ready, Set, Go" I could feel myself go to a whole new place. The focus and the adrenaline kicked in and I was giving it my all!!

Anyway I had a great time, I was so pleased that I actually made this happen. The greatest part was, I was fit enough to do an hour of rowing, my arms, core and legs felt strong and I was able to handle the demands of this activity without a problem.

This was a life changing experience!!

Have your tried out your dream yet? Do it!!

Hugs!