„What's coming, is coming ... but in full" - Võhandu Marathon 2020
Exactly "What's coming, is coming ... but in full,” I said, hugging Anette early on 05.09.20, just before we headed to the start of the 15th Võhandu Marathon.
For Anette 4th time on Võhandu Marathon. In the previous three times in K2WOM class (certain wins in her class), but this year for the first time on Võhandu Marathon with me.
For me 7th time on Võhandu Marathon. In 2014 and 2015 in K2WOM class with Hanna Riive, in 2016-2019 in K1WOM class (2017-2019 wins in my class), this year for the first time on Võhandu Marathon with Anette.
Shortly before the start, I bring out the night before the Võhandu Marathon. On the night of the third of September, against the fourth, I dreamed how Anette and I paddling around Lake Tamula in a group of leaders. In my dream, I also dreamed of the idea "it would be super if we could reach the podium overall", but I quickly buried the idea, because it was still (as always) too unrealistic. Then the dream went on with a rather detailed visual: how we go through the mill dams; how I cope with eating (as I had problems with it last season); how transfers over power plant dams take place. I didn't see anyone paddling around us or our finishing position, but it felt good when I woke up in the morning.
Anette and I discussed a more detailed plan (logistics, the start of the competition, eating, our team, portages, etc.) on the topic of upcoming Võhandu in the evening before the competition. Also taking into account the fact that this time there was real competition in the women's double kayak class (Sigrid Leetsi and Eve Külasalu are presented in K2WOM class). There was definitely excitement in the air, but at least we agreed that we would go for our best ride tomorrow.
After agreeing on the number of cheese bread and negotiating the times, there was a hope to get a few hours of sleep before the competition (some got). I spent the night at my friend’s, Roberts, place. Well, he prepared breakfast for me early in the morning (3:45). Oh, that positive feeling when I was able to eat in the morning before Võhandu - semolina porridge with blueberry jam tasted really good! At about 4:20 or so, Anette and her parents picked me and Robert up to move towards Lake Tamula. The WK 640 Marathon, a racing boat that was given to us by the World of Kayaks, had already been delivered nearby the start-up materials tent by Ahti and EastPole. We arrived in the area as planned, at 5:30 to calmly prepare for the race that has become quite familiar to me over the years. Of course, this morning was quite different from previous years. In a way, I didn't have this quite peaceful mind. Anette somehow brings me such confidence and peace. And, of course, when I saw important people to me who have inspired me a lot in this area and otherwise in life, Ahti (from EastPole), Haiko, and Greta (from Aix Team Estonia), Assar, got somehow even more confident.
Numbers in place, clothes on, toilet break done, eating curds and wishing success to our main competitors (Sigrid and Eve), we moved to the beach area to warm up and get on the water sooner rather than later to start in the front line.
Thinking that the last time Anette and I paddled with WK 640 Marathon was July 11, it didn't really make any significant difference in how we moved the first hundred meters. Of course, the focus was on the upcoming competition. It was about 15 minutes until the start. The start line was formed about 10 minutes before the start. Although my initial plan was to "park" us on the left side, with each passing moment, our surroundings became denser with other competitors, and it quickly became clear that we could no longer get to the left side. It wasn't too bad, as seeing Eduard Taivere. I got calmer because he, as a very strong kayaker, gave me the idea that if we manage to go with him from the start, we will get a good position. Next to us were also Martin and Ain, who also paddled the WK 640 Marathon. I also thought that if they paddle at the forefront, we will hopefully be able to paddle in their wake. Anette recorded that Eve and Sigrid are on the left. I looked behind my back once, and for a while, I felt some skin of fear, the mass that was quietly moving towards us behind us.
The competition could have started! As agreed, paddling the lake at a strong pace to fight for a good position, and then from there in our own good rhythm. The reality was that we paddled together with the leaders! Andres Kaju and Indrek Kermon appeared on the first line next to Eduard, Martin and Ain and next to us. The curves were intense so as not to lag behind the men. We stayed quite nicely after Martin and Ain. And when we turned back towards the bridge and I saw this crowd, the chicken skin covered the body and the thought “it became a reality! As I dreamed, we were paddling around the lake in a group of leaders.” The feeling was powerful, but I didn't dream too long, I focused on breathing and rhythm. We were fourth after the circle of the lake. when we passed under the bridge (first checkpoint).
As we headed for the river, the paddle stroke became harder, the water was lower, and the first thoughts began when other teams are going to "eat" us. We still tried to keep up with Martin and Ain's speed. We fell behind for short time, but when we saw that they were not sliding far ahead, we tried to catch up with them again. Succeeded this time! Slalom between rafts began. I admit that it was very good to follow the men because of their strong voice signaled which side we were passing by.
Passing the rafts did not succeed flawlessly and the congestion created a considerable distance between us and the kayak of Ain and Martin. I didn't know the situation behind us, Anette once saw a single Latvian paddler, but at some point, he was falling behind. We hadn't seen Andres and Indrek and Eduard for a while. But after a while we realized that Ain and Martin were paddling together with Eduard, they were just following the next turn, and I realized that they are not increasing the distance between us at such a high speed as before.
I mentioned to Anette how I dreamed about what we did on the lake. Anette said: "It was really powerful and it will be remembered." We also checked the time. Sip to drink, a full hour for food bite (gel, banana). I dared to tell Anette a hope that in the best case we will catch up with the men during the portage run because the first run is coordinated by Aix Team and Haiko, this is a higher class. And our duty is to take magnesium and salt capsule during the run. Cheese bread will be taken in the kayak.
Thought - done.
Paidra's first run was fantastic! Fast - so fast! Actually so fast that Anette's mother, with my legendary dragon bag, where the foodstuff and other needed things are, shouted behind us: "I can't, I can't run...." and Greta ran back to bring the bag with stuff to us. Sitting in a kayak, she gave us a triangular sandwich (passed between cheese and sausage on the grill) and we had time to go. The men were very close to us. Immediately the goal was to catch up with them. Sandwich hanging in my mouth, and if it fell on the spray deck at one point. It stayed there for a while. When we caught up with Ain and Martin, we had the only seemingly resting moment during the whole race. And then the watered sandwich got eaten. We also saw Eduard ahead.
In a situation where Martin and Ain had to get a pile of malt off the nose of a kayak, we passed them on the outer curve. I also offered help, but they managed. The positions had changed, now they were following us. We read the river together with Anette. Anette has a sharper eye. We tried to pick up the pace a bit to get closer to Eduard. It was good to look at Eduard to confirm the trajectory between the rocks.
There was hope that with the next portage run (Leevi) we would get closer to Eduard as well. Of course, I wanted to shake Martin and Ain down. And although I did not dare to think out loud, those moments were already scary in a good way, in a sense where we were positioned. Moving towards Leevi, the idea arose that if Aix Team were in the second run too ... And they were! Approaching Leevi's portage, and when I saw Aix from a distance, a tear of happiness came to the corner of my eye and I thought, "Jess, they're here!" The run was fast, we got to Eduard's side and we paddled out in front of him, he followed us. Martin and Ain stayed behind.
The more fun part of the race started - rapids mill dams, but also riskier, in terms of harming equipment. Now moving on the second position in the general standings, I said to Anette: "Please agree that we will not run this race." From Anette: "Agree". Before the rapids started, I asked "Anette, aren't you afraid to cross the rapids with me?". Anette: "No, I'm not afraid."
The first two dams cleanly and without problems. Although Anette said that they managed to capsize with Eve last year, my feeling was firm and there was no hesitation in our cooperation. However, a markable hesitation managed to show up just before the Viira mill dam, because Anette said: “We also capsized here last year. Aaa, no, last year we carried over, but a year earlier we capsized.” I was silent, choosing the trajectory. However, my patiency got hit and came down from the dam with a low brace, although there was no direct need for it. After passing the dam successfully, I told Anette: “Let`s agree that you will only provide such information after passing the rapids." Anette: "Okay, agreed."
After the Viira mill dam, we continue at a good pace. Passing the Süvahavva dam without any problems. I say that there should be one more dam before the portage. There is time before reaching there. I feel ok and since Eduard doesn't pass us, I get confirmation that we are probably moving at a good pace (because I only had general time for information on the watch, and I didn't calculate the current speed). Passing Reo mill dam without any problems. We are eating snickers at some point. We had a good system. Half the snickers at once quickly in the mouth and then have time to chew while paddling. Anette comments: "mm, such a good snicker smell". I liked that I turned out to be the first one to eat. I've been upset that I eat several times slower than Anette. At some point, I'll say, "Anette, we're life ride today." Anette answers with joy, "Yes."
Time passed and my left knee (surgery done in May) brings up the pain. The pain intensifies. My left leg is starting to stiffen and I'm hoping that magnesium will help. In fact, it didn't happen much time after eating the snickers. Anette feels that she needs salt, she does not have good access to hers. After taking the magnesium, I give her mine as I have access. We act in a controlled way, I reach behind the salt capsule on my left hand and Anette gets it. At this point, I know we are both having a hard time. But I knew we couldn't compromise on our best ride and we couldn't allow a big pace to fall.
There was a rocky spot, but not a mill dam, when we moved across the rocks. In the mind always hurts when the kayak gets harmed. But we were lucky because we didn't break the kayak in the rocks. A thought with a positive undertone that I shared with Anette was: "Anette, we have good hips, even sitting on rocks so stably". We laugh and Anette answers: "yes!" We continue paddling, the effect of magnesium came - I felt better.
The next factor of adversity arrives. A tree inside the water and across the river. The water layer is on the right side. We are moving to the right, but not enough. We hit the tree pretty hard with a kayak, I hear rattles. I guess the worst, but I say we have to hope the kayak nose stayed whole. Since there is a little water inside, I try to feel if there will be more. Fortunately, not. Motivating is the intermediate story, it seems that the Aix Team is moving with us the whole race and that these portages are in full swing.
Then, comes the next tree, similar to this first collision, but not so strongly. At the same time, I now have a real fear that I have ruined our race with trees in the water. I focus on rhythm and breathing. The motivation is that Leevaku is not far away. The knee still hurts but doesn't focus on it.
We reach Leevaku. The new boat bridge was nice. I say my knee hurts. Coming out of the kayak is not quick from my side. I want to run, Greta says don't run. Aix and Robert go fast again with our kayak. I didn't remember telling Aix that our kayak nose is possibly broken. That we got hit against the tree twice.
We're in a kayak before Eduard and we can move. And then a complete mistake by me! Oh, I was mad at myself! On the way out, you should have looked ahead and understood that we have to go from the left of the rushes. But I started to go from the right. After managing to turn back, finally, we can go.
Soon enough I feel that water comes in the kayak. I also tell Anette that there must be a hole in the nose because there was no water inside after the portage and now some are. It's hard. Damn, I forgot to tell Aix. Time goes by, luckily kilometers too, we try to keep up the pace. Eduard is ahead of us. More water is coming. Before the Nulga Bridge, there is a discussion about whether to take ashore, empty the kayak and put on the tape. We agree that if I feel a lot of water coming in.. My shins and feet are in the water but haven't come to the seat yet. About a kilometer before the Nulga bridge, we agree to take the risk and paddle out to Räpina (7 km), keeping the hope that it will not become a real submarine.
Just before the Nulga bridge, I shout: "Keep your fingers crossed so that we do not become a real submarine, water is coming in ...". Going exactly under the bridge, I hear: "Women are…". I break the sentence: "I don't care about women, where is the fourth?". Passing the bridge and adding: "Find out how far the fourth ones are." I had no plan to communicate like this at all, but I was completely in the competition and there was emotion. I needed an overview, how much ahead we are from the closest competitors because the situation was not exactly rosy. We continued to paddle with determination. At the same time, I was hoping that the water in the kayak would not rise to my hips. The situation motivated us to paddle even faster.
The arrival to Räpina. What a good feeling! Regardless of the situation, we were able to adequately cope with this part. I see Aix on the bridge and our team. Upon reaching the boat bridge, I start prate immediately: "Aix, there is water in front ...". Aix answers "Yes, we know". Getting out of the kayak was very difficult for me, my legs were very stiff. But in terms of time, the situation was good and we could even afford a toilet break. I stumble down the slope with my stiff legs. Anette has just sat in the kayak. Greta supports me. I get also confirmation that the fourth ones are far enough. I say that Anette will start practicing the jump that we will do together at the finish. I have a calmer mind and I know that soon enough I will feel much better. The hole is taped and it is only 9 km to the end. Spray deck on and off we go again.
The sun is out and there is no big wind, if only slightly from behind. The soul is filled with joy and thoughts: I think how great cooperation we have with Anette; I think how grateful I am to Aix Team, Robert and Anette's parents that they were there and supportive of this ride; Thinking, how I missed my own LTeam who was not being able to get together this time; I think how I was able to eat during the competition, valuing Külliki's support, as well as Kati's session on this journey, that has been a great help; I think about the cooperation started with Eiko has been great, and his words that for Võhandu condition must be in a very good position - the work behind it and worked for it!; I think, how lucky I was that Dr. Madis Rahu was able to make my knee surgery quickly and how Jaana Torp was helping me recovering on this frightening journey; I think how great it is that the World of Kayaks has given us a kayak for such rides; I wonder if Reeda came to race and how she is doing and where she is if she is paddling; I think how incredible the focus of this ride mentally has been. Tears of happiness come to eyes because of these important thoughts. But we keep the pace because the goal is 9 hours of subjugation. We start counting the number of curves left.
When we reach the finish line, the feeling is powerful, tears in my eyes. I am happy that we can paddle with our own rhythm and do not have to make the max effort on the last straight line here, because the fourth of us is far enough behind us. There are only a few people on the bridge. We go from the left. Something euphoric is coming. And what do I do then - I'm basically guiding us past the finish line. When I realized that we still needed to go between the posts and get inside the grass, it made me laugh. After a short struggle, we managed to go between the posts, and Aix and the others appeared immediately around the corner. Once we finished the race, I raise the paddle over my head and shout “JESS!” It was exactly "Jess" that we did, we manage something incredible for ourselves. I look behind and reach my hand out to Anette. It was beautiful to see the same joy in Anette's eyes.
We, as women, made a historic result:
3rd place in the overall classification at the 15th Võhandu Marathon, with time 8:57:10
In conclusion
1 month after the Võhandu Marathon, I still have a positive feeling and a transmitting vibe with a considerable surface. Analyzing the ride with Anette, we agree that we would not have foreseen the realization of this result in our lives. A mystical combination of coincidence of all components, cooperation, and willpower. And how much we really like such long marathons and challenges - how awesome it all is! And how big fan of the Võhandu Marathon I am. As has been said, it is the Võhandu Marathon that is closest to my soul (probably due to the fact that 7 years ago I started kayaking thanks to the Võhandu Marathon). We are excited about what the future holds for us. There is motivation to train and develop.
Pictures by Anette`s father and Egert Kamenik
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