The Gritty Fitty

by Pat Antonopoulos

Alarm set for 5:00 but sleep stopped at 4:00 AM. Holding pattern.
Thunder storms throughout the night, swelling the river.
Kayak loaded atop the van.

My oldest son, Mark, will soon celebrate his 50th birthday. As part of his celebration he is running this July 4 kayak/canoe race from Lawrence to Kansas City.
This 'Gritty Fitty' is also preparation for the August run from Kansas City to St. Charles, Missouri.

We drove to the Lawrence start point, not in silence but quieter than usual. Private thoughts.

Start time was 8:00 AM but the lot was crowded when we arrived at about 6:35. No nonsense as each participant went through a personal check list, loading water and energy food into the small storage compartments.

At one point, I walked the ramp listening to the water sounds and watching for floating debris.

Mark was meticulous in his preparations. His equipment is sound. His judgment, honed through mountain climbing, ice climbing, cycling and long practice in the kayak, did not come into question. He was anxious to start, but not apprehensive about his ability. My trust in him is complete.

All that being said, my 'mom' instincts are on high alert and I am counting minutes until we drive to Kaw Point and watch the racers cross the line. Pride, relief, excitement at meeting this new challenge...The Gritty Fitty.