Preparing for the Mitsubishi City Chase: Part 1

When I unleashed The 43 Project I pictured a series of challenges like milestones in careful sequence along the road to July 12, 2013. Each well thought out, the preparation, the nutrition, the rest and the training almost a religious ritual. After all, am I not a decidedly middle aged responsible woman--fully in control?

The 43 Project unexpected lesson #1:

An awesome July 12 birthday celebration

I am, and always will be, the same drinking, staying up all night and partying sophomore I was in 1990. The challenge for me this time was leaving the party and getting back on the straight and narrow.

After an incredible July, which I wanted to go on forever, August arrived. The specter of the Mitsubishi City Chase on the 11th, loomed large on the calendar. I had promised my Chase partner that I would try as many things as possible to get a good base of experience for the race. July had gotten away from me and I hadn't really held up my end of the bargain.  I had to pull myself together.

In order to sever the connection between the evil city, that I love, and my current mid-life urge to live every moment as if it were my last, I sought refuge at a cottage in the woods by Moonstone Lake. I needed to do three things; sleep, eat properly and get some exercise.  Once again, I got by with a little help from a friend.

Luckily for me, Mrs. Guinness, one of my best friends, has a cottage near Moonstone lake and she was kind enough to introduce me to what I think may become my new aquatic passion...kayaking.

After just 5 minutes I was hooked.

Many of you have been kayaking for years, and now I can honestly say that I understand why.  The movement on the water and the stability in wind and waves is beautiful.  What was not beautiful, however, was the way I sort of rolled out of it on my side.  But I am sure that with practice I will be able to elegantly disembark. The City Chase has a kayaking challenge so at least I will know how to get into the boat.

Now that I am back in the city, and in the swing of training again, there is one more pre-Chase activity that I will be trying...rock climbing. I admit it...I am terrified.  I will be doing this tonight, so stay tuned.  If I don't freak-out or end up smashed like an egg I'll be posting again on Friday.

For advance notice of whether I made it or not, you may also wish to follow me on Twitter @MaryJ_43Project or by clicking on the link above.   I will send my first ever tweet from the rock wall.

Never quit,
Mary

A note on the Mitsubishi City Chase:

The Mitsubishi City Chase is an urban adventure challenge where teams of two follow clues and complete 10 of 40 possible challenges around the city.  Most, but not all, of the challenges are physical, some involve fear factor activities like eating bugs and holding snakes. Teams have six hours to complete the challenges. City Chase takes place in cities across Canada.