Two friends, neighbors and colleagues — in a small military community everyone is so very close — have been on the American Dragon Boat Team of Singapore for more than a year, so when an introductory paddling session was announced it seemed like a fun thing to do and a good way to get into shape.
I overestimated the value of enthusiasm.
We headed to Kallang Riverside Park and met up with about 25 other people, some with experience and most with none. Not only Americans. The team has members from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Texas. After putting the beer on ice and listening to beginners’ instructions we headed out on the water.
I lasted about five minutes. Maybe it was the fact that it was 83 degrees and 90 percent humidity. Or dehydration. Not enough sleep. Too much strong coffee. Or just maybe I need to exercise more. Hm.
We paddled furiously and all of a sudden I felt lightheaded. Panic ensued as I looked toward the shore and began quietly calculating which would be worse, to throw up in the boat or in the water. Someone saw the back of my neck go ghost-white — a shade lighter than usual Mitja-white — and I thought I was going to black out. They dropped me off back at the shore, my toddler asking loudly why I was not in the boat and patting my forehead as I lay on the ground.
The Eagle Has Landed
It looks like a lot of fun. It is a lot of fun. But I will first need to raise my heart rate doing other, less public, exercise activities.
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Sounds like it’s time to put that nice rowing machine to good use. Did you guys take that over with you?
Yes, it’s here and I need to set it up. Also getting the bike tuned up tomorrow.
Well, even prostrate you look great! I have been entertaining your same line of thinking (lots of enthusiasm) for SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) but maybe I’ll skip the public display and just keep pushing the stroller for now.