Green Race Training 101

The 2017 Womens’ Green Race podium

I am the most decorated Green Race Champion in history. I am undefeated since 2014 and hold the women's short and longboat records, since 2011. The Green River is my backyard run and I was lucky enough to cut my teeth on this river. After 14 years of racing, 11 wins and over 1000 runs down her majestic waters, I have decided to share a few of my insights into this race. 

Just as any high profile race, there is always a side of shit-talking that goes into it. The Green Race has been lucky enough to host kayakers from all over the world in the last 24 years of its existence. Some came in (Mike Dawson (NZ), Eric Deguil (FRA)) and dominated. Others were humbled to the core and have yet to return, they will remain unnamed.  

Even the best make mistakes. Multiple time Champion, Eric Deguil, empties his kayak after some fish counting below Gorilla. Meanwhile, I am about to finish my 14th successful Green Race.

Despite the Green being dam controlled, there are still fluctuating water levels that are sometimes much out of our control. The perfect example being in 2019. It had been a tough low water year. When I say low, I mean bone dry. Then, the rain Gods blessed the southeast mere days before the race and proceeded to flood the watershed. “Green race training” was put on hold while the river was over 30 inches (the usual race level is about 10 inches). I digress, this post is meant to help people train for the race, but education helps. 

Wearing the coveted #1 bib in 2018. Photo by: Marc Hunt

The race consists of 18 rapids over a half-mile course. All can be walked/scouted on the river left where there is a relatively good trail. The number of rocks that could hinder your ability to continue downstream is immense. The course is around 5 minutes of trying to go as fast as you can while not getting knocked off course by any of the thousands of rocks. Add in the additional difficulty of paddling an 11+ foot kayak and it creates a very challenging race to lace. Like that rhyme? 

Through the next three posts, I will work with you on stepping stones to train your brain and your body to get through the race with positive results.

In the meantime, here is my race lap from 2019, two seconds off of the women’s course record (2018). I’ll let you guess where you think I lost time.

Post in the comments below on your thoughts. 

2019 Womens’ Green Race Winning run.