How to be a winner on Race Day Wednesday

When racing, it is easy to get over-competitive and focus all of your energy on beating your opponents instead of doing the best you can. Instead of a sport it becomes a war, every man for himself, and in the end everyone besides one winner leaves feeling angry and disappointed. At Keeners we learn that this is not the right way to race (unless your aim is self-loathing and decline).

As the wise Nick Troutman once said:
"Race day isn't about beating the others, it's about beating yourself yesterday. Actually change that to 'it's about beating the man you were yesterday', that sounds better."

And he's right. On Race Day Wednesday, we put our effort into being the best we can rather than being better than someone else, so that we can continue to improve as kayakers. For example, when preparing for the final race of the day, the Great Colosseum Boatercross, I was feeling pretty optimistic. I recognized it as a challenge, but I thought I had a shot at winning because my planned line seemed "unique" and "fast". But when the race kicked off, I found myself stuck on a rock and then upside-down almost before Stephen could say "Go!". Also, literally everyone in my group did my "unique line". I finished the race last, but I was more disappointed about not sticking my line.
I was not alone, so we decided to have a "Loser's Cup", for those looking to end the day on a better note, and it was great! I didn't win, or even come second-- but I did my line exactly how I wanted without flipping or any major halts. It feels good man, to "beat yourself yesterday" (or in this case "yourself ten-minutes-earlier"). Racing not only tests your abilities, but also your mindset. And with the right mindset, you are always a winner.

Nick Troutman, keener coach and cool guy.

A different Nick Troutman, not as good at kayaking
or giving inspirational quotes.

David Koyrakh, Week 2