“I remain optimistic about my chances of a successful crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, but thoughts of that huge rogue wave continue to haunt me.”
Only 103 days to go to the start of the World’s Toughest Row in La Gomera (West of Tenerife). This is a short time considering everything that needs to be done before then.
I’m based in Argyll, Scotland for on-water training. The recent weather has pretty much precluded rowing, but time hasn’t been wasted. They say that one of the biggest challenges is getting to the start line! My big food order went in recently. That’s 590 separate items of high protein foods. I’ll need to consume 5,000 calories per day to stay in shape during the crossing. This is all supplied by basecampfood.com. The total consignment will weigh 60kg, and this will all need sorting into daily ration packs.
Glencoe Boat club kindly invited me and ‘Aoife’, my ocean rowing boat, along to their open day. Despite the rain, I had a happy day answering questions and showing everyone around the boat. NASS supplied me with a poster with a QR code, which was really handy and a quick and easy way for people to find out more about axial SpA.
Next week I have my medical examination, a major hoop to dive through. I just hope my axial SpA doesn’t pose a barrier as far as medical authorities are concerned. My brilliant NHS rheumatologist has thoroughly endorsed my challenge, which I really appreciate. I started on a daily routine of specific exercises at the start of the year, with ocean rowing coach, Gus Barton. He sends a daily routine via an App (TrueCoach), and I can honestly say I am a different person now – much more flexible, relatively pain free and much more content mentally.
I remain optimistic about my chances of a successful crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, but thoughts of that huge rogue wave continue to haunt me.
Next week, I launch Aoife into the water and take off on a few days rowing and living on board, practicing drills, and becoming familiar with the 24-hour routine I’ll adopt on the Ocean.
All donations will be split equally between the 2 charities, including NASS.
Donate to Jamie’s fundraising page here.
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Thank you for your support Jamie and we can’t wait to hear how you got on in September.