We're diving into the heart and soul behind every successful river race—the ground crew—with special guest, Laura Milby. Laura is an experienced kayaker, ground crew member, and co-owner of Llama Racks, with her husband Ryan.  

We talk about the intricacies of preparing for the MR340, from ensuring paddlers' goals are met to strategizing the nuances of river communication.

Laura shares survival tips for the ground crew, from packing essentials in the car, to pulling boats out of the water, and how to uplift a paddler's spirit when fatigue sets in. We also touch on safety, logistics, and the unique challenges faced by both paddlers and ground crew, particularly for those in the middle and back of the pack.

 

🔗 Connect with Llama Racks: https://www.llamaracks.com/

Mentioned in this episode: 340 Paddler on YouTube

 

Some Additional Details:

 

Want a quick way to shop for your 2024 MR340 experience? Check out my "What's on the boat?" list! Amazon Storefront - WHAT WAS ON MY BOAT

Do you own or manage a business along the river? Do you want help getting people interested in your community? Embrace the future of tourism by offering Digital Audio Tours, an innovative and immersive solution that takes sightseeing to a whole new level. Learn more.

 

Connect with Kim and Paddle Sports Lifestyle:

 

Instagram: @PaddleSportsLifestyle  / @kimberlylpeek

Kim's Amazon Storefront with links to favorite gear

Amazon Storefront - WHAT WAS ON MY BOAT

Paddle Sports Lifestyle website and blog

MR340: July 23-26, 2024 - https://mr340.org/

Buy Paddling Shirts and Gift Items at the Paddle Sports Lifestyle Store!

In season two of Paddle Sports Lifestyle, we are introducing you to the people and stories behind this epic endurance race. And, what a perfect kick off to the season: a conversation with Steve Schnarr and Scott Mansker!

 

A few highlights from this episode: 

 

👥 There's a unique culture thriving within the MR340 community – one of support, generosity, and an endless supply of advice for newcomers. It's about the journey, the river, and the people you meet along the way.

 

🏞️What drives the MR340 paddlers? A shared love for the untamed beauty of the Missouri River, and a passion for its preservation. Every racer is an advocate for this historic waterway. The MR340 is not just a race; it's an event to raise funds and awareness for the mission of  Missouri River Relief. 

 

‼️ Reminder: Preparation is key! Safety measures, gear adequacy, and weather awareness are essential. Our guests, stewards of the race and river, remind us of some precautions.

 

🆕 Newbies: do not fear! You can do this! There's wisdom in joining forces with veteran voyagers, harnessing collective knowledge, and training and communicating with those who have done this before! 

 

🚣🏽‍♀️The rising tide of female participation in MR340 speaks volumes. Word is getting out, and this race is breaking boundaries and empowering women!

 

Steve Schnarr is a devoted steward of the Missouri River, serving as the Executive Director of Missouri River Relief, a Columbia, Missouri-based nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a profound connection between people and the river. Steve's leadership at Missouri River Relief has seen the cultivation of numerous programs, events, educational opportunities, river cleanups, and races, all with the goal of creating enduring and impactful experiences for individuals and communities drawn to the preservation and appreciation of the Missouri River.

 

Scott Mansker founded the MR340 in 2006, and has since grown the race from 16 racers the first year to the world-class challenge it is today. His unparalleled knowledge of every bend on the Missouri River and mastery at simplifying the most tangled logistics make him the go-to resource for all things Mr340. Having turned ownership of the race over to Missouri River Relief, Scott now serves as the Safety Boat Coordinator. 

 

 

Some Additional Details:

 

Want a quick way to shop for your 2024 MR340 experience? Check out my "What's on the boat?" list! Amazon Storefront - WHAT WAS ON MY BOAT

Do you own or manage a business along the river? Do you want help getting people interested in your community? Embrace the future of tourism by offering Digital Audio Tours, an innovative and immersive solution that takes sightseeing to a whole new level. Learn more.

 

Connect with Kim and Paddle Sports Lifestyle:

 

Instagram: @PaddleSportsLifestyle  / @kimberlylpeek

Kim's Amazon Storefront with links to favorite gear

Amazon Storefront - WHAT WAS ON MY BOAT

Paddle Sports Lifestyle website and blog

MR340: July 23-26, 2024 - https://mr340.org/

 

Buy Paddling Shirts and Gift Items at the Paddle Sports Lifestyle Store!

It's not too early to start preparing for the 2024 MR340. In this episode, Kim shares what she will do differently for next year - and she provides an overview of her upcoming training plans.

If you're in the Kansas City area, and are looking for someone to train with, please contact Kim at Kim AT IrisDigitalMediaGroup DOT com to connect with reliable training partners who value water safety.

____

Want a quick way to shop for your 2024 MR340 experience? Check out my "What's on the boat?" list! Amazon Storefront - WHAT WAS ON MY BOAT

 

Do you own or manage a business along the river? Do you want help getting people interested in your community? Embrace the future of tourism by offering Digital Audio Tours, an innovative and immersive solution that takes sightseeing to a whole new level. Learn more.

 

___

Connect with Kim and Paddle Sports Lifestyle:

Instagram: @PaddleSportsLifestyle  / @kimberlylpeek

Kim's Amazon Storefront with links to favorite gear

Amazon Storefront - WHAT WAS ON MY BOAT

Paddle Sports Lifestyle website and blog

MR340: July 23-26, 2024 - https://mr340.org/

 

Buy Paddling Shirts and Gift Items at the Paddle Sports Lifestyle Store!

In this episode, Kim explores how taking a step back from rigorous training post-MR340 can be a catalyst for enhanced performance. She shares how diversifying interests and maintaining strong social connections can contribute to a robust mental resilience, setting the stage for a successful return to the water.

Tune in to discover how to strike a balance between exertion and relaxation, and transform your 'break' into an essential component of your training regimen.

 

Related Articles / References:

Book by Steve Magness referenced in this episode (Amazon Affiliate link): Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and the Surprising Science of Real Toughness

Want a quick way to shop for your 2024 MR340 experience? Check out my "What's on the boat?" list! Amazon Storefront - WHAT WAS ON MY BOAT

Do you own or manage a business along the river? Do you want help getting people interested in your community? Embrace the future of tourism by offering Digital Audio Tours, an innovative and immersive solution that takes sightseeing to a whole new level. Learn more.

 

 

Connect with Kim and Paddle Sports Lifestyle:

Instagram: @PaddleSportsLifestyle  / @kimberlylpeek

Kim's Amazon Storefront with links to favorite gear

Amazon Storefront - WHAT WAS ON MY BOAT

Paddle Sports Lifestyle website and blog

MR340: July 23-26, 2024 - https://mr340.org/

 

Buy Paddling Shirts and Gift Items at the Paddle Sports Lifestyle Store!

In this episode, we delve into the power of the words and how they shaped our experiences and perceptions during the challenging MR340. Kim talks about how they used the open-label placebo effect, where the mere belief in the benefit of a non-active substance or treatment can lead to actual improvements. This fascinating psychological phenomenon demonstrates the power of positive thinking and its tangible effects on our physical capabilities. Additionally, Kim shares some mental distraction games, a technique often used by endurance athletes to maintain focus during grueling events, and encourages listeners to begin working on their mental muscle in the off season.

Want a quick way to shop for your 2024 MR340 experience? Check out my "What's on the boat?" list! Amazon Storefront - WHAT WAS ON MY BOAT

 

Related Articles / References:

Meaning of Mr. Blue Sky at SongTell

What is an Open Label Placebo?

ARTICLE: The weird science of the placebo effect keeps getting more interesting

 

Connect with Kim and Paddle Sports Lifestyle:

Instagram: @PaddleSportsLifestyle  / @kimberlylpeek

Kim's Amazon Storefront with links to favorite gear

Amazon Storefront - WHAT WAS ON MY BOAT

Paddle Sports Lifestyle website and blog

 

Buy Paddling Shirts and Gift Items at the Paddle Sports Lifestyle Store!

MR340: July 23-26, 2024 - https://mr340.org/

 

Do you own or manage a business along the river? Do you want help getting people interested in your community? Embrace the future of tourism by offering Digital Audio Tours, an innovative and immersive solution that takes sightseeing to a whole new level. Learn more.

The 2023 MR340 was not just a race; it was a heroic quest against the merciless elements, an epic saga of human resilience and determination that will be remembered for a long time. Join Kim as she relives the thrilling moments, and the trials and triumphs of her training partners, as they braved through unforeseen challenges as they made their way from Kaw Point, trying to beat the Reaper to St. Charles.

Settle in, for this is one tale you wouldn't want to miss.

 

 

Connect with Kim and Paddle Sports Lifestyle:

Instagram: @PaddleSportsLifestyle  / @kimberlylpeek

Kim's Amazon Storefront with links to favorite gear

Amazon Storefront - WHAT WAS ON MY BOAT

Paddle Sports Lifestyle website and blog

MR340: July 23-26, 2024 - https://mr340.org/

 

Buy Paddling Shirts and Gift Items at the Paddle Sports Lifestyle Store!

 

Do you own or manage a business along the river? Do you want help getting people interested in your community? Embrace the future of tourism by offering Digital Audio Tours, an innovative and immersive solution that takes sightseeing to a whole new level. Learn more.

Race week has finally arrived and excitement is at fever pitch! If you are listening to this on Monday, July 31st, the team is busy dropping boats off at Kaw Point, ensuring the kayaks are positioned for the imminent 7 AM start on August 1st.

This episode delves into the training activities that took place in the final 10-day stretch leading up to the race. You'll also get a brief overview of the race plan, including nutrition, hydration, and sleeping arrangements.

It's game on—let the adventure begin!

MR340: July 23-26, 2024 - https://mr340.org/

 

Connect with Kim and Paddle Sports Lifestyle:

Instagram: @PaddleSportsLifestyle  / @kimberlylpeek

Kim's Amazon Storefront with links to favorite gear

Amazon Storefront - WHAT WAS ON MY BOAT

Paddle Sports Lifestyle website and blog

 

Buy Paddling Shirts and Gift Items at the Paddle Sports Lifestyle Store!

 

Do you own or manage a business along the river? Do you want help getting people interested in your community? Embrace the future of tourism by offering Digital Audio Tours, an innovative and immersive solution that takes sightseeing to a whole new level. Learn more.

Next week is RACE WEEK! After months of training, planning, and dedication, our group is primed and ready for the exhilarating challenge that lies ahead: the MR340. This isn't merely a race; it's a testament to human strength, endurance, and the indomitable spirit of camaraderie.

The racers have each weathered their own storms of adversity during their preparation, transforming them into lessons learned and strategies for success. From managing physical exhaustion and mental fatigue to balancing rigorous training with daily life, they've each carved a unique path in their journey to RACE WEEK.

As they stand on the cusp of this monumental challenge, tune in to discover the invaluable insights they've gleaned.

 

MR340: July 23-26, 2024 - https://mr340.org/

 

Connect with Kim and Paddle Sports Lifestyle:

Instagram: @PaddleSportsLifestyle  / @kimberlylpeek

Kim's Amazon Storefront with links to favorite gear

Amazon Storefront - WHAT WAS ON MY BOAT

Paddle Sports Lifestyle website and blog

 

Buy Paddling Shirts and Gift Items at the Paddle Sports Lifestyle Store!

In this episode, we dive into the trials and excitement of The Freedom Race, a  63-mile race along the Lamine and Missouri Rivers. You'll hear about the unexpected challenge the racers faced - and the lessons learned along the way. The MR340 is just 3 weeks after the Freedom Race, and if you're listening when this episode goes live - ONE WEEK AWAY!

 

Connect with Kim and Paddle Sports Lifestyle:

Instagram: @PaddleSportsLifestyle  / @kimberlylpeek

Kim's Amazon Storefront with links to favorite gear

Amazon Storefront - WHAT WAS ON MY BOAT

Paddle Sports Lifestyle website and blog

MR340: July 23-26, 2024 - https://mr340.org/

 

Buy Paddling Shirts and Gift Items at the Paddle Sports Lifestyle Store!

In this episode, we dive into the mental aspects of training and explore why people willingly choose to take on difficult challenges like the MR340. We discuss the reasons why we push ourselves to the limit, the satisfaction that comes from overcoming those barriers, and the lessons we learn along the way. 

Join us as we celebrate the human spirit and explore the profound beauty of taking on hard things.

 

Connect with Kim and Paddle Sports Lifestyle:

Instagram: @PaddleSportsLifestyle  / @kimberlylpeek

Kim's Amazon Storefront with links to favorite gear

Amazon Storefront - WHAT WAS ON MY BOAT

Paddle Sports Lifestyle website and blog

MR340: July 23-26, 2024 - https://mr340.org/

 

Buy Paddling Shirts and Gift Items at the Paddle Sports Lifestyle Store!

 

Do you own or manage a business along the river? Do you want help getting people interested in your community? Embrace the future of tourism by offering Digital Audio Tours, an innovative and immersive solution that takes sightseeing to a whole new level. Learn more.