Chapter 1: A Rainy Spring Break

It was a Monday night during spring break, and my family and I were at the Oregon coast, taking a much-needed break from the chaos of daily life. The weather was dreary, with constant rain, so we spent the day engaged in indoor activities like puzzling, reading, and watching not-so-great movies on cable. With my child asleep and a slice of delicious cold pizza from Angelina’s in Seaside in hand, I half-watched a Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock film, all while aimlessly scrolling through Instagram stories.

Then, a post caught my eye: “Anyone interested in joining my dragon boat team? We’re all about fun and we don’t compete! No prior experience necessary!”

I immediately reached out, asking for details.

Section 1.1: My Athletic History

Reflecting on my childhood, it’s clear I was never the sporty type. My brother excelled in soccer, Little League, and eventually skateboarding. Meanwhile, I have distinct memories of being the eldest child still relegated to the beginner swim group at summer camp and consistently being the last pick during PE classes and camp games. Climbing that dreaded rope? Forget about it. I preferred the company of books and art, often attending specialized camps like the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, where we stayed in college dorms and focused on writing critical essays rather than participating in track events.

Chapter 2: Rediscovering Fitness

I used to joke that a college requirement for me would be the absence of mandatory PE classes, though it was mostly in jest. It wasn’t until after finishing graduate school that I found myself joining a women’s boxing class with some teacher friends. It seemed like a perfect way to relieve stress—though I learned that flinching is not ideal in boxing! Thankfully, the class focused more on training than actual fighting, and I found it to be incredibly challenging yet enjoyable. Our instructor motivated us with encouraging slogans, and I kept coming back for more.

Chapter 3: The Journey to Dragon Boat Racing

Eventually, I began running, inspired by my partner, who had started the Couch to 5K program. Together, we tackled 5Ks, then 10Ks, and eventually trained for a half marathon. I gained strength and speed—though never truly fast. My knees began to ache, and during the half marathon, walkers passed us, but we finished, and I felt a sense of accomplishment. After that race, we took a break and somehow never resumed.

Fast forward a year, and I found myself pregnant, dealing with significant diastasis recti. I struggled to find a way to stay active without worsening my condition. Eventually, we discovered Peloton, but despite the supportive virtual community, I still felt isolated in my workouts.

What do I know about dragon boat racing? A few friends participate, and they assured me that my lack of experience wouldn’t be an issue. I realized I needed a boost to get active and enjoy the outdoors. They provided life jackets and paddles, and practice times fit well with my work schedule. Now, as I approach my mid-40s, a low-impact sport sounds incredibly appealing.

There’s something motivating about group activities where commitment is expected. I tend to push myself harder in a team setting and am more likely to stick with it. If I find a sport that focuses on effort rather than competition, I know I can improve while having fun. I may not be the most athletic person, but I’ve come to accept that I am an athlete in my own right.