Dear Readers, Known as “The World’s Toughest Canoe Race,” the Texas Water Safari takes place each summer, allowing paddlers to test their physical and mental strength while traversing more than 260 miles of the San Marcos River from source to sea. Recently, the Texas Junior Safari took place, covering the first 16 miles of the course. Although I only saw parts of the race through Facebook live coverage, it was a joy to observe the large number of novice and veteran racers take on this challenge, even from afar.
Among the participants were several parent and child teams, and I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy, wishing I could have been in the boat with my son as well. When we completed the Jr. Safari together in 2021, there was a moment in the race when he proclaimed, “The more we paddle, the less impossible it seems!” His revelation still echoes in my head, and I continue to feel proud of him for having the courage to embark on that challenge and gain this valuable lesson.
I firmly believe that profound life lessons are gained through this unique ultramarathon. Having been just crazy enough to complete two of these grueling endurance tests myself, I’d like to share with you some of those lessons.
