The DW and tiredness

Easter Monday is the last day of the DW, otherwise known as the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race, when those doing the event over four days finally reach the home stretch and the last few miles down the Thames.

It was an impressive sight, a steady stream of canoes and kayaks, and almost all had gone before I had finished my second mug of breakfast coffee.

There were some supporters biking by too, calling out useful tips like to follow the centre of the channel, where the tidal flow to the sea runs quickest. More than a few seemed to have forgotten this and instead tried to cut the corners. This is likely to be slower flowing and hence paradoxically be actually longer across the water.

But you can understand how that can happen. After many days hard work both mind and body begin to slow, and so poor decisions are made that the more alert, more trained, or more caffeinated would have avoided.

Congrats to anyone who made the long trek, 125 miles over 4 days is an impressive achievement, one that contestants will no doubt remember for a long time.