Question asked by Carolyn:

How long did you have to train for this race? What did you do to qualify for this race? – Erin

Answer:

Well, in a way, I’ve been training for this race since I was a young boy in terms of knowledge of sailing and the sea. In terms of physical training, I spent six months working with Marti Shea (see our Team of Experts) who got me into the best physical shape of my life. This race is very difficult, and very arduous physically, and it’s important to start the race very fit. Your legs atrophy over time when you are on a boat, because you are using your legs only to brace yourself–you are not actually doing anything like running or cycling which strengthen muscles. Your arms get huge with all the winch grinding.

Thanks for the question,

Rich