Dragon boat racing

“I am using every tiny bit of energy I have, and am already feeling puffed out from paddling. With every paddle I feel the water's resistance, and I wonder if there aren't easier ways to travel on water, like, for example, in a chauffeured water taxi. "Power up!" the steerer shouts. "But I never powered down!" I protest, struggling to keep up. Finally, it's our last lap around the bay. My face is hot and my arms are sore, yet they feel oddly strong for having done battle with the sea.”

“After we spoke, Marla stuck a paddle in my hand and insisted that I participate in the team’s practice. Foolishly, I accepted her challenge, thinking that I was more than capable of keeping up. Within a few minutes, barely a 100 yards from the dock, I was exhausted. As I fell behind the team’s rhythm, my paddle started to collide with the other rowers and I slowed down to a sluggish pace. Our photographer, Sam, wasn’t doing much better, as he was trying to balance on the bow of the boat and take pictures while water splashed in his face; at one point, our eyes connected, full of despair.”

“It was brilliant paddling down the Grand Canal with everyone waving at us, and we bonded while we were away. I’ve done other challenging activities, but this was very special, as I didn't think I’d be able to stretch myself that way after treatment. I even texted friends and family pictures of us –something I don’t normally do. That was the point I felt I was back to some sort of ‘new normal’.”