Vikerhommik · (Vikerraadio)

Kristi Kool ja Andra Nõlvak: eesmärk on iseennast ja paat tervena finišisse tuua

·16 min·1 clip

Kristi Kool and Andra Nõlvak explain how a casual car conversation led them to sign up for a 100km canoe marathon.

The episode features an interview with Kristi Kool and Andra Nõlvak, guests on the radio show Vikerhommik. They recount how the idea to participate in the Võhandu Marathon arose during a work-related car trip in October, with Kristi casually suggesting it and Andra immediately agreeing. Both emphasize they had no family background or previous contact with the event. They describe the reactions of friends and colleagues, many of whom thought they were crazy, including a colleague named Priit who mocked their ambition. The guests reference watching a training experiment by coach Andres Kaju with other participants like Evgeni Ussinovsky and Kristjan Pihl. They discuss the importance of having a coach, noting Andres Kaju provides equipment and support, including trips to the river. A significant portion focuses on the physical and mental challenges, such as paddling 200 kilometers in training but never more than 15 kilometers continuously. They highlight the difficulty of reading river currents, a skill they lack due to training mainly in places like Pirita where rivers are small. The guests talk about teamwork dynamics, including how they motivate each other during long, silent training sessions. They mention practical aspects like carrying heavy bags, using headlamps for night sections, and applying building tape to prevent blisters. The conversation touches on the marathon's logistics, such as a 14.5-hour duration and support from families and friends at checkpoints like Kaapi. They anticipate a critical moment at the 75-kilometer mark where fatigue and cold could tempt them to quit, but they plan to avoid stopping to eat there. The episode concludes with their reflections on the experience as a way to discover new activities and escape daily stresses, offering advice to others considering similar events.

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