Nathan mentioned something about a marathon to Sarah. It was in passing. Not fully serious. And not something he really expected her to say yes to. But after going home and researching the Yukon River Quest, Sarah said, “Let’s do it”. And they set off to train for the most physically gruelling experience of their lives.
The 740 km kayak ultra-marathon wasn’t something to take lightly. Starting in Whitehorse and ending in Dawson, it would be a 60+ hour event that would push them to their limits. Sarah and Nathan named their team “Marriage Prep” because if they could get through this together, then they could get through anything.
The weather was not ideal. Hard rains. Strong winds. And weather extremes that the news normally puts out warnings over. They were confined to a small space together. Dehydration set in. The paddles were so large that they could be used as battle weapons. Their kayak broke sending them to 2nd last place. And no sleep left them exhausted and worn out. But together they worked hard to move back up in the race. They gave each other strength and determination. They cheered each other on. When Sarah wanted to stop, Nathan urged her on. When Nathan doubted they could finish, Sarah reminded him that they were in it together.
And as they crossed the finish line together they couldn’t stop smiling. The hug they shared and the pride on their family’s faces made every single ache and pain worth it. They had completed “Marriage Prep” and shared one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives together. As they held on to each other they both knew that if they conquered that marathon together, they could conquer the world. Together, they could do anything.
- Brianna (photos by Yaira)
) Soooo Sarah am I still demoted to Jr. Bridesmaid?
by Brianna
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