I have been surfing for 20 odd years, and SUP surfing for 2 years now, however I tore my ACL in June, had surgery in July and now I have been distance paddling for about 2 months. At this stage, January 2014, I am comfortable doing 10km downwind races and am paddling about 30-40km per week in the ocean in all conditions.

My question is, would I be able to build up enough in time to do the 2015 Molokai?

Anonymous,  Australia

This question does not have an easy answer. That is because success in a race like Molokai 2 Oahu (or Ironman, or Western States , or Vassalopet ) is part training and part something else. That something else is simply your will to grit out whatever the race throws your way, suffer, and keep your head in check on the day of the race . Over the years we have seen athletes essentially show up for ultra-endurance races unprepared and get through the race. Conversely,  we have seen other athletes train like a pro and melt on the day of the race. We don’t know if your head is 10%, 20%, or 50% of what will get you through a race like Molokai but whatever percentage it is, we cannot comment on what demons may or may not be present in your head that will get in the way on race day.

Now, assuming that you are not a complete headcase (which is not likely as you are already paddling 40K in all ocean conditions and you are Australian), the question is can you physically get your body in shape for Molokai2Oahu.  Given that you are already paddling 40K, if  you do not sustain any injuries or setbacks on the way,  and you are sensible with your training, you should have no problem being able to paddle the distance.  (NOTE: please do not take this the wrong way but because we do not know you it is difficult to comment on your physical abilities. Please be smart about your training and consult a physician to make sure you are able to withstand the training.)

The problem with Molokai2Oahu is that the distance is only one part of the race. As you know, in downwind races, skill, winds, swell, currents, your choice of line, and whatever else the ocean throws at you on the day of the race can make the distance seem twice as long. A race like Molokai 2 Oahu seems easier on paper than it is in real life. Based on what you say about your downwind racing experience and your surfing experience it is likely that your should still be able to finish the race.

The trick with ultra endurance SUP or prone paddle race training is that is takes years to be able to do the “perfect amount” of training where you are neither underprepared or overtrained on race day. Assume that in your first year you will not be able to get things 100% dialed in.  When in doubt, do your best to train a little less than you think you need to. We would rather see you be a little under trained than overtrained, burned out, and cranky on the day of the race.

Finally, if Molokai is 20% in your head and 60% fitness, the last 20% is nutrition. Be sure you have a good nutrition plan and practice your nutrition during your training sessions as you prepare for your race.

The bottom line on all of this is that given what you said in your question, it is likely because you can already go some distance and you have downwind experience (and you can surf) you should be able to complete Molokai in one piece by 2015. Heck, assuming that your knee is up tot he task,  you might even be able to do it in 2014.  If you want, you might even consider what many paddlers here in San Diego do – do a relay in this year (2014)  year and go back next year and do it solo.

Shameless plug : if you are looking for a Molokai training program might we suggest gettig in a huge base right now then 16 weeks before your race complete our Molokai SUP or prone paddle training program?

Roch