The Lake Allatoona Run
The ‘Toona Run
Taking on the 4th-Longest Shoreline in Georgia
It’s a process. Yes, I set a goal with The Lanier Lap to encircle the lake boasting the longest shoreline in Georgia in a single push. But that’s the end game. And that’s in June. It’s April, and I have to understand what I’m up against by simulation. That’s where the ‘Toona Run comes in.
This shoreline paddle is no joke—Lake Allatoona possesses the 4th-longest shoreline of the lakes exclusively in Georgia. At 185 miles, this continuous shoreline circumnavigation is going to be a massive undertaking.
This shoreline paddle is no joke—Lake Allatoona possesses the 4th-longest shoreline of the lakes exclusively in Georgia. At 185 miles, this continuous shoreline circumnavigation is going to be a massive undertaking. On top of that, I’m looking to do it without taking off any time at work. In my estimation, it will take around 50 hours of paddling to complete, this means I’ll need to begin paddling Friday evening. The implication is that I’ll begin paddling at the end of my day rather than after a full night of rest—extending the duration of sleeplessness. The only silver lining on this unavoidable decision is that it will more accurately simulate the challenges I will face with sleep deprivation during The Lanier Lap.
Aside from the length of the shoreline and the nature of the start, the remaining difference is the boat I’ll be using. Instead of the Epic 18x kayak I’ll be using during The Lanier Lap, I’ll be paddling an Epic V10 surfski. This slender, sit-on-top variation will mean more difficulty balancing while not actively paddling, which means rest breaks will have to be intentional (and probably close to shore) and nodding off while mid-stroke will likely mean waking up in the water. Further, while the boat will be fast, the continuous micro-adjustments in my core to maintain balance will ultimately lead to a greater fatigue over time. Again, looking for the silver lining here, these challenges will hopefully better prepare me for The Lanier Lap as well.
The ‘Toona Run is the time in motion equivalent to running three 50-mile ultra marathons back to back…to grueling back. To be honest, I’m not sure how my body will respond. But finding out before The Lanier Lap—twice the distance—takes place is my goal. Never have I felt so underprepared for something,
The ‘Toona Run is the time in motion equivalent to running three 50-mile ultra marathons back to back…to grueling back. To be honest, I’m not sure how my body will respond. But finding out before The Lanier Lap—twice the distance—takes place is my goal. Never have I felt so underprepared for something, and there seems to be such little time between now and then to get that way. One thing I will be happy about is getting out of my winter paddling wet suit (which full disclosure has begun to stink from near-continuous use) and into some of my RailRiders threads. While late April in Georgia still bears with it cold nights, the days will be sunny and my upper body attire will reflect it. Again, silver linings.
April 26th
The ‘Toona Run Begins
The Gist
I’ll be following all of the same rules for The Lanier Lap and testing out the live tracking system. Further, if I received a fraction of the community support that was offered by the wildly generous Lake Lanier Association community leaders, I’d be beyond elated.
Estimated Schedule
The 'Toona Run will begin on Lake Allatoona April 26th, as early in the evening as possible. I’m hoping to begin it around 4pm. After that, it’s simply a matter of paddling speed. Here are the estimates:
‘Toona Run Map
I intend to begin just north of the Lake Acworth Causeway at Overlook Park and paddle clockwise on Lake Allatoona in several stages: