Paddle Sports Lifestyle: Finding Your Epic Adventure Through Kayaking and Paddling

The final stretch of the Missouri River 340 tells a story of reinvention. In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of Klondike Park, where ancient silica sand fueled America's glass industry before becoming a beloved outdoor destination. We'll visit Weldon Spring, one of the nation's largest environmental cleanup success stories, and finish in historic St. Charles - a town t...

The Missouri River has always attracted dreamers. In this episode, we travel through Hermann, New Haven, and Washington to meet the immigrants, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who saw opportunity where others saw uncertainty. Discover how one travel writer inspired thousands of Germans to settle in Missouri, how Hermann's vineyards helped save the French wine industry, why New Haven continues t...

After hundreds of miles on the Missouri River, we arrive at Jefferson City, the capital of Missouri. But Jefferson City wasn't a bustling river town that naturally grew into the state's political center. It was intentionally created to become Missouri's capital. We'll also visit the infamous Missouri State Penitentiary, discover the story behind Carl R. Noren Access, and make brief...

Every stretch of the Missouri River has a story. Some are about commerce. Some are about exploration. This one is about community. In this episode, we paddle into one of the most beloved stops along the entire MR340 route: Cooper's Landing. Long before it became a gathering place for paddlers, cyclists, campers, and live music, this bend in the river was home to the forgotten town of Nashville...

Towering limestone bluffs. The only railroad tunnel on the Katy Trail. Seasonal waterfalls cascading down ancient rock faces. A bluff-top winery overlooking the Missouri River. Rocheport is more than just another town along the MR340 course; it's one of the most scenic places on the entire river. In this episode we explore how a natural harbor at the mouth of Moniteau Creek helped transform Ro...

Discover the story of Boone's Lick Country, visit the preserved village of Arrow Rock, untangle the history of Franklin, New Franklin, and Franklin Island, and see how Boonville became the place where Missouri's river, railroad, and frontier stories all came together. The episode also traces the transformation of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad into today's Katy Trail, where cyclist...

For many MR340 racers, Glasgow marks the late-night end of a long first day on the river.... or it's the point you're racing toward on day two. But long before it became a welcome checkpoint for tired paddlers, it was the site of one of the Confederacy's most significant victories in Missouri. In this episode, we explore the Battle of Glasgow during Sterling Price's 1864 Missouri C...

For one weekend each summer, hundreds of MR340 paddlers stop in Miami to refuel, rest, and continue downriver. But long before it became a paddle stop on the MR340, Miami was one of the Missouri River's important transportation hubs. In this episode, Kim explores how a bend in the river first attracted Native communities centuries before European settlement, later became a thriving steamboat l...

Waverly may seem like just another quiet checkpoint along the MR340, but its history reflects many of the larger forces that shaped communities all along the Missouri River. We look at the difficult realities behind the area's early prosperity; like much of Missouri's Little Dixie region, Waverly's agricultural economy depended heavily on the labor of enslaved people before the Civil W...

What do hemp bales, a Civil War battle, and one of the deadliest steamboat explosions in Missouri River history have in common? They all happened in Lexington. Learn how Lexington's booming hemp industry played a role in the famous Battle of the Hemp Bales, and how the tragic explosion of the steamboat  Saluda  became one of the greatest disasters ever to occur on the Missouri River. This seas...

As you paddle past the quiet towns along the Missouri River, it's easy to forget they were once bustling hubs of commerce, communication, and community. In this episode, Kimberly Peek explores how the Missouri shaped the towns along the MR340 race route, transforming simple river landings into thriving communities connected by steamboats carrying everything from mail and coffee to families cha...

What if the Missouri River is telling a story you've never noticed? In this new season of the Paddle Sports Lifestyle Podcast, host Kimberly Peek begins a journey down the MR340 race route, exploring the history, towns, landmarks, and people that have shaped the Missouri River for centuries. The series begins where the MR340 begins: Kaw Point. Whether you're racing the MR340, planning a fu...

We're diving into the heart and soul behind every successful river race—the ground crew—with special guest, Laura Milby. Laura is an experienced kayaker, ground crew member, and co-owner of Llama Racks, with her husband Ryan.   We talk about the intricacies of preparing for the MR340, from ensuring paddlers' goals are met to strategizing the nuances of river communication. Laura shares survival ti...

In season two of Paddle Sports Lifestyle, we are introducing you to the people and stories behind this epic endurance race. And, what a perfect kick off to the season: a conversation with Steve Schnarr and Scott Mansker!   A few highlights from this episode:    👥 There's a unique culture thriving within the MR340 community – one of support, generosity, and an endless supply of advice for newcomer...

It's not too early to start preparing for the 2024 MR340. In this episode, Kim shares what she will do differently for next year - and she provides an overview of her upcoming training plans. If you're in the Kansas City area, and are looking for someone to train with, please contact Kim at Kim AT IrisDigitalMediaGroup DOT com to connect with reliable training partners who value water safety. ____...

In this episode, Kim explores how taking a step back from rigorous training post-MR340 can be a catalyst for enhanced performance. She shares how diversifying interests and maintaining strong social connections can contribute to a robust mental resilience, setting the stage for a successful return to the water. Tune in to discover how to strike a balance between exertion and relaxation, and transf...

In this episode, we delve into the power of the words and how they shaped our experiences and perceptions during the challenging MR340. Kim talks about how they used the open-label placebo effect, where the mere belief in the benefit of a non-active substance or treatment can lead to actual improvements. This fascinating psychological phenomenon demonstrates the power of positive thinking and its...

The 2023 MR340 was not just a race; it was a heroic quest against the merciless elements, an epic saga of human resilience and determination that will be remembered for a long time. Join Kim as she relives the thrilling moments, and the trials and triumphs of her training partners, as they braved through unforeseen challenges as they made their way from Kaw Point, trying to beat the Reaper to St....

Race week has finally arrived and excitement is at fever pitch! If you are listening to this on Monday, July 31st, the team is busy dropping boats off at Kaw Point, ensuring the kayaks are positioned for the imminent 7 AM start on August 1st. This episode delves into the training activities that took place in the final 10-day stretch leading up to the race. You'll also get a brief overview of the...

Next week is RACE WEEK! After months of training, planning, and dedication, our group is primed and ready for the exhilarating challenge that lies ahead: the MR340. This isn't merely a race; it's a testament to human strength, endurance, and the indomitable spirit of camaraderie. The racers have each weathered their own storms of adversity during their preparation, transforming them into lessons l...

In this episode, we dive into the trials and excitement of The Freedom Race, a  63-mile race along the Lamine and Missouri Rivers. You'll hear about the unexpected challenge the racers faced - and the lessons learned along the way. The MR340 is just 3 weeks after the Freedom Race, and if you're listening when this episode goes live - ONE WEEK AWAY!   Connect with Kim and Paddle Sports Lifestyle: I...

In this episode, we dive into the mental aspects of training and explore why people willingly choose to take on difficult challenges like the MR340. We discuss the reasons why we push ourselves to the limit, the satisfaction that comes from overcoming those barriers, and the lessons we learn along the way.  Join us as we celebrate the human spirit and explore the profound beauty of taking on hard...

Join us for an adrenaline-fueled episode as we delve into the thrilling second day of the MR340 training trip that takes an unexpected turn and causes Kim to face some fears. We'll unravel the lessons learned from this experience, gaining insights into the importance of adaptability and contingency planning in the world of paddle sports.   Connect with Kim and Paddle Sports Lifestyle: Instagram: @...

Listen as Kim shares the good, the bad, and the ugly moments from a recent two-day training adventure through the heart of the MR340: a 124 stretch from Waverly to Cooper's Landing. From the moment the group launched, the training partners faced every obstacle the river threw at them. Through this intense training experience, they discovered the true essence of teamwork, perseverance, and the indo...

Join us as we relish in the simple moments of awe-inspiring sunrises, mesmerizing sunsets, and the magic of moonlit waters. In this episode, Kim talks about "The Longest Day," an Alzheimer's Association event that Paddle KC participated in with sunrise and sunset paddling events. She also updates listeners on some gear and camping discoveries.   Connect with Kim and Paddle Sports Lifestyle: Instag...