Hi Steve,
When you say "It always amazes me when
a person says they want to start paddling becuase they want to do
something epic as their first trip. "

When I was 19 a guy told me about the race and I wanted to do it. I did alot of things in life but did not do the race. Then a guy I work with did it and I realized at age 36 that life is passing me by.

I want to do this race not because I will win but because it's been a life goal for a long time, would be a great motivator and goal for me getting in shape the way I wish to be, and seems like a great way to challenge myself.

Thanks for the above advice all. I will let you guys know how I do.
Terry