Early starts are hard

25 Sep 2024

Ah, mornings. They’re like that one friend who’s always early to the party — annoying but somehow indispensable. I’m not an early bird by nature, but I’ve learned to be. While the rest of the world is snugly nestled in the land of dreams, I’m up at the crack of dawn. Here’s why I’m all in on those early hours, despite the relentless tug-of-war with my toddler’s sleep schedule and a partner who probably thinks I’m mad.

The Dawn Patrol: Why I’m Hooked

  1. Sweeping a surfboat into the Sunrise
    First and foremost, let’s talk about my morning ritual: hitting the beach before the sun has even had its first sip of coffee. There’s something exhilarating about taking the boat out before the sun just starts to stretch its rays. It’s like the universe is giving me a high-five, and my morning couldn’t get off to a better start. Plus, these days being at the back of the boat means I get to enjoy the view whilst my crew row me out to it. It’s kind of a convenient situation in my household too. The other half plays soccer and they’re all about evening training sessions so what better compromise could there be, really!?
  2. Organized Chaos? More Like Organized Zen
    I’ve learned that starting my day early is like giving my brain a power-up. My organizational skills get a serious boost, and my brain’s chaos levels are as low as my toddler’s last-minute tantrum. I’m more focused, more productive, and more likely to remember to bring my lunch to work (a win in anyone’s book).
  3. Meeting the East Coast
    Here’s a little secret: I can handle meetings with family and business folks from Australia’s eastern states with the same ease as I handle my toddler’s breakfast demands, or straight up lack of wanting to eat (grrrrr). Early mornings let me sync up with those in different time zones without feeling like I’m speaking a different language and I can end a call in a timely fashion when needed… “Sorry mum, just arrived at work. Love you bye!”
  4. Circadian Rhythm: The Unsung Hero
    Maintaining my circadian rhythm isn’t just about avoiding zombie-level fatigue; it’s about feeling like a well-oiled machine. My early wake-ups keep my internal clock in check, and I’m convinced it’s the reason I don’t need a midday nap (well, that and the fact that my wee offspring has decided to ditch them, so they’re a rare treat these days).

But What About the Struggle?

Yes, I’m aware that the struggle is real. My toddler thinks morning is a time for extra cuddles (read: wrestling). But I’ve made peace with the early-morning battles. After all, if I can manage a sunrise in a boat and a toddler breakfast without turning into a caffeine-fueled zombie, I’m doing something right.

So, here’s to the early mornings, the pre-dawn waves, and the magical hours before the rest of the world wakes up. They might be tough to embrace, but for me, they’re absolutely worth it. Cheers to the early risers, the sunrise surfers, and those who prefer their day with a side of productive chaos!

- Kat

Nicole, Kat, and surf league rowing team in a selfie taken on a boat.

Meet the Team

Three badass mothers on a mission to conquer the Pacific Ocean by boat, while quite potentially battling menopause.

This blog chronicles their shenanigans as they prepare for the World’s Toughest row while life… happens.

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The Dawn Treaders logo
Four years of preparation. Three women. Two thousand, eight hundred miles. One big mission. The World’s Toughest Row.
Kat and Nicole in rowing uniform smile at the screen
Kat, Nicole, and surf league rowing team in a boat on the water.
Nicole and young daughter walk across concrete towards a set of boats
Nicole, Kat, and surf league rowing team in a selfie taken on a boat.

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