Sometimes while covering stories, I wonder: Could I do that? Would I want to do that?

Earlier this week, I was at the starting line of a unique race, one that requires an oar and lots of upper body strength. The Missouri River 340 Boat Race runs from Kansas City to St. Charles. As the name implies, that's 340 miles for the kayakers and boaters who take part in this grueling trip.

Last year, 15 boats were in the race. Five finished. In other words, it's not easy. Some of the boaters never leave their vessel, which means doing lots of uncomfortable things out on the water. The contestants have 100 hours to finish and last year, the winner completed the course in a little under 54 hours.

So, do you think you could do it? I couldn't help but think about that as I stood on the shore and watched the excited boaters get ready to paddle away. There was a true feeling of excitement in the air, the sense that an adventure was beginning. Not the type of experience most of us only have in movies or video games these days, but a real fantastic voyage. Okay, it's exciting at the start, but what about 18 hours later when you're dog tired, still paddling, and it's a dark night on the Mighty Mo? Not quite as glamorous.

Bottom line: I'm extremely impressed by everyone who's giving it a shot, but I'm not sure I would be able to pull it off. I think I'd be booking my hotel rooms along the way with a nice comfortable bed and air conditioning. Are there any pizza joints that deliver to the river?