10'000 calories every day for 200 days.

This blog post takes you deep into the epic journey of two fearless women rowing 8000 miles across the Pacific — from Peru to Australia in around 200 days. With up to 15 hours of rowing each day the question is: how do they keep going, physically and mentally? 

We’ll give you an inside look at how Jess and Miriam fuel their bodies for this extreme adventure — and how they manage to fit months’ worth of food into one small rowing boat.

In April, Miriam Payne and Jess Rowe started their record-breaking attempt to become both the first women’s team and the first pair to row the entire Pacific non-stop and unsupported.

But just three weeks in, an unexpected setback hit — their oar broke. Forced to turn back almost as soon as they’d begun, the challenge could have shaken their resolve. But not these two. With fresh determination and repaired gear, they’re back on the water — ready for their second launch and stronger than ever. So their journey resumed.

With their nine-meter-long rowing boat, Velocity, they aim to reach Australia within 150 to 200 days, facing one of the greatest adventures of their lives: rowing 8000 miles across the Pacific Ocean unsupported.

But why?

Miriam and Jess are rowing across the Pacific Ocean to raise vital funds for Outward Bound UK — a charity dedicated to helping young people push beyond their perceived limits and discover their true potential through outdoor adventure.

Together, they aim to inspire young people — and everyone following their journey — to believe that with resilience, courage, and determination, anything is possible. Their fundraising goal is £50,000, and every donation, no matter the size, helps them move closer to making a meaningful impact. Support their mission by donating via the @wearegivestar link in their bio — and be part of this extraordinary story of ambition, adventure, and belief.

Jess Rowe, 28, from Hampshire, and Miriam Payne, 25, from East Yorkshire, are best friends, adventure junkies, and absolute powerhouses!

For Miriam, adventure has been a driving force from an early age. Growing up on a farm, she found her passion for the outdoors, and after summiting Mount Kilimanjaro during her college years, she knew that a life of big challenges was her calling. Jess, equally no stranger to adventure, has rowed the Atlantic, hiked the South West Coast Path in England, climbed Mount Kenya, and cycled across Spain.

Both are seasoned ocean rowers: Jess won the women's event in the Atlantic crossing, while Miriam set a solo women's record.

They've trained for months, fine-tuned their boat and gear, and built their mental and physical endurance for what lies ahead: rowing two hours on, two hours off, day and night.

Rowing up to 15 hours a day demands massive energy reserves. Jess and Mims must consume around 5000 calories daily EACH — a true challenge considering their limited space and resources.

To give you an idea of how they’re making it all work, we’ve put together an overview of their preparations and go-to essentials before embarking on their rowing journey:

The foundation of their fueling strategy includes freeze-dried meals. By simply adding water, they can enjoy dishes ranging from porridge to hearty chicken korma with rice — a particular favorite of Mims from her previous Atlantic Ocean row. Every meal is labeled with their initials for quick identification among the tightly packed storage hatches.

But three meals a day aren't nearly enough to sustain such intense activity. Snacks play a crucial role in their ocean rowing diet. Every snack pack has been meticulously curated to balance weight, minimize packaging, and maximize nutritional density. Key items include amon other things mostly dried fruits, biscuits, energy blocks, and of course — chocolate.

The photos below capture moments of them preparing for their journey, stocking their boat with all the essential supplies they'll need.

Especially for coffee-lover Jess, going six months without good coffee was unimaginable. Enter No Normal Coffee: more than just caffeine. It’s a symbol of energy, comfort, and small moments of reflection amidst the vast Pacific.

"As well as having clear performance benefits to heighten our energy levels during the inevitable slumps that will come over the course of 6 months at sea, having No Normal on board will give us a moment of calm reflection to enjoy before launching in to our next stint on the oars." – Mims

When in need of a quick energy boost, they’d spread the paste on a cracker — or squeeze it straight from the tube!

Discover what makes No Normal Coffee stand out from your average instant brew right here.
Looking for ideas to craft your own adventure-ready snacks? Check out our guide here.
And if you're curious about a hotly debated topic — the impact of coffee on performance — dive into our article for the insights!

Jess and Mims' journey is anything but ordinary. Battling 30-foot waves, navigating shipping lanes, facing the risks of capsizing, salt sores, and marine wildlife — it's a grueling challenge. But it's also a chance to witness breathtaking sunsets, star-filled skies, and the pure triumph of overcoming the impossible.

Follow their incredible story via No Normal’s social media channels. This is one adventure you don't want to miss.

Track their Journey: www.seasthedayoceanrowing.com/the-team

Instagram: @seastheday2022

TikTok: @seasthedayoceanrowing

Facebook: Seas the Day

Support the Outward Bound Trust: Click here

Contribute to their Crowdfunding: Click here