Training Log Archive: Work4justice

Event: Mission Adventure Race
 

Mission 18 hr race

I had heard about this race for a few years now and thought that it might be fun to try! Mark Voit and I had a good time together at WT last year and I had raced with Kiwi Tom Logan in the past.

First piece of advice to anyone doing this race is to assume nothing, ask about a third seat for a canoe, you will get ZERO information until you start, and to be prepared to be out the entire time. A third seat wasn't on the gear list or suggested anywhere, and, we really thought we would land back in our vicinity for a section and never did.

During the pre race meeting it was suggested that the race was very physical and maybe a few teams would clear. The first 2 segments were mandatory in their entirety, then points could be dropped.

We prepped to be out for about 6 hours, and I had bottles full on my bike with a little bit of food.

Prologue was bearing and distances and clues, but not matched so, we had to run to find the CP with limited information. Then back to the S/F for another 2 points to plot on bike. Then back to S/F for another 7 points on foot, which led to being on a big trek. There was an Archery session at the beginning of the trek.

The trek was beautiful. I think we started it in 10th place maybe (first bits were a little harried gotta work on that focus), but by the time we finished we were in 3rd. We did run the majority of it, I think 18m? and SO MUCH CLIMB. Had one bobble on an unexpected road.

Got to the next section and there were 4 points on the water 2, we had to plot on land and 2 while on the water. I sat in the middle on a PFD. We struggled with the "plot on the water" points, but got through. Started rationing food here.

When we got back, it was busy. Also, there were a task of having to remove a pedal and a rear wheel blindfolded and teammates could advise. We decided it would be best for me to instruct Tom than for me to do it. We got through that in short order--in the meantime there were teams waiting for boats, I felt so bad for them. We plotted our bike points.

We had a nice bike to the next O section. Mark started to feel a bit sick, so we pulled th pace so he could rally. That wasn't too long. We got to the O section, got the map and headed in. Still moving pretty well, but CP 23 was a bit of a bear....we had to attack it 3 times and were in the vicinity for 45 minutes...Brenda's team went by then Rib....wrapped up the rest of the points in good order. I wanted us to chase down Rib, but it wasn't in the cards.

Biked to the S/F and there was a super short paddle and we were done!

I was surprised how short it was. I was enjoying the race. I was happy with how well I was moving, and Tom and Mark noticed it and commented on it as well. That's good!

Rain rain go away I really didn’t want to be inside today.

E2 to strong finish.