Training Log Archive: Yvonne

Event: Physically Strong 8hr AR (USARA)
 

Physically Strong Adventure Race

Guest on team BOR - guys (Mickey, Kevin, and Brendan) are all strong athletes (esp cycling). I figured that would be my weakest discipline and was pleased to see a tow on Mickey's bike.

Leg 1 - Bus from Saukenauk Scout Res. to Camp Eastman. 7 CPs rogaine-style; 2 via canoe; 1 spec challenge. Started in the dark. Locations moderately tricky & control bags often "hidden" (i.e. not hung according to O' standards!). Canoe was in Miss. River tributary - little current but strong wind made it tough. Rickshaw challenge (w/ heavy-duty gear "rickshaws") - ea team member had to pull another teammate 1 lap around a 200-300m track. I was in the bumpy gear box for 3 laps then pulled Kevin for a lap (next lightest teammate).

Leg 2 - On bikes for 30-ish mi ride - bit of paved, lots of super windy, chunky gravel roads, and several CPs. Strong pace. Used the tow and drafted on paved sections as a recovery tool so that I could keep pace on the gravel.

Leg 3 - Back at Saukenauk. Adventurous suspension bridge crossing w/ bikes then dropped bikes @ adorable lake. 2 canoe CPs - one @ ea end of the lake. We were halfway to the 2nd one when we saw another team dump right in the middle of the lake. They kept trying to get back into the swamped boat and looked a little panicked, so Kevin and I paddled over to them, had them hang onto the back, and towed them to shore (not easy BTW). Then a number of foot CPs, another spec challenge (build a fire to burn through a string stretched above the fire area) and a couple more trips over the suspension bridge (actually pretty fun). Mickey was doing great w/ the nav. I took the map for a couple CPs to give him a break. We were told that Rib Mtn. was 20-30 min. ahead - never thought we would catch them, but I was proud we were that close!

Leg 4 - Back on the bikes for 10-ish mi of singletrack/HAB/foot CPs and the climbing tower (my personal fav - climb up, rappel down). CP19 (out of 24 total CPs) is where it all fell apart. It was a drop bikes/trek and nothing looked quite right in the woods. We re-attacked, re-plotted and well over an hour later, concluded that the control was missing/misplaced. Later, we found out the approach road went on much longer than mapped so we weren't starting the trek portion where we thought. In trying to relocate, that was the 1 question I neglected to ask ("are we SURE we're starting at point X?") so I feel bad about that. Ahhh...so it goes! We ended up 2nd (I think?? Maybe not -- pending results...), 2 hours after Rib Mtn. (and 1 less CP).

I was pleased w/ how I felt fitness-wise. Bike pace was stiff and we did a fair amount of running during the easy nav sections. Good layering selections w/ chilly/windy start, slow warming, and warm sun later. Good fueling (no wrapper/bite-sized stuff in stem bag/hip belt pocket) & hydration (2.5 L water). Popped a few salt-stick caps here and there.

We worked great as a team & had a lot of laughs. All CPs were correctly placed and format/location was delightful. If you don't mind a bit of umm, "rustic grime" (a mouse ate my cheetos!), the heated sleeping cabin and hot showers were super convenient. Great 6hr course too. Easy drive from STL. Not a lot of teams so hopefully the RD will be able to market a little more next year.

C • Great job! 3

Sparring class. Compromise - could have done all 3 classes tonight but didn't think it prudent prior to race. Balancing prep for next level test and AR.

Trash/recycle hauling.

-Hip strengthening/flexibility
-Forearm/elbow rehab

Jiu jitsu and KM L2 classes.