Training Log Archive: syd

Event: Sheltowee Extreme 12 hr AR
 

Sheltowee Extreme 12 hr AR

Drove down to KY on Friday evening. Checked in when we arrived (~9 p.m.) and received our maps. We were originally supposed to plot all the CPs, but there was an issue with the printing so we ended up just copying all the points from a master map. Fine by me! After we had our map copied we went and set up our tent and then figured out our strategy. It was a very open format, CPs in any order by any mode of travel. There was a larger NW portion and then a smaller SE portion, separated by the lake. If you wanted you could have your bike sent to the SE portion on a pontoon boat and then you could paddle over and use it to collect the CPs. We decided to tackle the NW section first since there were more CPs and then get what we could of the SE points with the time we had left over.

KFish was lead navigator for this race. We wanted to get some practice in that configuration to be prepared for longer races where I might not be able to navigate the entire time. It was weird being in charge of the punch and clue sheet. We started off on bike and headed to the singletrack section first. There were 4 CPs placed along the trail, unmapped. These sections always stress me out, but we found them all with no trouble. Trail was decent, a few down trees we had to maneuver over.

We continued on bike for a section of paved/gravel roads. Tried to find a two track from one direction, but there were lots of private property signs and barking dogs, so gave up and came in from the other direction. We then dropped our bikes for the first foot section. It involved a short swim across a river to get to the trekking points. First swim in an AR! It was fun. Although I was looking forward to a nice refreshing swim and the water turned out to be quite warm. This trekking section was slow going - really thick and lots of cliffs to navigate around. KFish nailed the navigation though! I also saw the biggest spider of my life. Gross. This trek was the beginning of the end. We forgot our electrolytes at our bikes. And on the way back to the river ran into some bees. I was only stung once, but KFish got stung 6 times.

Swam back across the river and trekked up a monster hill to our bikes. Hopped on our bikes and on the way to the next section passed a small store. KFish was not feeling that great, so we bought some cold water and rested for a few minutes. Next up was a 3 km bike out the Sheltowee Trace. Trail was in good condition and we were able to ride the majority. We got all the way out there (of course) and then KFish said he was done. He was pretty sick, so we sat for a while and then very slowly made our way back out to the road. Luckily a volunteer was pulling in to the parking lot as we got back and he gave us a ride back to the finish area. So, a DNF, but I'm just happy we made it back out from that trail.

Overall, KFish did great on navigation. We decided we prefer to stick to our usual roles (I don't like following bearings, KFish doesn't like AR navigation), but if I'm struggling we are now both confident that he'll be able to take over. I think our strategy was sound, so we are improving there. Thumbs up for swimming in AR, would totally be up for that again. Lots of AR firsts this race. Most of which I hope we don't need to repeat!

Easy spin to test out the bike. Still a bit creaky.

C • miles on the bike? 2

Started with toproping. 5.9, 5.10, 5.11 (didn't get very far)
Switched to bouldering and finished a few V2s.

Was feeling lazy.

Sooo humid.

Shaking out the legs after a long day in the car.