Adventure race anyone? Why endurance racing calls to me

On my 50th birthday I chose to compete in a 10-hour adventure race with my husband and 16 yo son.

 I can’t tell you how many people looked at me funny when I told them this was my choice for how to spend my day, but those who really know me understood.  There is something about pushing myself physically and mentally that makes me feel alive.

I did not grow up being active or even really that physical.  My family didn’t hike or bike or compete in races.  I played softball until I quit my senior year of high school, but I was no athlete.  I hated gym class and was usually picked last for dodgeball (cringe).

In college I admit to spending more time sleeping or hanging out with friends (or going to parties if I’m being honest!) than I did exercising.  I dipped my toes in a few gym classes, but mainly to pick up a few extra credits here and there.  Although I did love my fencing class at UM!  I don’t remember ever seeing the inside of the gym outside of my weightlifting class.

Law school was the same.  I did occasionally venture into the gym for the dreaded stairmaster, but really not much more. 

It wasn’t until I hit my mid 20’s and met my ex-husband.  He was a soccer player and ran for fun (oh the horror!).  He convinced me I should exercise with him, so I started and never looked back. 

I started slowly with 5k’s and worked my way up to the sport of triathlon (swim, bike and run).  No matter how much I try though, I’m not much of a runner – too many leg/hip issues.  But I pushed through because I liked how competing felt.  I liked the adrenaline rush and the tremendous sense of accomplishment when I finished what I set out to achieve. 

Did I win races? Absolutely not.  Winning wasn’t why I competed.  It was always more personal to me.  I enjoy setting a goal for myself and pushing myself to reach that goal.  Plus the bling is pretty cool.

Triathlon

Triathlon is an interesting sport.  It combines events that are difficult enough alone and makes them even tougher.  This appealed to me on many levels.

Triathletes are interesting people to say the least.  Most tend to be very Type A; who love gadgets and schedules for training and keeping stats.  This also appealed to me.

I have competed in a large number of sprint triathlons, Olympic distance triathlons and 2 half-ironman triathlons.  I was never interested in trying the big daddy of triathlon – the Ironman.  I have lots of medals, t-shirts and memories to remember these years.  I even have one trip to the hospital in an ambulance to remember my triathlon years (hydration did NOT go as planned).

A podium showing for all of us!

There is something so strangely rewarding in pushing your body past where you feel like you need to quit.  This may sound crazy to non-endurance athletes, but that feeling of accomplishment is amazing.

As I’ve gotten older though I’ve had to listen to my body more and finally admitted to myself in the past 8 years that running wasn’t in the cards anymore.  Then I found Aquabike which is basically a triathlon minus the run.  The first one I competed in, I loved!  It was such a great feeling to be done after finishing my bike ride.  There was still a lot of competition and pressure in Aquabike since I was competing side by side with triathletes.  And there is no getting around the fact that it is still really hard to swim in open water and then ride your bike for miles and miles.

Adventure racing

Then my husband and I found Adventure racing and I was in love.

we got a little wet!

I have always enjoyed hiking and took up mountain biking in my late 30’s.  Mountain biking is exhilarating and allows me to spend time in the woods (one of my truly favorite things). I am not an aggressive rider and don’t have too much ego to walk my bike down a steep hill or over rocks.  I do have a very healthy fear of falling.

If you are not familiar, the sport of Adventure racing involves trekking and orienteering, mountain biking and paddling.  The races are anywhere from 6 to 24 hours- we stay in the 10–12-hour range. 

These races combine so many of the things my husband and I enjoy doing together.  And he’s very good at the orienteering part, me not so much.  I mean, I’d be able to find my way out of the woods, but it might take me awhile!

We have done several a year since we started and find each one a wonderful challenge.

So, as I trudged along the trail, 7 hours and 25 miles into our adventure race on my birthday this year, I again questioned my sanity.  I mean at this point, I’m exhausted, my legs are sore, and my feet are on fire.  I was literally closing my eyes trudging along.  I felt like I couldn’t take another step, but then I did. 

And then I kept going because quitting is not an option (also because we were in the middle of the woods and had to get back!)

This is what I love about endurance racing.  It pushes me to go past where I am comfortable.  It makes me test not just my physical strength, but my mental strength and perseverance.  I feel strong and badass.

It makes me feel alive. 

And that feeling is definitely worth some sore feet.