NSP SPorts - 120km adventure race

Adventure Racing has become an integral part of my life and has added so much value to what I do on a daily basis. This past weekend I took 3 novice racers, Gerhard, Xuan and Caitlin to experience this same satisfaction of personal accomplishment as I do at every race. The goal was never to compete in the race but to get them over the finish line. There was a nervous feeling in the air as they did not know what to expect. Even-though I told them before the race what to expect, nothing can prepare you for the real thing. I could see it their eyes that they were ready and off we went. 

​We started with a 500m run to the boats. The energy in and around us was electric and we loved every second of it.
Then can the part I feared most for the team. The paddle…..The 3 did not train for this part of the race and it was decided that myself and Xuan would tow them from the start to ensure they have enough strength left for the rest of the race. The 1st 4km paddle went well, but we looked forward to get off the boats.
Then the fun part started. 8km run/hike to fetch 2 CP’s. We jogged along the shoreline of the magnificent Sterkfontein Dam and was blown away by how beautiful it was. Before we knew, we had finished the 8km and back onto the boats.
7km paddle stood between us and the rest of the race. This was a tough section for me as we were still towing Gerhard and Caitlin. We had to work twice as hard to keep us going forward and straight. But I knew what I had to do to ensure that they finish the race. I realized more than ever that Adventure Racing is about sacrifice. Not just for you, but for the team. You have to do what is necessary to keep the spirit and moral up in the team. Finally we got to the end of the paddle, and we all went straight for the coke that I promised them we would have. Ahhhhh, now that was tasty!!
 
Onto the bikes for 61 km cycle. INSANE start to the bike. With small but very steep hills I had to start towing at a very early stage of the race. Again, I had to do what was necessary. It was very hot and I could see the sun taking its toll on the team. Xuan also has to start towing Caitlin as I could not push and pull anymore. As we went along a met a few teams on route and was awesome to see the comradery within Adventure Racing. The back teams always seem to help each other where they can. As we went down a lekker downhill, Diane, from Team Sleepy Dragons took a nasty fall and seemed to have broken her wrist. Without hesitation, my team stopped to help her. When we have made her comfortable we carried on with the race. It was so good to see the selflessness my team showed to a complete stranger to them. These are valuable lessons that will benefit you in your daily lives, and got to experience it first-hand.
 
The rest of the ride went well until one silly mistake. A mistake that I will never make again, as you learn something new every race. I thought we were to close for the turn off and carried on thinking it was still coming. Turned out  that I was wrong and we went 4km past the turn off. When I realized the mistake I made I could see the team was not very impressed but they did not say anything and just turned around and started cycling back. Jonathan from Team Sleeping Dragons were with us and we could not believe the mistake me made. But, as we started cycling back, we saw the most magnificent sun set. It just shows that there is a silver lining to every bad situation. You must just know where to look for it. 69 km later we arrived at transition.
 
I told the team they can sleep for 30 min while I get everything ready for the 28km night hike. So I did the maps, got dressed, packed the backpacks and then made coffee for them to ensure when they wake up, they have something warm to drink and will be ready for the hike.
 
We teamed up with my good friend Jonathan from Team Sleepy Dragons to take on the night. It was such fun spending the night with them as we had some good laughs, stories and memories made. Navigation went very well through the night, but the course through some nasty climbs at us. 2 big ones stood out. From CP 8 up onto the plateau and then the climb up to CP 10. These climbs very much illustrates how life works. When life gets tough and  you think you not going to make it, to push through the pain and the tiredness, as the view from the top is so worth it. The feeling of accomplishment is such a powerful tool and will bring you back to light where anything is possible again.
 
The next few CP’s we found easily and off to the finish line we went. As we crossed the line I was filled with pride as we finished the complete race, with all CP’s and all team members. For anyone to finish an Adventure Race is an accomplishment, but to do it on your first try is just impressive. They showed courage, true grit, mental endurance and insane team work. 3 Soldiers that just marched on and braved the elements that the course through at them. You can be so proud of yourselves as you have done something not many people would even try and do. Many people do not understand why we do AR, and is very difficult to put into words, but hopefully by showing you what AR is, you can appreciate life for what it is. A gift from God. Be grateful for what you have and NEVER underestimate yourself. You are destined for greatness!!!