Storm the Trent: race report
On Saturday I did an adventure race with my dad.
I like my dad, and I bet you would, too.
The race was four hours long (from 1pm to 5pm). For every MINUTE you were late, you were deducted 10 points. There were two mandatory checkpoints (one on bike, one by canoe) and 12 optional checkpoints where you could gather points.
So we started with a quick 15-20 minute run, to break the bike start up, and then we set out on our bikes. Now, I'm not a super fast biker. It's definitely my worst triathlon event, and that's saying a lot considering a rescue boat once tried to come save me during the swim portion of a triathlon. But I've been going to a lot of spin class, and doing a lot of leg focussed weight lifting, so I'd like to think I've improved.
Well, I was rocking on the bike. I was just pounding the trails. Punishing the hills for ever existing. But my dad was being super slow! I was trying to be encouraging ("Lookin' good, let's get that stroke rate up") but eventually turned to saying things like, "just do it, 20 more minutes, push!" He was having trouble with his gears, too. Eventually we switched bikes and I discovered that his saddle was like, 2 inches too short. For me. And he's about half a foot taller than I am. In addition, something was majorly messed up with his derailer, and so I had to fix the chain by hand and then ride the rest in one gear. So then he starting creaming me... turns out I'm not that fast, my dad was just on a terribly out of tune bike. Darn.
So on the bike we stopped at 1 checkpoint worth 40 points, and 1 worth 20 points. We got to the transition area at a little after 3, thinking two full hours would be plenty of time to canoe out, visit some running check points, and canoe back. You know, a canoe portion should only be about 20 minutes each way, right?
Wrong. It was 55 minutes each way. So basically we canoed our hearts out for almost two hours, since as soon as we arrived at the checkpoint we had to turn around to make it back for 5pm.
We made it back with a few minutes to spare, but seriously hardly anybody else did. The results aren't up and we had to skip the awards ceremony, but even though we only visited two of twelve check points, we're hoping that other teams lost enough late points that we might have done alright.
So it was a great day with my dad over all. Unfortunately, it was supposed to be cold so I wore a long sleeve shirt with no sunscreen. But then it was warm so I took the long sleeve shirt off and this is what happened:
Aye Carumba. The burn is way less now, but I'm going to have a fantastic tan line for the rest of the summer, I bet.
On Sunday I was incredibly sore, but did that stop me from playing two back to back soccer games? No sir!
So on Monday I was INCREDIBLY sore (I hadn't played soccer in a while), but did that stop me from sprinting out on my bike to buy more printer ink to print a report that was due that afternoon? I wish!
Moral of the story. Stretch. And wear sunscreen.
20 comments:
Awesome tan line and sounds like a super fun race! I wish my dad and I could do something like that together.
wow, sounds great fun! and the arm looks seriously impressive! ouch!
;-)
Ow at the tan line and the stiffness (I feel your pain... I get it every Monday after rugby) but well done to you both for completing it.
Let us know what the final score is.
Wow, I was so happy for you that you were beating your dad, and so disappointed to find out it was the bike's fault! Still, go you guys for finishing on time. Let us know when you find out the results!
Eh, the tan line won't be so bad. It's a good war wound from your race :)
Do you always stand quite so neat?
Tan lines are a sign of a true athlete. Have you ever seen a cyclist in a shower?
way to go Skins and Dad! Maybe you will get a big trophy in the mail...
p.s. Did you not think to try riding the bikes BEFORE the race started?
What an awesome and fun race! (Except for the nasty sun burn.) Congratulations to you and Daddy Far!
This sounds awesome. I wish I had your determination, stamina or whatever else you need to enter one of these things. Go you!
That sounds so cool! If only my Dad weren't in exponentially better shape than me. He'd leave me in the dust.
Ouch ouch ouch! That sunburn made me cringe.
But you're awesome for even doing that race! Gah, you're so active, I love it!
ooh, how fun! congrats on finishing on time.. def update us on the overall standings.
that arm looks painful. i know me some burn pain. THANKS, IRISH DAD.
oh wow that sounds awesome. incredibly tiring, but awesome.
Holy cow... have fun with that tan line!
Lisa, you're craaaazzzy. those adventure races are hard on the knees (joints, back, exposed skin....) but I admire your excercise standards.
Good for you! Fingers crossed the results are told soon. Also, I'm pretty sure that I'm going to have some wicked tan lines this summer. Those brides are going to have to deal with MC's who are out in the sun.
(And for the record, I've already been asked what color of dress I'm wearing to see to make sure it's going to go with the wedding decor. For real.)
You're awesome, Lisa! Good for you! And also very cool that you and your dad did it together. :)
Race sounds excellent- and competing with your dad must be great - even if he does get the knackered bike!
That looks/sounds so fun! I want my dad to join me in my races! I think he would rather ride his dirtbike alongside me though. :)
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