first things first

Adventure Racing is a lot of things--challenging, inspiring, team-building, soul-searching. There are many disciplines to develop, personal training to maintain, and schedules to coordinate. But for right now, join me in contemplating our real motivations. For me the first thing is really the people - and I don't mean that in a corporate human resources lip service way. How do I know this? My teammates are the number one reason I pursue competing in races. And our fellow racers keep me wanting to come back each year, explore new races, and even create a regional race for all of us. (By the way, if you're looking for a surprisingly impressive arena in a quiet little corner of the midwest, be sure to check out the Dominion Race)

The experiences we have are rich and memorable. But think about the parts we look forward to the most - the team meetings before a big race, arriving at an event and seeing familiar faces, comparing notes and guessing what the racing is going to throw at us. And maybe the most anticipated of all - finishing! Sure, when the race is over and the suffering subsides it's a great feeling. But at a higher level we love when fellow participants gather afterward to smile at one another with weary faces and laugh about the highs and the lows that we all uniquely but collectively endured. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

I look forward to geeking out about the things we geek out on - and we'll get to that. But just know how much I value all of you - can't wait to see you out there...