Janée’s Latest Race Report
Janée filed this report as she prepared last minute details for her adventure race this weekend.
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A lot of time and energy has gone into preparing for those 24 long and grueling hours! The race begins at 8:00 AM this morning and will end at 8:00 AM tomorrow.
Because I have some final race preparations to complete before the race begins, I have reduced the last several weeks since my first post into a series of bullet points:
- I spent one weekend in Ohiopyle biking and running the same trails that I will be hitting this weekend. Lessons learned: #1: Wear high socks on race day to protect from the stinging nettle JUNGLES that I will be facing. #2: Blackberry thickets are everywhere in Ohiopyle, and can either be an excellent PMA-booster or the bane of my existence. #3: Master the art of clipless pedals before attempting to bike from town to the top of Sugarloaf.
- While in Ohiopyle, a Copperhead struck at me and missed me by less than a half-inch. I can’t think of a sensation more terrifying than feeling the wind of a flying venomous snake against your ankle.
- I spent a ridiculous amount of time in REI deciding which kind of energy gels/bars I wanted. I settled on Honey Stinger and PROBAR products, as their ingredient lists didn’t require me to use my chemistry background to understand what I would be consuming.
- I met with Erik over coffee and we discussed how to use the highly controversial, yet race-required snakebite kit. We also went over the first aid kit supplies and had a refresher on some basic first aid. I hold a Wilderness First Responder certification, but after a year of little to no use, it was great to cover these skills and protocols again.
- I purchased gear.
- A lot of gear.
- Erik and I went over plotting UTM coordinates, shooting bearings, and dead reckoning one last time. We also reviewed nighttime and long distance navigation tips. These skills will be vital this weekend!
- I added some scars to my collection while mountain biking in Frick Park.
- I reviewed how to rappel safely and not end up like this guy.
- I checked, rechecked, and checked my gear list again. It’s all there.
I’m ready.
Check back after the 12th to see if I made it out of the woods alive!
See you outside,
Janée
