Training for Lionheart Continues

A guest post by Janée Romesberg – a first in a series of blog posts documenting her training with True North Outdoor School.

My name is Janée Romesberg, I am 23 years old, I am in the middle of training for the upcoming 90-mile Lionheart Adventure Race in Ohiopyle, PA, and I sort of hate running.

Really.

Allow me to explain. I have been involved with organized sports (mainly soccer) since I was 5 years old, played on several traveling leagues during my adolescent years and played varsity soccer throughout my high school and college careers. I love competition and am no stranger to training hard; I simply cannot bring myself to just run for long periods of time without becoming bored to tears. After graduating from college and coming to the realization that I no longer had a competitive outlet, I looked for other ways to get that fix. I wanted to love triathlons. I wanted to love marathons. I just could not stay mentally engaged long enough to train for them. I thought that my days of serious competition were over.

Then, one magical March day, I discovered Adventure Racing.

Actually, it discovered me. Larry asked me to be his teammate for the 2012 Grass Roots Racing TURFF, an urban adventure race around Pittsburgh consisting of a bike, a run, and a paddle.  I accepted the offer, I raced with him, and I was hooked.  The problem solving that adventure racing demands keeps my mind occupied and I love being able to compete in a new, challenging way.

Now, I’m training for my first 25-hour race (and second-ever adventure race) that includes 50 miles of mountain biking, 25 miles of trekking/orienteering, 15 miles of kayaking, and a 120′ rappel. I came into the race with several years of mountain biking, kayaking and climbing experience, but had little prior orienteering experience. Thankfully, I have had True North Outdoor School to help me out in my preparation!

So far, I’ve met with Erik for a map & compass navigation session at Hartwood Acres and went for a paddle with Larry to focus on how to increase my stroke efficiency and technique.

I have already learned a lot and have really enjoyed the one-on-one time that they’ve been awesome enough to provide – even though Erik drug me through two fields of thorns during our session (see the True North Facebook photos for proof – Erik is brutal!).

To better familiarize myself with the Lionheart’s course, I’m camping in Ohiopyle this upcoming weekend. My plan is to run, bike and paddle until I simply cannot go any further. (I can’t wait!)

Be sure to check back to this blog often, as I will be providing updates about my training and a post race report!

See you outside!

Janée