True North Blog

Training for Lionheart Continues

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!

Practicing UTM Coordinate Conversion

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

Erik Kulick leaning aginst wall with True North badge on blue shirt

About the Author

Erik is the founder of True North Wilderness Survival School. He is a police officer, EMS provider, a Wilderness EMT, and a Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine. He has been featured in national and international media, including CNN, the Associated Press, and Backpacker. To learn more about Erik, visit him on LinkedIn and be sure to follow him on Facebook and YouTube.

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