1^st - We would get three points in any order. At one of those points we would fill a sandbag with sand until it weighed 40 lbs and then carry it back to transition without spilling it.

2^nd - After these three points, we would be off to gather two checkpoints (CPs) on the bike. Then, when we returned to TA, we’d have another special test (plank/board walking).

3^rd - Then to two checkpoints on the run, then back to TA for two more special tests - dragging 4 sand bags and then filling up a garbage can with water until it spills over.

4^th - Then paddle/raft for two points and after all that we were finished. It was great knowing what we were going to do but it would help a lot more if we knew where we’d be going. 

It must have been funny to watch 50+ women simultaneously slamming on the brakes as we all stopped, turned around and headed back to the TA to grab our vests. At this point, my thought was just to swim and I was even thinking that when we started putting our vests on. Then, I thought about how cold and wet we’d be coming back from the water and about this same time noticed the blue inflatable raft we’d spent 30 minutes pumping up just before the race. Quick change of plans; we’d paddle out to the maps. Team Dusty Ankles did a quick grab of pfds and were off to the water with the early lead only later to turn back to get the raft, as noted in the picture. Overall, it was a rather wacky and fun way to start the race.

We quickly gathered the maps and paddled back to shore. We decided to go get the sand first in case there might be a backup for the scale later on.

We get to the sand CP and start filling. We weighed it once and it wasn’t enough and weighed it again and we were off to TA, although slowly. Once we dropped the bag of sand off at TA we headed out for the next two CPs At the dock CP we saw Little Fish and they were looking strong. At the other wash CP we made a slight nav error and ran past it. Not bad if that ended up being the only nav error. I was working hard to keep up with Vickie so I knew we were moving fast and I was thinking as long as we do well with the special tests and the rest of the nav we would have a great race.

A quick TA and we were off on the bikes. Going up the bike course we saw Team Dusty Ankles heading in with the sand bag. They were moving with Brigid carrying the bag over her shoulder and Georgie towing her. The were looking fast and strong. We had scouted the area of the bike course so we knew the terrain and what was coming up which was helpful. After we climbed up and out on the road, we had the steep dirt hill to climb and then some more climbing before getting the CP. After all that climbing, we finally headed downhill to the next CP and then through the wash which was more hard packed than it has been, thank goodness. Another quick TA to the plank special test. Vickie has great balance so I just followed her lead on right foot, left foot.

Next we were off running up a large hill that just seemed to keep going and going. This point was a bit further than I had hoped. (Funny how whenever you’re leading a race, you just want everything to lead to a quick finish.) We stamped the point and headed to our last run C by heading out on the Butcher Jones’ Trail, and the point was off of the trail, up a wash, at the end of the cove. We found the end of the cove and struggled through the bushes a bit before heading up to a trail, which was not on the map. This trail dumped us down into the wash we wanted and beyond the thick brushes. Following the left wash took us to the point which was in an area I’ve never been in before and at a bottom of what could be a small waterfall if there was water running. All in all, this was a pretty cool point.  

After this second run, it was back to TA for two more special tests and then a paddle. I was happy to be heading back in since it was starting to warm up. The first special test (which we were not so good at) involved dragging 4 of the sand bags (160 lbs!) around a cone.

The other special test involved filling up a garbage can with water, by carrying a smaller bucket to the lake to get the water. If you know the trick to this one, you put one of your teammates in the bucket thus dispersing the water and having it flow over. After the race it was fun to watch the different team strategies. Do you sit in the bucket form the beginning? Get in when it gets close? If you get in too early do you get out to help get more water risking the lost of water you already have. We ended up getting lucky and getting in a just the right time and only had to try once.

Off for the final paddle/raft. It was nice and enjoyable and as we were paddling back from the last CP we saw Dusty Ankles running on the shore from their last checkpoint. We were joking and trying to get them to tow us in. We finished it up and were able to watch the rest of the race unfold. Dusty Ankles had 2^nd place wrapped up, unless their raft popped, which didn’t happen. There was a race going on for 3^rd place though. Little Fish pulled ahead of Team FLG somewhere on the way to the last run CP. Team FLG opted for an overland route which wasn’t the most obvious choice, but one that could have paid off and was worth a shot. FLG was still within range to steal 3^rd away from Little Fish, but Little Fish proved to be superior paddlers and came in 3^rd overall and 1^st in the 3 person division.

The women’s race was fun as always and it’s awesome to watch so many women come out and participate…especially the first timers. It was a tough course with lots of climbing and strength special tests. In particular it was awesome watching Clare Norman on team Deaf Kiwi, who in fact is deaf and sometime before the race went over to my husband who was volunteering and wrote on a piece of paper “run ?? miles, bike ?? miles, raft ?? miles…didn’t say on the website” and he informed her it was supposed to be a mystery and that we don’t know until we get the maps. She ended up 1^st solo and 8^th overall. Amazing. There was also a team with a member who was 6 month pregnant….who made it look easy.  Awesome job to all.

Many thanks to the race director Rick Eastman and the many volunteers, since this race couldn’t have happened without you.