Broken into two parts, Day 1 consisted of a 26km bike/run/swim/kayak/run/kayak multithon and then a monster 33k kayak to our first bivouac. The multithon went ok, we were in second to last place coming out of the swim and again beginning our second kayak but that was probably expected as we're not professional athletes. That said, some of the athletes here are incredible. Absolute machines.
About 15k into our monster kayak, trouble hit. I think a combination of fatigue, frustration and underpreparation got the better of us. The Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge has a simple formula: If teams are not to X location by Y time, they simply will not make the checkpoint and will have to turn back. This is as much for competitor safety as it is for efficiently running a race. Unfortunately, such was our fate. After 2.5 hours of paddling on choppy seas, we were returned to the beach.
After a couple of somber hours, we all began talking about how underprepared we were for this section. Looking back, it's true. Given our training and preparation for kayaking, I'm sad to say that this was probably inevitable. The guys are a bit gutted but we're holding together. We're off to the desert leg this afternoon. We've prepared for this bit and should actually turn in a pretty good result. The kayak section is behind us; nothing we can do now. We need to focus on our desert trek.
For those of you following, send us some good vibes.
JRo
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Just keep looking forward - you'v still got a massive challenge ahead. You always new the kayaking was going to be your biggest challenge. Some of the other teams have been preparing for this for years. Keep going lads- Just be the best you can be. Your still our heroes. Good luck and take care. x Matts Ma & Pa xxx
ReplyDeleteJust do your best for your own personal experiences - What memories you will have.
ReplyDeleteRacing kayaks in choppy seas demands technical skills that take years to perfect. You have done really well in the circumstances. You can look forward with confidence now to the desert treks. We will be thinking of you all and (remotely) cheering you on!
ReplyDeleteRoland and Alice
Guys, look after yourselves and keep plodding on. Remember you are doing this for the memories not medals so take a look at each other and think how amazing it will be to look back at this over a beer at the weekend. Muchos respect. Jamie (can't play rugby anymore) Knights.
ReplyDelete