Adventure Racing- Why do I do it?

From the Mountain Run to True West: What I Learned from Adventure Racing

It's been a busy few weeks! Two weeks ago, I unexpectedly found myself participating in the mountain run for a one-day team at the Coast to Coast in New Zealand. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I surprised myself by knocking a whole 45 minutes off my fastest run time! That little win gave me a confidence boost—maybe even a little too much confidence. So, I did something a bit wild and last minute: I signed up for the 48-hour True West adventure race in Haast.

I have to admit, I was nervous. My teammates are adventure racing legends (one of them winning the Coast to Coast 13 times!), and I felt like a rookie in comparison. But, once again, I was blown away by what I was capable of. The 48-hour race was no walk in the park, though. There were moments during the race—especially when most people were sleeping—when I questioned my life choices. But, in the end, I had an absolute blast.

We started the race at 3am, racing non-stop, and finished after 34 hours of hard work. Along the way, we pushed ourselves into second place for a few hours, but after a few hiccups, we finished in 6th place. While I would’ve loved to grab a spot on the podium, I was still stoked with how we did.

So, what did I learn over the course of the race?

Mental Strength Is Key

One of the hardest parts of this race was the grueling stretch between 3am and 6am. My body was exhausted, and my mind was starting to follow suit. At one point, I started slurring my words, and I honestly thought I was going to fall asleep while walking. I had to dig deep—way deeper than I thought I could—and push through the pain. It was in those moments of sheer exhaustion that I learned just how strong the human spirit can be. It wasn’t just about my physical capabilities; it was about staying mentally tough when everything felt impossible.

A New Appreciation for My Body

Adventure racing taught me how resilient the body can be, even when the mind is screaming for rest. There were times when I wanted to quit, when I thought I could go no further, but somehow my body kept moving. The human body is capable of incredible things when you trust it and don't give up on it. I’ve got a newfound appreciation for everything my body can do when I push it to its limits.

The Art of Navigation

In any adventure race, navigation is key. You can't just follow a trail—you have to figure out where you are, where you're going, and how to get there quickly and safely. I’ve never been an expert navigator, but this race really taught me the ropes. I learned how to read the terrain and adjust our route on the fly. It's a skill I’ll definitely take with me into future races and outdoor adventures.

Moving Quickly (And Efficiently)

One thing that stands out in adventure racing is learning to move efficiently, especially when you're exhausted. Every decision counts when you're trying to cover as much ground as possible. Whether it’s taking the right path on a bike leg, finding the quickest way to cross a river, or knowing when to eat a snack (or when to hold off), moving quickly and decisively makes all the difference.

Backing Yourself and Your Decisions

There were moments when I questioned my choices—whether it was a route decision or the pace I was keeping—but throughout the race, I learned to back myself and my decisions. Trusting your gut and staying confident in your abilities is key. Adventure racing requires a huge amount of self-belief, and it’s something I’m taking with me in all areas of life.

As for the race itself? It was everything I expected and more. True West is what initially sparked my love for adventure racing, and after completing it, I’m even more hooked. It’s the kind of race that will push you to your limits, but it's also the kind of race that leaves you with a deep sense of achievement. If you’re thinking about giving adventure racing a go, I highly recommend starting with a shorter race—like the 6-hour version of True West—just to see what you’re capable of. You might surprise yourself with how much you love it.

Oh, and one last thing: I never want to see another can of Coke or a bliss ball again! But that’s part of the fun. It's about embracing the highs and lows of the journey, and that's what makes adventure racing so special.

Here’s to the next adventure!