Ask anyone and they will tell you the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge is six days of gruelling and ferocious competition where you discover levels of skill, determination and stamina that you never knew you possessed. Yet for those of you lucky enough to be racing this December, there’s so much more.
Any serious adventure race should be a heady mix of contrasts – the tough with the relaxed, the ups with the downs, and the enlightening highs achieved by the ultimate test of mind, body and soul.
It is this sharing of your exploits with fellow athletes around a blazing fire that will burn bright in your memories of Abu Dhabi.
Whilst you may be thinking it is not so demanding now… make no mistake, there are times in the heat of competition when you will be left pondering your own sanity and other moments where your sense of achievement will take you through the pain. Is it possible that the world’s toughest race could also be the world’s most enjoyable?
Check out the video and see for yourself (video is on ADAC website under the 'News' tab - quite a nice one. I think it is www.AR.co.za swimming, where you can see the four people in the water).
Monday, November 15, 2010
Online tracking at ADAC
Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge has introduced a new interactive online facility to help you track the race, teams, route and media opportunities surrounding the world’s most gruelling adventure race.
The new digital presentation– which can be accessed via the event’s website – is invaluable for teams looking to whet the appetites of sponsors and partners.
You can either watch it online using your browser or download the file package to your own computer. To view it locally, you will also need download and install to the free application, AdobeAir.
And keeping with the multimedia theme, make sure you check out our website, which is an important resource for you to get in the know about the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge, share videos and photos, and relive some of the greatest highlights of the past three years.
http://www.abudhabi-adventure.com/
The new digital presentation– which can be accessed via the event’s website – is invaluable for teams looking to whet the appetites of sponsors and partners.
You can either watch it online using your browser or download the file package to your own computer. To view it locally, you will also need download and install to the free application, AdobeAir.
And keeping with the multimedia theme, make sure you check out our website, which is an important resource for you to get in the know about the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge, share videos and photos, and relive some of the greatest highlights of the past three years.
http://www.abudhabi-adventure.com/
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Team shuffle: 'other' Lizelle comes on board
We've had a team shuffle. After Triple Challenge, when Adri's other knee - not the one that had given trouble a few months ago - played up, we were concerned. She went to a physio on Monday and to her biokineticist on Wednesday.
Bottomline is that there is an underlying problem and the likelyhood of a knee injury flaring up early on at ADAC is too much of a risk. Adri is understandably disappointed that she won't be racing with us but, on the bright side, she'll be able to recover and strengthen without the pressure of this multiday, high-intensity race looming on the near horizon.
Adri has so blossomed over the past few months, improving in fitness and gaining valuable paddling skills and confidence. This will stand her in very good stead going into the many exciting races on our local calendar next year. She's a pleasure to race with and I have little doubt that she'll have more competitive racing next year.
Lizelle v/d Merwe has been on the sidelines since the team was selected at the beginning of September. She has kept up her paddling and other training, ready to step in, if needed. She'll join us in Abu Dhabi.
We got together for a paddle session tonight and it went well - an absolutely beautiful evening on the dam too. Steven swung past to say hi. Lizelle S is currently writing exams; we'll see her on Sunday when we all get together for a session.
We'll all be scattered over after this weekend; Steven is away next weekend and Lizelle S is away the following weekend. And then it will be the weekend before we leave!
And yes, I realise the name thing... Lisa, Lizelle, Lizelle... Ja, some peeps gonna be getting confused! We've raced together twice now in this combination at the Kinetic Adventure sprint races. Hahaha.
Bottomline is that there is an underlying problem and the likelyhood of a knee injury flaring up early on at ADAC is too much of a risk. Adri is understandably disappointed that she won't be racing with us but, on the bright side, she'll be able to recover and strengthen without the pressure of this multiday, high-intensity race looming on the near horizon.
Adri has so blossomed over the past few months, improving in fitness and gaining valuable paddling skills and confidence. This will stand her in very good stead going into the many exciting races on our local calendar next year. She's a pleasure to race with and I have little doubt that she'll have more competitive racing next year.
Lizelle v/d Merwe has been on the sidelines since the team was selected at the beginning of September. She has kept up her paddling and other training, ready to step in, if needed. She'll join us in Abu Dhabi.
 |
| Lisa, Lizelle v/d M, Steven |
We got together for a paddle session tonight and it went well - an absolutely beautiful evening on the dam too. Steven swung past to say hi. Lizelle S is currently writing exams; we'll see her on Sunday when we all get together for a session.
We'll all be scattered over after this weekend; Steven is away next weekend and Lizelle S is away the following weekend. And then it will be the weekend before we leave!
And yes, I realise the name thing... Lisa, Lizelle, Lizelle... Ja, some peeps gonna be getting confused! We've raced together twice now in this combination at the Kinetic Adventure sprint races. Hahaha.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Triple Challenge all-day racing
The four of us (Lisa, Lizelle S., Adri and Steven) headed down to KZN this weekend for Max Cluer's Triple Challenge event. I've known of it for years but this would be my first entry. Max kindly sponsored two pairs entries in support of our team's preparations for Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge - we leave in four weeks!
Lisa
Adri and I teamed up for Triple Challenge and this was the first time that were racing together. We made a good match.
Brad and Andrew were our trusty support crew. Brad lives in Maritzburg and is a long-time friend; Andrew is Steven's twin brother. After the start, Brad dropped our bikes at the first transition; Andrew shot ahead to drop off the second K2 (Steven and I dropped the first on Saturday afternoon).
With about 3km to go, Adri's knee started playing up and needed regular stretching. She has been doing rehab for many weeks. She's running really well so this is quite an issue. She'll be at the bio on Wednesday - he'll check it out. Tough situation with four weeks to go.
After a few stretches at intervals, we ran strong into the transition where Brad was waiting with my friend Fred. Adri and I got our bike stuff together and we were off - to be stopped at the nearby railway crossing. I quite enjoyed seeing the train and its load of containers.
The bike route also seems to stay near the Comrades route and we rode a number of sections on the tar road. The single track sections, especially in the second half of the ride, were my favourite. And there was even a hike-a-bike section! It felt just like an adventure race. The route has a number of climbs, but nothing too long or terrible. A good balance overall.
We got to the paddle transition about 1h05 behind Steven and Lizelle (they took 30 mins out of us on the run; and another 30mins on the bike). I was quite looking forward to the paddle but we had been warned that the later we get there the more the wind will be blowing and the more trying the conditions.
George kindly lent us his 'love boat', a K2 Accord decorated with hearts. George and his wife, Penny, did Dusi together this year. Adri and I hopped in, with me driving, and off we went, heading for the dam wall.
We'd been told to head for the wall for the take out for the first portage and then the gazebo, which we could see, would be the put-in. Turns out the gazebo was take-out and put-in; a little 10m portage. So, we did a bit extra distance and time - no worry.
At the gazebo I got out of the boat and my upper thighs cramped - for the first time ever! Arrggghhh... not nice. The steering pedals had been a bit too far away (with boat on land when I got in, rudder was up so pedals were forward - once inside the pedals went back, away from me) so I had to stretch my legs to reach them. This must have been what did it. I had to stand for a while. A kind guy offered me some ice - he'd seen this happen to a number of people that day!
We walked around the banner and got back into the boat, after I'd adjusted the seat one notch forward. Perfect!
We set off to the far take-out, which we didn't know how to find. The checkpoint people pointed us in the right direction and off we went. I remembered what it should look like from a Google Earth image but when your eyes are almost water-level, it isn't very easy to recognise land features.
The safety boats weren't around us at all but then finally a boat came near and we asked where to go - he pointed ahead. Nearing the take-out we saw another boat and the guy told us to paddle between the buoys "over there". We couldn't see a thing! The buoys were navy blue on dark, turbulent water.
On this, I must say that Adri and I rocked. From the start of the paddle we had rough waves, which crashed on to our deck a number of times. We also paddled with waves side on and we didn't even wobble once - it was awesome! I love paddling into the wind and into the waves, so I got a lot of that too.
Approaching land we spotted another double and two singles on the beach, which was useful to show us where to get out. This was the second portage (a real one) - up and over a spur to the put-in on the other side. It went well and remains my only physical after-effect of the race (sore/bruised shoulder bones from carrying the boat).
We put-in at the same time as another girl pair. They tipped a bit at the put-in, just as we were moving off. The children swimming got a good laugh from that.
Protected from the wind the first part around the spur was pretty flat - and then we hit the action. I loved it!
And then we were at the end, welcomed by Brad, Andrew, Fred, Steven, Lizelle and George. Max, on microphone, welcomed us in. Adri and I were at the back (not very back, but back) of the field. We completed the route in 09h30.
Then back to Maritzburg to shower and then drive the 600-odd km back to Jo'burg. A long, long day.
I thoroughly enjoyed this event and I've definitely do it again. The route is pleasant, the markings were good and it makes for a super day out. Only improvement would be some buoys (not navy blue! orange, white, red, yellow would be better) on the paddle and bright feather banners at the second portage take-out. I guess, as an adventure racer, that I'm not very good at following pointing fingers - I like knowing where I'm going.
Very big thanks for Max Cluer, who sponsored our entries to his race in support of our preparations for Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge. Thanks to George for the use of his 'love boat' and two splashies. Fred, super to see you in person - thank you for cheering for us. And bit thanks to Brad and Andrew for taking such good care of us and our bikes and stuff on this long day out. And Adri, I thoroughly enjoyed our day together - it was a pleasure to do this race with you.
Lizelle S.
In my preperation for the event this weekend, all I kept saying to myself was that "this is exactly like a triathlon". I was completely WRONG!!! This was ten times more exciting, more breath-taking and more challenging that any triathlon I have ever done.
My awesome team mate, Steven, and I decided to go HARD from the start. Unfortunately, my 20km run was did not go exactly as I planned - let's just say I made a
few extra runs to the bushes, which did not help at all. After our 20km run I felt so sick. Steven gave me alot of encouraging words and on the biking leg I felt as if I was back in the game.
I have no idea where we rode but I definitely know it was the most hilliest climbs ever, which I soooo loved. The down hills were by far my weakest point kept on thinking, "I cannot get injured now, Abu Dhabi is around the corner", so that made me perhaps too cautious. However, we still had an amazing ride, at that stage we were first in our category (mixed pairs), without knowing it.
The paddling leg was a lot more challenging than we expected, especially, the over-the-hill portage leg. All my shoulders can say is OUCHY!
As we eventually reached the end, a mixed team came sprinting past us. We were at such a chilled stage that we thought "Ah, well let them get whatever place", which it turned out was first place! BIG MISTAKE from our part, but at least we still had great fun.
I can honestly say that it was a smart option to do my first Triple Challenge with a team mate, as without one I might have, dare I say, WITHRAWN from the race, especially since I felt like hell at the start. Having someone with you makes you so much more driven to succeed. When I am all grown-up one day, I would love to give the individual race a go - one of my new goals.
 |
| Lizelle, Steven, Lisa and Adri |
Adri and I teamed up for Triple Challenge and this was the first time that were racing together. We made a good match.
 |
| Lisa and Adri |
We started running at 05h30 from Maritzburg and the course seemed to never stray too far from the Comrades route (same with the bike - until we dropped into the valley leading to Inanda Dam). Adri and I took the run nice and easy, paying heed to advice from friends. The run is a nice one along jeep track and single trail. I really enjoy the vegetation in KZN - very fresh, lush and green, which is such a contrast to the highveld, even in summer!
 |
| A pretty tree-lined avenue |
 |
| Adri running down a trail towards one of the five waterpoints |
The bike route also seems to stay near the Comrades route and we rode a number of sections on the tar road. The single track sections, especially in the second half of the ride, were my favourite. And there was even a hike-a-bike section! It felt just like an adventure race. The route has a number of climbs, but nothing too long or terrible. A good balance overall.
We got to the paddle transition about 1h05 behind Steven and Lizelle (they took 30 mins out of us on the run; and another 30mins on the bike). I was quite looking forward to the paddle but we had been warned that the later we get there the more the wind will be blowing and the more trying the conditions.
George kindly lent us his 'love boat', a K2 Accord decorated with hearts. George and his wife, Penny, did Dusi together this year. Adri and I hopped in, with me driving, and off we went, heading for the dam wall.
We'd been told to head for the wall for the take out for the first portage and then the gazebo, which we could see, would be the put-in. Turns out the gazebo was take-out and put-in; a little 10m portage. So, we did a bit extra distance and time - no worry.
At the gazebo I got out of the boat and my upper thighs cramped - for the first time ever! Arrggghhh... not nice. The steering pedals had been a bit too far away (with boat on land when I got in, rudder was up so pedals were forward - once inside the pedals went back, away from me) so I had to stretch my legs to reach them. This must have been what did it. I had to stand for a while. A kind guy offered me some ice - he'd seen this happen to a number of people that day!
We walked around the banner and got back into the boat, after I'd adjusted the seat one notch forward. Perfect!
We set off to the far take-out, which we didn't know how to find. The checkpoint people pointed us in the right direction and off we went. I remembered what it should look like from a Google Earth image but when your eyes are almost water-level, it isn't very easy to recognise land features.
The safety boats weren't around us at all but then finally a boat came near and we asked where to go - he pointed ahead. Nearing the take-out we saw another boat and the guy told us to paddle between the buoys "over there". We couldn't see a thing! The buoys were navy blue on dark, turbulent water.
On this, I must say that Adri and I rocked. From the start of the paddle we had rough waves, which crashed on to our deck a number of times. We also paddled with waves side on and we didn't even wobble once - it was awesome! I love paddling into the wind and into the waves, so I got a lot of that too.
Approaching land we spotted another double and two singles on the beach, which was useful to show us where to get out. This was the second portage (a real one) - up and over a spur to the put-in on the other side. It went well and remains my only physical after-effect of the race (sore/bruised shoulder bones from carrying the boat).
We put-in at the same time as another girl pair. They tipped a bit at the put-in, just as we were moving off. The children swimming got a good laugh from that.
Protected from the wind the first part around the spur was pretty flat - and then we hit the action. I loved it!
And then we were at the end, welcomed by Brad, Andrew, Fred, Steven, Lizelle and George. Max, on microphone, welcomed us in. Adri and I were at the back (not very back, but back) of the field. We completed the route in 09h30.
Then back to Maritzburg to shower and then drive the 600-odd km back to Jo'burg. A long, long day.
I thoroughly enjoyed this event and I've definitely do it again. The route is pleasant, the markings were good and it makes for a super day out. Only improvement would be some buoys (not navy blue! orange, white, red, yellow would be better) on the paddle and bright feather banners at the second portage take-out. I guess, as an adventure racer, that I'm not very good at following pointing fingers - I like knowing where I'm going.
Very big thanks for Max Cluer, who sponsored our entries to his race in support of our preparations for Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge. Thanks to George for the use of his 'love boat' and two splashies. Fred, super to see you in person - thank you for cheering for us. And bit thanks to Brad and Andrew for taking such good care of us and our bikes and stuff on this long day out. And Adri, I thoroughly enjoyed our day together - it was a pleasure to do this race with you.
Lizelle S.
In my preperation for the event this weekend, all I kept saying to myself was that "this is exactly like a triathlon". I was completely WRONG!!! This was ten times more exciting, more breath-taking and more challenging that any triathlon I have ever done.
My awesome team mate, Steven, and I decided to go HARD from the start. Unfortunately, my 20km run was did not go exactly as I planned - let's just say I made a
few extra runs to the bushes, which did not help at all. After our 20km run I felt so sick. Steven gave me alot of encouraging words and on the biking leg I felt as if I was back in the game.
I have no idea where we rode but I definitely know it was the most hilliest climbs ever, which I soooo loved. The down hills were by far my weakest point kept on thinking, "I cannot get injured now, Abu Dhabi is around the corner", so that made me perhaps too cautious. However, we still had an amazing ride, at that stage we were first in our category (mixed pairs), without knowing it.
The paddling leg was a lot more challenging than we expected, especially, the over-the-hill portage leg. All my shoulders can say is OUCHY!
As we eventually reached the end, a mixed team came sprinting past us. We were at such a chilled stage that we thought "Ah, well let them get whatever place", which it turned out was first place! BIG MISTAKE from our part, but at least we still had great fun.
I can honestly say that it was a smart option to do my first Triple Challenge with a team mate, as without one I might have, dare I say, WITHRAWN from the race, especially since I felt like hell at the start. Having someone with you makes you so much more driven to succeed. When I am all grown-up one day, I would love to give the individual race a go - one of my new goals.
 |
| Steven in front with Lizelle coming up. Photo from Triple Challenge Facebook gallery |
Tent testing
This weekend, at Triple Challenge, we opened up tents to select the one that will be carried during the desert trekking stage. this is the only time that we physically have to carry our tents; on the paddle stage they go in the kayaks and for the rest they're transported to transitions by race organisation in our crates.
Although the tent is a bit of a squeeze, I reassured the team, "It's only for about four hours!". It's so worth carrying less for a bit of a cosy night. Sleeping top-to-tail we fit pretty well. Race rules specify that we have to sleep inside a sealed tent (incorporated ground sheet) in the desert - to keep the scorpions out!
Although the tent is a bit of a squeeze, I reassured the team, "It's only for about four hours!". It's so worth carrying less for a bit of a cosy night. Sleeping top-to-tail we fit pretty well. Race rules specify that we have to sleep inside a sealed tent (incorporated ground sheet) in the desert - to keep the scorpions out!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Triple Challenge this weekend
We're headed to KZN this weekend for Max Cluer's Triple Challenge. It's a multisport event with a 23km trail run, 50-off kilometres of mountain biking and 18km paddle on Inanda Dam. The event allows for various team formats; we're entering two pairs and we'll do all disciplines in our pairs (there are relay options too).
Lisa will be racing with Adri and Steven will race with Lizelle.
Lisa will be racing with Adri and Steven will race with Lizelle.
Super rogaine
This past weekend Steven and Lisa ran as a pair in the annual 8hr rogaine, a time-limited, point-score orienteering discipline. Adri also competed, running with her adventure racing teammate, Con. Lizelle S missed the event as she was wrapping up her final project for her studies.
Lisa's report on the rogaine is on her blog at adventurelisa.blogspot.com
Lisa's report on the rogaine is on her blog at adventurelisa.blogspot.com
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