The MOMAR Journey

So while I was in Spain, I chatted with my friend Indigo Eve. She asked if I'd like to participate in an event happening on Sept 26th called Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race. There are 2 courses, the 50 km Enduro and the 30 km Sport Course. The race is made up of Kayaking, Trekking, Trail Running, Mountain Biking & Orienteering. We decided on doing the Sport Course and I started some running and biking right away, while I was still in Spain.

I had very little experience on a mountain bike and in a kayak. I didn't know how to use a compass or read a proper Orienteering map. I had only done a couple hikes up steep hills, which leaves only trail running that I have a bit of experience in.

Luckily I had a very patient, fit, bright teammate! We paddled together 3 times in preparation for the race, only to find that I am incredibly inefficient at paddling. Indigo has experience in a Dragon Boat more than a Kayak, but remains a much better paddler. She sat in the back and took care of the steering and power, hehe.

After fighting four days of jet lag, I went for my first trail run in Victoria. I went RIGHT over on my left ankle 8 minutes into the run. A bad start to my training! This happened September 5th, only a few weeks to go until Race Day!

Now on the subject of Mountain Biking... I am scared of downhills! I don't know why I can ride a sportbike but panic on a mountain bike. My first experience in Cumberland (where the race was taking place) was a wet wednesday night with the Uroc girls. They go out every week in 5 different groups based on skill level. I joined the Beginner Group and told the leader that I was scared of hills lol. When they found out I had never ridden in the trails, they all raised their eyes. I was about to find out why! We went into a VERY rooty trail called Two & a Juice. My bike was sliding everywhere, I kept having to put my foot down and then try to keep going. There were drops, rocks, roots, stumps, trees, and a wood bridge that I had to navigate over. All this, before the big downhills! Once we got to the hills, we all jumped off our bikes (4 of us) to find out the best way to go down. It was steep and rocky at first, and then there were 2 drops at the bottom. One off a rock and the other off a root. Since it was wet, there was a big mud puddle right at the bottom.

The leader went down, then the other 2 made it down without problems. I tried to go but kept stopping at the top. I was about to give up and then I somehow convinced myself that I "have to learn sometime" (this is 3 weeks before the race), so I ran my bike back up and started again. As I am coming down a bit too slow, my leader is yelling "Commit! Commit!" because of the rocks at the top. If you go too slow, those rocks will turn out handlebars. Anyway, when I heard commit, I pretty much let go of my brakes. I picked up speed, flew off the first drop, flew off the second drop, and then my tires hit the soft mud at the bottom and turned my bike sideways. I flew off onto my left ankle, hip and shoulder. My racepack was full of clothes so I think they softened the blow on my back. It was not a successful day. At least I got an idea about what kind of obstacles I would be facing for the race!

After that, I think training got better. My brother took me out on the bikes to help me, and tell me how to go over drops, roots, logs etc. That was really helpful and I am grateful for all of his help! We discovered that I had problems with my chain, my back tire had no traction, and I needed new front and back brakes. While in the bike shop, we also got a Bash Guard put on instead of the biggest ring on my gearing. This helped BIG TIME so that I could slide over obstacles instead of the teeth grabbing the wood and throwing me into my handlebars.

Kayaking never really got any better. I should have gone out to Royston to get help from Mr. Craig. I was taking my training seriously, but also really enjoying being back at home.

Here is a digression to tell you everything else going on in September, while also training for the race!

I made it home just in time for my niece Hannah's 8th Birthday! Judi and I got some decorations and made a surprise birthday party for her. It was so great! She was very thankful and appreciative of everything. We stopped by Bradens first hockey school experience as well. It was great to see him and see how much he has improved!

I insured my motorcycle and had an AMAZING day at the track and a great weekend on the mainland with Teresa. We hungout on Friday, did the trackday on Saturday, then I did the Grouse Grind with my cousin Crystl and friend John on the Sunday. The weather this September has been awesome!!!

My parents fixed up a room for me at their new house, which is spectacular. The view and location were great, my room was awesome! It was SO quiet everyday, I was able to get as much sleep as I wanted. I got to go on a few bike rides with my niece and nephew, and spend days with my family around the Valley.

Okay! Back to the MOMAR!

The Saturday before the race, Indigo and I went out with her friend Brian and the MOMAR maps from last year! We took the compass but ended up just wandering around Cumberland, climbing up for 2 hours, then taking different trails back to the cars. It was good to get familiar with the trails. Later we did an hour bikeride in the NorthEast woods. I was frustrated but it ended up being pretty fun.

By the time the race week rolled around, we had kayaked a few times and I had biked in the trails about 6 times. I was acquiring some skills and becoming less scared of what might be around the next corner! Indigo was much more faithful with her running and had far better endurance than myself. I hoped she wouldn't be disappointed in my endurance during the race!

We registered on the Friday night and it was all getting exciting at that point. The atmosphere was great, and despite our conversations "what have we gotten ourselves into", we were looking forward to it. I went home on Friday night and prepped. I made the mistake of never using any powergels or electrolyte replacing drinks during my training. The rule is "don't try anything new on race day" but I scrapped that. I bought some Chomps at the running store, filled my 2L camelpak with Accelerade, and hoped for the best!

Leading up to the race had lots of ups and downs. We had a few goals for the race, and they were:

1. Complete the race in one piece.

2. Meet all of the time cutoffs.

3. Not finish last in our category!

See "Race Day" to see how it all went! All in all, what a fantastic September. I am soooo happy that I came home a month early from Europe. I have always wanted to enjoy the Coast and I really feel like I took advantage of a lot of things the Valley has to offer.