Our co-ed team did well for our first full length adventure race (5th
place).  Although individually we had competed in Sprint and Hi-Tech Races,
we had only trained together as a team two or three times.

The race was a truly rewarding experience.  The team work makes the
difference.  So very different from my running experience.  The pre race
strategy talk among our team had a common thread, to give it our best and
run a smart race.  I think we did that.  We shared the struggle and pain
and frustration for hours.   As a relatively new bike owner, I dont even
own a pair of bike shorts.  I was ready to be OFF that bike after about two
hours.  We kept each other going along the way.  Helping out with cactus in
toes, running out of water, getting lost, and lots of other little things
that really test your resolve and patience when your so tired and exhausted
and pressed by competitors.  In the end we shared the glorious feeling of
crossing the finish line together, having successfully conquered the
challenges before us all day long.  We held hands high in the air and
crossed the line running.  Team work at it's finest.

I dont know if everyone got out of the race what I did, but I'm pretty sure
my team mates did.  I plan to seek out more of these experiences because
the challenges and rewards go hand in hand.  Thank you Leiza and Jim for my
first race experience.  Thanks to you I am now completely hooked....and
will soon be the proud owner of a pair of bike shorts.

-Chris Wood