Unbelievable.

We got up early on Saturday morning, K-Rod was dropped off at 7 a.m. and we were on the road by 7:10 a.m. We stopped just north of Newcastle for some carbs. We chatted and sang and just tried to contain our nervous energy. We stopped again in Kinmount, a little hamlet just southwest of Bark Lake. We visited the lovely public restrooms and the Valumart to stock up on snacks for after the race. We ran into our 2 fearless leaders, Shane and Susie who were going to grab some grub. Onward to Bark Lake...where Gail Van Awesome had already checked into the Tamarack Cabin, our home for the next 24 hours. It was a large room, with cots and ....drum roll...a bathroom (not all the cabins had bathrooms, so this was a luxury but with 8 girls we definitely needed it). We unloaded our gear, dropped our bikes and went to register for the race. We received our race packages, t-shirts etc. We then sat, reviewed our maps and ate. At 1:30 we boarded the yellow school bus that was taking us to the start of the bike portion of the race. We had 7 minutes to spare when we were dropped...I felt like I had to pee and I was going to be sick at the same time!!! haha. 2 p.m. RockstAR started.
The first portion of the biking was extremely hard. Lots of mud, lots of hills, more hills, steeper hills. Then we arrived on pavement for a little, which then turned into gravel. This was a combination of hills and flat, some big hills, some little hills, some awesome downhills too. Then the OPP stopped traffic while we crossed the highway for a short stretch and into Bark Lake. We had commented driving in, in the morning how long the driveway was...we got to enjoy it again on our bikes...5 km. We were stoked when the CPA came into view...time to get off the bikes and continue the journey. However, we were greeted by RockstAR volunteers for a random mandatory gear check - our hats. None of us had our hats, we didn't think we needed them since we would have our helmets. 30 minutes penalty, no negotations. We were very disappointed because our hats were at the top of the gear bin but it gave us time to gather our thoughts and get ready for the next portion.

30 minutes down, onto the canoe portion. We started out with a relatively easy CP on a beach. Then a hard CP, 41. We spent about 15 minutes looking for it and thanks to another team found it. 61 was located in the middle of Bark Lake. We had planned on 60 next but the current was getting strong, so we went back to shore and did the dives. 3 easy CP's. I dove in and got the easy one first...I kicked myself because I could have gotten all 3 in one swoop...so the next time I grabbed 2. Then we headed to the CP on the point. There was 20 minutes remaining...go for one more CP and maybe be late or head to the finish line now. Our team decision was to head to the finish rather than be late...hindsight is that we made the right choice...we heard the CP was difficult to get to and hard to find. PHEW! 3 hours 47 minutes and 520 points. Unbelievable. The other Phat Chicks/RaceDay Rush teams finished and we all celebrated. Dinner was followed by Awards Ceremony. We clapped for all the teams. Then they announced that 3rd place for 3-Female-4 hour was "Scenic Route"..."what are they talking about? It must be a mistake" is all I could think...we came in 3rd place? haha. Talk about UNBELIEVABLE. None of us had done anything like this before, we stopped to take pics, we didn't take the Scenic Route but we had FUN!!! That was one of our stipulations about our team. FUN had to be part of this race.
It was an UNBELIEVABLE weekend with amazing PhatChicks, whom I've bonded with over these last 12 weeks. I look forward to continuing our friendships with more Adventure Races, bikes rides and even social gatherings.
I've learned so much during the adventure and I thank Susie, Neil, Shane, Matt, Bryan, Mark, Heather, and especially the other 9 PhatChicks. You guys Rock.
xoxo

packed

Well...I am packed and almost ready to go. I hope I have everything - 2 whistles, lifejacket, sleeping bag, pillow, bike, helmet, Saucony shoes (woot woot), extra socks, extra long sleeve shirt, stuff for after the race, tire tubes, levers, water, snacks, chamois butter, first aid kit...and lots more. Heading to Szerenka's for a sleepover. It will be fun and that way I won't have to get up at 5:30 a.m. in order to meet everyone tomorrow morning.
I am getting excited and nervous all in one. Tomorrow at this time we will be half way through the race. Woot Woot!
This has been an amazing experience and I am glad to have been part of this group of fabulous ladies/Phat Chicks.
xoxo

I've lost my compass? lol

I haven't posted in a while...as usual, life is busy. NYC was amazing! We did lots of walking (about 15 km's a day), had a great meals, did sightseeing, a little bit of shopping, took lots of pics...The following weekend we went to a friends cottage on Georgian Bay that was water access only. It was so relaxing. I was up each morning just after sunrise, dressed and enjoying the morning before everyone else. I spent alot of time growing up on Georgian Bay so this weekend brought back great memories. Last weekend was very relaxing. I met with some of the Phat Chicks on Sunday. It was wonderful to get together and talk about the upcoming race.
Unfortunately, I am not going to be able to attend the final get together on Thursday night. We find out who won the contest, however, I think we all won. This experience has been amazing. All the women are unbelievable. Everyone brings something different to the table. I have learned from everyone. There will be lots of laughs and probably some tears (Keri, xoxo). I guess there will be lots of info about the 24th too, hopefully someone will keep me posted!
Oh, and can you believe it? After all of this...I can't find my compass...isn't that crazy? Who loses their compass.
I was reading through my previous posts. I think Meredith would be very proud of each and everyone of us. She will definitely be there in spirit on Thursday night and on the 24th in Bark Lake. Be Phat!