Our foray into adventure racing started in 2021 while we were living in Charlotte, North Carolina. A badass cousin of mine (and his equally badass wife) were regularly partaking in ultra races – marathons, cycling, really whatever they could get their hands on. At a few family get togethers they mentioned adventure racing and explained more about what it was. It was intriguing, I just needed a partner. And then Ryan came along and we watched the World’s Toughest Race: Eco Challenge Fiji. We were sold.

We were newly into our relationship when we found out that the U.S. National Whitewater Center was hosting the Long Creek Adventure Race in four- or eight-hour time disciplines. Ryan is pretty good at navigation and we were both game for a little hiking, mountain biking and kayaking, so we figured why not? And so began our obsession…in four-hour form, of course.

Fast forward to today and we’ve completed six adventure races, three in the last year. More often than not I’m not in shape and we haven’t yet broached a 24-hour race. But next year, we have high hopes.

We’re both amateurs….really amateur. And adventure racing isn’t exactly prolific, so we thought we’d chronicle what we’ve learned and how we’re progressing on our way to our first 24-hour race in 2025. This is the official kick-off to our adventure racing series and we’re psyched to see where it goes as we take on the 24-hour Shenandoah Epic Adventure Race in April. Join us on our journey as we gear up and lock in.