Summer is for sweating.
Our athlete ambassadors have done some pretty amazing stuff this summer. So much so, we’re writing not one, but two blogs about it. Included in this edition: a successful eight-hour adventure race, a DRINKmaple-fueled Euro-trip, knocking triathlon off the bucket list and much more.
Jesse Nelson
What was the event, race, adventure?
The guys over at No Sleep Adventures are experienced adventure racers and really know how to put on a quality race. In June, they hosted the 2nd annual No Sleep adventure race in the beautiful Shawnee national forest, Illinois. There were 24 hour and 8 hour races going on simultaneously. Being that my team couldn’t make the trip with me, I jumped on the opportunity to race solo in the 8 hour race. It involved running/trekking, mountain biking, paddling, and navigation/orienteering. We had up to 8 hours to find as many checkpoints as possible and make it back to the finish, using only map and compass.
How’d it go? Would you do it again?
The race was amazing! You can check out my full write up on it, along with some great photos at Team Kilroy Adventure. The day was full of surprises, breathtaking scenery, epic single track, and awesome orienteering! I ended up finishing 2nd overall, and 1st in the solo division. I will certainly do this race again, and many more like it! I can’t say enough about the spirit of adventure racers. They have to be the happiest, friendliest people on the planet, all sharing a similar passion to live life to the fullest. We’re a different breed of athlete in that the race always takes a backseat to the adventure. Exactly the type of people that DRINKmaple!
How did you “DRINKmaple”?
So, how do I DRINKmaple? I drink it lost in the woods!
Heather Briggs
What was the event, race, adventure?
The most “important” race this season for me was IronGirl Syracuse on August 6th. This was the race that started it all. All of my 5k training, pool workouts, duathlons and cycling was all to prepare me for this race.
How’d it go? Would you do it again?
IronGirl this time around was to see how far I’ve come since last year! Unfortunately, the swim was cancelled due to E.coli and blue algae and the race was turned into a duathlon: 1 mile run/18.6 mile bike/3.1mile run. The race went great! The course is beautiful and easy for beginners. The crowd/volunteers/spectators/community along the route are all outstanding and keep you pumped up through the entire race. I took 8 minutes off my time this year (mainly from the bike course) and I look forward to competing again next year with new goals to crush!
How did you “DRINKmaple”?
I wear my DRINKmaple gear whenever I race whether it’s local 5k events, out of town triathlons, or even to get groceries! I even had one woman at IronGirl recognize me from my DRINKmaple tri-suit from my social media posts! I used DRINKmaple throughout my training this summer and use it to hydrate before/during/after racing. There is nothing like an ice cold DRINKmaple waiting for you at the finish! I get lots of questions, comments and overall just general love for the brand.
Brian Baker
What was the event, race, adventure?
August is my favorite month of the year! During this month, I celebrate my wife’s birthday, our anniversary, my in-laws’ anniversary, my father-in-law’s birthday, many other friends’ birthdays, as well as the Beach to Beacon Road Race, and my all-time favorite, the Falmouth Road Race, which I raced for the 39th consecutive year on August 20th!
How’d it go? Would you do it again?
All of these events are annual stops on the Brian Baker tour! Of course I will do them again! I wish I had run both races faster, but then again, who doesn’t?
How did you “DRINKmaple”?
By the gallon! My last two orders have been eight cases each of the 32 ounce cartons. My next suggestion for you guys is to start bottling it in gallon jugs for me!
Sue Parke
What was the event, race, adventure?
Boston Triathlon, sprint distance. It was my first one.
How’d it go? Would you do it again?
It went awesome and I had a blast! I experienced vertigo coming out of the water which cost me a little time in my first transition and on the bike, but I powered through and came back feeling good on the run and finished strong. I already signed up for another tri this September!
How did you “DRINKmaple”?
Well I of course stopped by the DRINKmaple tent, got me a maple water and watermelon water and chatted with another fellow ambassador. My 3 year old daughter enjoyed maple water and tattoos, too 🙂
Greg Soutiea
What was the event, race, adventure?
The race was the Last Annual Vol State 500k Road Race. A race set up by infamous race director Gary Cantrell (i.e. Laz Lake of the Barkley Marathon). The race begins in Missouri on the bank of the Mississippi River, and all athletes run down a hill to a ferryboat which takes them across the river to Kentucky to begin their journey through TN, into AL, and ultimately to finish in GA. Runners have the choice to have aid along the way (crewed) or not to use any aid along the way (screwed) other than possible “road angels” along the course. I chose to attempt the race screwed.
How’d it go? Would you do it again?
My training leading up to this race was as good as it possibly could have been. I completed my first 200 mile running week and several between 130-200 miles which included a 117 mile overnight training run from my home in Quincy to Provincetown, MA where I rode the ferry back to Boston. This was the ultimate training run for the 500k. I was to be completely self-sufficient and only used what I could carry or purchase along the way. The training run went really well, but deep in my heart I felt something amiss. The thought of running through the night 4 times during the 500k (at best – more if things didn’t go well) really made me second guess my intent to do the race. After much consideration I decided to continue on with attempting the race despite my self-doubt.
On race day, I felt great. The weather was forecast to be extremely hot with temps over 100 most of the days and some storms mixed in (typical TN weather). I had driven the course on the previous day with 3x race winner Greg Armstrong and drew every bit of advice and information from him that I could possibly retain. The race started calmly enough and after a brief lunch stop, I found myself in the lead a few hours in. It was HOT, but I was doing well to keep cool and reduce effort through the hottest points of the day. I was enjoying leading the race and meeting many local Tennesseans who were extremely supportive of the race and who offered a cool glass of water or popsicle for the journey. I had literally never been this hot for this long in my life, but I was dealing with it surprisingly well. After 12 hours I began developing some blisters and a little chaffing, but nothing unmanageable. It was the pitch-black wee hours of the morning, after being chased by yet another stray dog, that really got to me. My goal was to go 24-30 hours before stopping to rest, but I needed a break. After attempting to nap in the back of a broken down pickup truck in a salvage yard for a while I continued on. Then I found a nice flattish piece of asphalt a few feet from the highway that looked like a good place to try again to get a little rest. I honestly was not having fun. I laid there just waiting for someone to pass me for the lead, but it never happened. After much self-deliberation I eventually phoned the race director and the volunteer running the “meat wagon” i.e. the shuttle picking up the quitters, to notify them of my intent to quit. It’s amazing the amount of clarity one can have going on no sleep while lying on the side of the highway at 3am. In the end, my heart just wasn’t in the event. I did not want to be there any longer. This wasn’t about “suffering through” or “pushing harder” it was simply about a will to continue, which I did not possess. I likely could have continued and potentially even won the race, but I know that doing so would have left me burnt out and unmotivated. That wasn’t a risk I was willing to take.
How did you “DRINKmaple”?
Unfortunately, I didn’t locate any DRINKmaple products at any of the places I stopped on my (much shortened) journey. Though, I think that you might say I embodied the “pure, refreshing” spirit of the maple water in my decision to not force myself to do something I didn’t want to do. I did what was right for me and not anyone else in that moment. I know that doing so led to the best possible outcome for me personally and for my athletic career. I had been thinking about this race for a few years, but signed up only in April for this year’s race after a disappointing finish–not making the US 24 Hour team as I was trying to do. Moral of the story here: bigger (i.e. longer) is not always better.
Olga Ponomarenko
What was the event, race, adventure?
This summer I am traveling for 3 weeks while still training and getting ready for my second (ever) half marathon that will be on October 8th in London.
How’d it go? Would you do it again?
I started my travel journey in Munich on July 30th, and already visited Venice, Verona, Florence and saw so much along the way. Right now, I am in Rome, and after I will be traveling to Nice and finish my trip in Barcelona on August 20th. It is challenging to train while being on such intense traveling schedule. I am mostly staying around 2-3 days on average at each city, sightseeing and traveling by train or busses, but most of all walking on average of 12-15km a day. I am lucky to do this trip with my best friend, who is also training with me as we are traveling. I am enjoying every minute of this trip, whether it is a challenging moment or not, I have funny stories to share and would definitely do this type of adventure again. I mean who doesn’t like to travel? So hopefully I will continue this adventure sometime next year starting in Barcelona!
How did you “DRINKmaple”?
The temperature here and the weather conditions are intense. Around 90-100 degrees and humidity, so keeping proper water intake is very important. At the beginning of my trip I had some supplies of DRINKmaple and it made a huge difference in my overall recovery while training. I am however, looking forward to replenish my body with maple water once I get home!
