Equinox Traverse Coles Notes

Well guys. I’m back from Equinox Traverse. I’m not sure how to put everything in words or if I am truly capable yet both in terms of processing everything and the lack of sleep. (That could be a huge factor, I broke a pair of less than month old Rayban’s this morning and didn’t even care. Energy level = zero).

I do have every intention of doing a full recap on the blog, but will push it off to Friday. I don’t have many photos because I was not going to take my camera or cell phone out in the wilderness if we were climbing or paddling in the race. My team mate, Brad Jennings of Explore the Back country, made a video which I will share and post when available. NBC also made a documentary of the race which I will share when it airs as well.

Here are the Coles Notes for now:

• I survived. It was 260 km of mountain biking, orienteering and trekking and 25,000 ft of elevation gain.
• I had the best team mates in the entire world and although it was a difficult race for me because it was my first multi-day race, they were so sportmanlike and amazing, even when I was slogging up hills and yes, sometimes complaining. It was a pleasure to learn from veterans of the sport.
• Best scenery in the world. I get to watch sunsets and sunrises in the Laurel Highlands.

Source

• This was by far the hardest physical challenge I have encountered in my life and I have done multi-day treks, ultras and marathons. I have yet to encounter something grittier than true adventure racing (also known as expedition racing). This landscape chewed me up and spit me back out and it was amazing.
• We did 24 hours of solid mountain biking. I alternated between being happy to advance my skills and wanting to burn my bike.
• We did an interview with NBC moments after crossing the finish line. I have no idea what I said because I saw poodles in the bushes before giving my race report. So both you and I will be interested to see what I have to say about AR after 40 hours of solid racing…

A few people have asked what is next for me. I am doing the 5 Peaks Heartlake race course this weekend (Enduro course – 14 KM) and would love for you to join me. If you haven’t signed up, use the code JESSICA for a discount and I will tell you all about the race in person.

This weekend, I will also be with New Balance at the Speed River New Balance Track Inferno in Guelph. I will be there Saturday night so please come by and say hi! You can buy tickets here. 

My next big race is back to the SAME LOCATION in the Laurel Highlands in 3 weeks because apparently I can’t get enough. I will be pacing my friend, Kim for her Western States qualifying race at the Laurel Highlands 70 Mile ultra. 

I will be back on Friday with a full review.