AR World Championship 2005
On the Edge
Rob Howard / 17.11.2005
She is in charge of 3 doctors, 2 nurses and a paramedic in 3 roving medical units and said the race had been straightforward for them, apart from helicopter rescue of a racer with a broken arm. “Finding the team in a deep ravine was hard,� she said, “and so was finding a place to land the helicopter!�
“There have been lots of sore knees and feet with all the trekking,� she added, “but I’m amazed at the light trainers they use. Their feet slip around in them and are constantly wet. I’d have though a firmer sole would have been better.�
“We’ve had a lot of drop outs, but teams have often not carried enough food. They cut it so fine in the push to go lightweight and then run out when the trek takes longer or they get lost – and the food is their energy. Teams have not carried enough water either, and it’s lucky it’s not been hotter for them.�
“I’m impressed how teams have looked after themselves and made some good decisions on when to pull out. Surviving out overnight has definitely been helped by the race insisting they carry more gear, including a tent, sleeping bag each and extra clothing. But they wouldn’t take it if the race didn’t insist! We learned that lesson last year.�
“They are all incredibly fit people but fitness isn’t enough, it’s about good team management and decisions, tactics, nutrition and hydration. Some of these competitors might have more experience of multi-sport races, but this is an expedition race and needs a different approach. It just makes you realise how exceptionally good the top teams here are.�
As we finished talking Powered by Velvet.org.nz walked into camp and one of the medics asked Koleighne Ford how she felt. “I’m covered in cuts and bruises, swollen and feel full of pus and disgusting,� was the reply. Par for the course then!
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