Saint-Donat Adventure Raid
The Saint-Donat Endurance Aventure Raid - The overall winners’ experience Team Les Forcenés
Marie-Pierre Morin / 28.09.2012
An Endurance Aventure raid is always quite the experience! We are given the chance to spend several hours in nature, regardless of the weather conditions which prevail. Throughout the day, our bodies and nature are united. Stress is always present on the morning of a competition and so are butterflies in the stomach.
I must admit that I am always impressed, even intimidated by the “big” teams that have all the cutting-edge equipment ... I sometimes tell myself it’s unfair for the teams who register simply to EXPERIENCE a raid with the strict minimum, not really knowing the importance of equipment for this type of competition.
Yet, I was confident. My partner is a master when it comes to orientation and a true endurance machine. Furthermore, equipment is important for a raid, but everything can change at any moment since orientation plays a major role throughout the event. I knew that I had the right partner to finish among the top competitors. I am extremely competitive and my goal was to finish among the top five teams, ideally nothing short of the top three teams.
When we took off on the lake against the wind and waves which were pushing us sideways, I understood that this raid would fulfill my expectations! We completed the kayaking portion in 6th place and I was extremely disappointed. I told myself that there was no way we would finish 6th or more! Quickly, we slid up to 2nd place behind a team of two machine-like men.
Not far behind us were two other male teams and I was determined not to let myself be intimidated by the fact that we were a mixed team. The mountain biking trails were quite rough, but we had fun on the descents. The mountain running portions went really well and we maintained our position. My teammate was the “lucky one”. He completed the swim across a muddy marsh. I was happy to refuel during the short break this section provided. It guaranteed I would be able to continue to follow my partner relentlessly.
Due to a small orientation error, we arrived at the 17th checkpoint in 4th position. We had lost 2 places! We had to be impeccable for the remaining checkpoints in the final part of the course and continue to push our limits (my limits) as much as possible. The climb of the second mountain was relatively exhausting (for me), but as we arrived at the foot of the second mountain, our motivation peaked. There were only two checkpoints left which meant we could finish in 2nd place!
At the end of a raid, positions change very rapidly due to orientation errors, poor energy management, or technical errors. Coup de grace! We learned that the team in the lead did not find the last checkpoint!
We see the light at the end of the tunnel ... one more checkpoint and we could finish first! Wow! I used every last bit of energy I had to complete the raid. Finishing first was beyond all expectations and I was so proud that we finished first overall as a mixed team!
Pushing our body to its extreme limits for several hours, enjoying breathtaking scenery, and discovering the backcountry of different Quebec regions through adventure raids is truly an enriching and unforgettable experience! Participating in one raid leads to an addiction!
The Endurance Aventure Raid made it possible for us to discover the beautiful adventure paradise of Saint-Donat. Whether it be for mountain biking, trekking, or kayaking, this region is worthy of being explored. If you are adventure racers or outdoor enthusiasts, pack up your outdoor toys and head to Saint-Donat to discover this adventure and endurance sports paradise.
For full results: http://www.enduranceaventure.com/files/resultats-2012_final.pdf
Pictures & Video at www.enduranceaventure.com
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