This Friday the 27th, Team Arabian Quest is organising a fundraising get-together to help raise funds for us to get to Australia to do the race. Everyone's welcome to come round and have a great day out. For more information see below, or click here.
Many people frequently ask what the appeal is of Adventure Racing. I don't know what it is for others but for me it's the varied disciplines that I get to take part in as well as the new activities I get to learn and become familiar with.
It's almost as if anything that requires physical and mental activity can be classed as training in some form or another. Exercises can be aerobic, anerobic, endurance, sprint, it will all add value to you as an Adventure Racer.
On the weekend of the 20th / 21st John, Ameena, Afif, Henry and I set off to Oman to try out one of the Via Ferrata's that are out there. We arrived and started off early-ish in the morning. The Omani heat was considerably more noticable than that of Dubai's but when we reached the plateau of where the VF was to start, the excitement and focus of getting prepped overcame us and the weather was no longer an issue.
A little hike down from the top of the island brought us to the start of where the adventure was to begin. I was somewhat mezmerzied by the beauty surrounding me; the ocean, fresh air, panoramic views, and the few sprigs of greenery that we generally see so little of in these barren parts.
I'll let the rest of the tour speak for itself, but as you can see, some took to it like the natural monkey's they are...
I call it a bit of showing off really, but then again, this is coming from the *modest* team member ;o)
It doesn't take long for everyone to have the widest smiles on their face and enjoy this rather unconventional training regimen.
The group traverses along the route, occassionally stopping by to take a breather from the hanging off one's arms that is sometimes required along the route.
We reach a point where there's an inlet into the rock face or what most would classify as a cave. I was in awe of the vision before me, unfortunately the amature photographer that I am does not do justice to the reality of the scene.
The end of the via ferrata popped us out at the top of the island again where we once again had the opportunity to appreciate the view from the top.
Next adventure, who knows?!? But stay tuned to find out...
Coming soon, a post to invite you all to our fundraiser this weekend!
Saturday started off with a photo shoot for the local tabloid Xpress. Smile, look at the camera, take some action poses on the beach. Smile some more, cross the paddles, climb on the kayak...its tough being a model.
As a warm up Alissar decided to run down the beach carrying the kayak, which was filled with her heavy daypack, food, water and other kit. Fun but as not much fun as paddling the surf ski.
Paddling towards the Islands of the World, I discovered how much fun it can be to paddle a surf Ski.
Boy seems the guys are getting organized and Hi-tec - good job Alissar, seems you guys are poised to have a busy couple of months.
Alissar Elbaba, 29, is a Lebanese national who is leading a team of four into the longest and toughest adventure race, the XPD 2007.
As team captain and lead navigator she will be responsible for keeping her team safe and on course. The other members of the team are John Falchetto, Chris Caul and Greg Antunes.
If you want to be kept updated on events and training with the team. Sign up to the news-group below.
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