The course consisted of men and women from age 12-50+, from all different sports and recreation backgrounds.  The thrill of the
challenge, the drive for individual growth and a determination to make a difference for themselves and others are the three
characteristics that I can honestly say were the commonality of the group. Another pretty common factor is highly demanding
occupations, which leads to a need for increased level of recreation as an outlet—or as a continuim.  Writer John Haines sums up
what I'm trying to say:

"The physical doman of the country had its counterpart in me.  The trails I made led outward into the hills and swamps, but they
led inward also.  And from the study of things underfoot, and from reading and thinking, came a kind of exploration, myself and
the land.  In time the two became one in my mind.  With the gathering force of an essential thing realizing itself out of early
ground, I faced in myself a passionate and tenancious longing--to put away thought forever, and all the trouble it brings, all but the
nearest desire, direct and searching.  To take the trail and not look back.  Whether on foot, on snowshoes or by sled, into the
summer hills and their late freezing shadows--a high blaze, a runner track in the snow would show where I had gone.  Let the rest
of mankind find me if it could".  (The Stars, The Snow, The Fire:  Twenty-Five Years in the Northern Wilderness)

So why did they come to Kansas?  The only answer I can come up with is opportunity.  Kansas terrain is not normally associated with
Adventure Racing, but it most definitely should be . . . especially in the Flint Hills on the shores of a 162 mile lake in March.    

Another question was who was the “most improved” because of the course?  Probably the most honest answer is “me”, not because I
learned new things—but because I was fortunate to spend time with such a remarkable group of individuals.  Everyone that came to
the course had varying levels of experience, skills and physical ability.  But with Adventure Racing, those differences are what create
the incredible dynamic of a team performing endurance challenges in the outdoors.   Ok, if I have to name a “best” participant . . . it
would have to be Avery Mayfield.  As a 12 year old in a group of adults, he held his own.  If I had been capable of doing what he did
(with an attitude that inspired everyone else) last week when I was his age, I'd have ceased creating limits for myself many years ago.  

All of the other participants in the course were awesome too.  I wish Lifequest the best in their upcoming Primal Quest race in the
Badlands and all the other teams in their Adventure Racing quests.  I hope to see everyone again, maybe here at Acorns Resort as
guests, at one of our upcoming races or maybe we’ll be competitor’s in another state or country.  You are all very interesting and
motivating people that I would have loved to gotten to spend more time with!

I really want to recognize and thank the wonderful staff.  Mark Alft, Jim Craig, Tim Dorn, Brian Kerl, Dave Uldoloosh and Scott Stopek--
you guys have got to be the best group of Adventure Racing experts in the Midwest--and you're very likeable too . . . crazy!.  I was so
lucky that you were a part of this.  Mark, you probably know this 100 acres at Farnum Creek even better than me!  
You all are incredible racers and mentors.  Thank you so much!
LAKE ADVENTURES
MILFORD, KS
785-307-1901
charmion@extremekansas.com
2009 Race Director's Journal--AR Training Course Cont'd
Well, I've had to learn the hard way on a few occasions, and this would prove to be another one.  Odds are, in Kansas it will probably
blow 38 mi/hr if that's what the forecast says.  If it says rain on the other hand, forget it.  The new watercourse changed everything
and I pulled an all nighter redoing race materials.   The meltdown came when everyone arrived and I still wasn't ready for the race.  
Thanks to the wonderful 1st time volunteers who jumped in without hesitation and took control, the prerace began.  
Ellen, Kylee and Emily,  if your dentist office and care are anything like the demonstration given on race day, everyone should switch
their dentistry care to Advanced Dental Care.   Tammy, Tim, Zach, Jack, Jim, Emily, Ciara, Mike, Brennan, Zachary, Melissa,
McKenzie, Brianna, Blake and , Greg and John, all of you made it happen--thank you so much!   

I created a little more strategy challenge for teams in this race.  It seemed this caused alot of concern for many teams, as this was
their first race and they were still learning the basics.  For awhile I wasn't certain how it would all turn out, but after the initial
chaos--all went very well.  Some teams did not finish the race, but everyone seemed to have a wonderful time and probably learned
more about navigation, Kansas, themselves and their team mates.  I was thrilled to have many local teams participating, in addition
to those from out of state.  Many soldiers from Fort Riley competed with wives or friends and I'm hoping they had adequate
entertainment for the day.  Austin was going to play the Star Spangled Banner on his electric guitar for you at race start, but he wasn't
quite yet ready this race.  

Some racers told me that this was a little more than they bargained for in a Sprint Race.  I'm not kidding when I say "Extreme" and
upcoming races will continue to demonstrate that.  But to all the racers who came out on Sunday, I have to say everyone had a great
race and I am really impressed! You were given a tough course and you came through with a little blood, sweat and maybe
tears--but mostly with a lot of physcial determination and mental strength--you should be very proud!  

There is an upcoming race in Missouri, the Truman Lake Adventure Race, on 4/18/09.  Maybe I'll see you there!
2009 Race Director's Journal--Extreme Spring Sprint Race Cont'd