The Big Race Day!

Wow, what an incredible day! I am still in shock by the whole experience. I want to write in more detail soon but it’s way too late and I’m exhausted. But, in brief – the team and I had an awesome time!

I started out really nervous but once we got going I was ok. It was really hard – I mean REALLY hard! Lots of up hill biking and trekking, lots of sloshing in the cold water and mud, a few small problems – not many, but overall we stuck together as a team and even – get this – came in first place! I still can’t believe it!

I never in my wildest dreams thought or even wanted to come in first but my team was so strong – as a team, not in a physical sense really – that we pulled together and worked harder for each other than we would have for just ourselves. The experience of working with such a cohesive team, one whose members really care that much for each other is really a rare and precious thing. We heard of other teams that weren’t nearly as bonded and trusting of each other and not only did they not do as well, they had a lot less fun. I am really convinced that a team really has to form that trust and commitment to be successful - and success doesn't necessarily mean winning. I looked at 3 of the top 5 teams and they were all very bonded and supportive of each other. I’ve heard from a 4th that they had a similar experience. I believe now more than ever that that is what gives teams the advantage – the synergy that happens when you work well together and form that bond.

But, of course, we were lucky to be put on a team together with others of similar temperament and values, even from around the world. It was awesome. We were also lucky that our bikes worked well. I heard of others that were severely slowed down by bike trouble. Also, we were blessed to run into another Tui team – the Sea-Wis that worked well with us and they had an awesome orienteer – Pete who really helped guide us through the woods. They also did the tribal challenge with us so we saved tokens and time!
I’ll write more later about each teammate, too. For now, I’ve got to wrap up by saying this is easily one of the best days in my life. It will be hard to beat.

I also have to give a lot of credit to God who has made this possible for me – to have this opportunity in the first place and to succeed so well in it with my team.

Next, read about The Race! in detail.

And... See Torsten's Video that he took - hiking, the haka and much more!

The Race!

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