My love for adventure racing began in the summer of 1996, going into my freshman year of high school, when I saw a commercial for a new show on the Discovery channel called “Eco Challenge.”

It was special documentary that ran an episode each night for a week, highlighting the toughest race on earth. I was immediately enthralled with the idea of racing for hundreds of miles through some of the most remote and rugged parts the planet. I was glued to the TV every night, mesmerized by this amazing and dangerous adventure that these insanely determined “every-day” athletes were getting to experience.

It had it all; biking, hiking, climbing, repelling, ascending, swimming, spelunking and white water just to name a few.

But the coolest thing about it was the orienteering. There was no set course, and no electronics allowed! You had to navigate your way through jungles and up and over mountains using nothing but a map and compass. That was the single most appealing aspect to me. You couldn’t just turn your brain off and go to your “happy place” while someone pointed you to the finish line. Ultimately, the health and welfare of each team, was the responsibility of that team. The stakes were extremely high, and so was the satisfaction of crossing the finish line.

I knew one day I was going to sign up for and compete in the Eco Challenge, and other races just like it.

But first I had to train my mind and body into shape! So, I signed up for my high school cross-country team the next day. That’s how my life-long love of endurance racing began! Unfortunately, the Eco Challenge ended shortly after I graduated High School, and as we all know, life happens. I ended up joining the Army, going to college, getting married and having kids.

It would be 2012 before I actually did my first adventure race.

It started off with a local race series where I teamed up with a couple of friends in need of a navigator, and it soon turned into overnight and multiday races. I’ve done all sorts of racing in my life, from marathons, triathlons, obstacle courses, mountain biking, swim runs, and basically anything else that sounds fun. But after all these years the draw of adventure racing still overshadows them all. It really is a life changing sport.

The emotional highs are matched only by the extreme lows.

The friendships I’ve made while suffering and conquering the seemingly impossible are equivalent to the bonds I developed serving in the military. There’s something to be said about shared suffering. My racing buddies know me better than almost anyone, and vice versa. Every race is both a triumph of personal accomplishment, and a lesson in humility and mental fortitude. I have literally been drug to a finish line for hours by a female teammate who was 4 months pregnant! These races expose any pride, machismo, and weakness of character. Nothing locked away stays hidden when you are physical and emotionally exhausted, and you know, above all else, you must keep moving forward.

I will continue to push my limits and strive to better myself as a racer, a husband, a father, and a human being.

The inspiration behind this website is my desire to share these experiences with the world. I hope you too will try out this great sport and learn something about yourself in the process!