Ever wonder what it's like to team up with a near stranger for a grueling 8-hour adventure race? That's exactly the twist fate handed me and my new partner, Greg, after my original teammate had to bow out due to injury. Our impromptu duo faced the Castlewood 8-hour adventure race head-on, and this podcast is your opportunity to ride shotgun through the entire electrifying experience. From the pre-race jitters as we laid eyes on a daunting pile of maps, to the warm embrace of the adventure racing community, we navigated the unexpected urban labyrinth in honor of the late David Frey.

Navigating the urban sprawl of St. Louis became our unexpected playground as we raced against the clock, and I share the pulse-pounding decisions that shaped our race day. The cold morning rush to the start line, the strategic selection of biking over running, and the grueling checkpoints that pushed us to our limits - it's all here in vivid detail. And for those who think adventure is solely about nature, our urban escapade will flip that notion on its head. This was a race that tested not just our stamina, but our ability to adapt, think quickly, and maintain a level head when things didn't go according to plan.

Looking ahead, I tease an upcoming challenge: the Pier Marquette Trail Run. Here, I switch gears from pedal to pace as I tackle the rugged terrain with my road-running friend Lacey. Prepare to be transported to the trails as we recount the thrills, spills, and camaraderie of this off-road adventure in a future episode. Whether it's navigating city streets or navigating steep trails, the spirit of adventure pulses through every story shared. Join me, jtiggs, for a journey that goes beyond mere race recaps and into the heart of what it means to embrace the unexpected in the wild world of adventure racing.

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives.

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