I can't actually believe that my husband and I have participated in 8 Swazi's... we feel old.

But I have to say it gets easier - by now, we take the whole "racing thing" in our stride and due to a calf injury I could only confirm with Don and Garth on the Tuesday that we were going to race Swazi. We really struggled to find seconds as Sean, our "Official second", was unable to second due to family commitments... I friendly-forced my cousin to get a friend and join us on a weekend of adventure... obviously not giving full details of what it entails to be a second.Needless to say, they had their own adventure and dramas but amazingly was still keen to second on future races.

To keep it short and sweet I only want to mention a few points:

• We as a team loved the new concept and the constant decision making is what I love the most of Adventure racing. If each PC point had a value it would have made it even more complicated and challenging. Thank you to all the people involved in making this race such an success!!!

• Each leg was such a challenge to get as many points as possible and to make the cut-off time. We had a few stressful moments trying to make these times...

• I want to thank all our sponsors for their support for so many years - we pride ourselves in being a positive brand for our sponsors and has even extended our involvement by opening our own sport shop (Kinetic Gear) stocking their products. USN supplements, First Ascent, Buff, Salomon, Asics and Merida mountain bikes.

• Then I want to thank my team - most of all, my husband for all his calmness, insight and experience. We have been racing together for years and I just love you more with each race. Thank you for dragging me over ever mountain in South Africa - it is such a privilege to share racing together. Then Donovan and Garth, with whom we are racing now for 3 years and know each other so well... how can I ever thank you guys enough for every push, bag carry and support.

• How can any team race without Seconds?? They form the most important part of a team and we were so blessed to find at such short notice my cousin Amanda and her friend, Lurine who got an overnight bus from P.E to join us for the weekend in Swaziland. I think it was such an eye-opener for the 2 young students but they took it all in their stride, making emergency plans and had so much fun that they are confirmed for the next race...Thank you 2 for force feeding us and rushing us out of the transitions - you guys made every transition so desirable because we knew that some amazing dish is waiting for us. You were fun, eager and supporting and you kept on reminding us to enjoy it and to look around us...

• Then to all the Beginner teams... don't despair if you could not finish or made mistakes and or felt like you are close to dying... we all feel like that in each race... you get addicted to pushing yourself beyond your limits and in that lies the challenge... this is a sport for those who not only want to test their physical abilities but also your mental strength... try not to take it too serious and enjoy rather the moment. We hope to see all of you at the next race !!!

• Lastly to race is a humbling experience for me and keeps me on my knees. I can only thank God for this privilege to enjoy His beauty and for giving me the perseverance to keep on training...

• For more photo's of our team and our shop etc go to our website: www.kineticgear.co.za