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Click on the link below for more about the members of The Druid Pack, plus photos of the team in training.

http://druidpack.blogspot.com/

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Well, okay, so it’s about me but just the same, I will try not make it too much about me, you know?  My name is Jim Hebert and I have been invited to join up as the latest member of the Druid Pack.  I’ve been adventure racing off and on for about 5 years, but the 2007 season was the first one in which I raced a full calendar of races.  Although I have done a pair of expedition races and even had the honor or racing in the US National Championships, this will be my first go at Primal Quest.  And of course, I am looking forward to it.  Equally so, I am trying to manage a pair of emotions, those being the awe at ten days on a course designed as sadistically as Don Mann claims it is, and the need to confidently approach it as something hard but very do-able for those who have put the work in and not cut corners in their training.  I think it will be an incredible experience just as equally as I anticipate it being the hardest thing I have ever done athletically-speaking.  I think we could all be pretty happy with a long course finish and just letting the results sort themselves out from there.  Our team is strong enough and determined enough from what I can gather.  I have raced with Sara before, so I know how dogged she is.  Andy is a bit quieter and just as steady.  John is just a ball of power that we will probably have to remind regularly to rein it in a bit!  And he is the possessor of the coolest given name (Iannis) on this team.  I think amidst pain and fatigue and all that we are going to have a really great time together and learn immeasurable amounts about each other and ourselves.  How could you not during 10 (well truthfully we hope it’s less than that) days out in the wilderness together?  As I sit here at Panera writing and listening to Barry Manilow (shut up), it occurs to me that just being there is a huge deal for anyone putting a toe on the start line.  The training, the investment of time and money that could have been used elsewhere, the knowledge of how much energy and emotion it takes to be successful on whatever level you define success in this race…I think that I will be nervous for the start, but also pretty thankful to be there.  And just to clarify, I was not writing TO Barry, merely listening to his music and writing this blog entry.  I thought I told you to shut up…

I have been competing at pretty much everything my entire life and as though that life depended on it.  My first love was basketball, but when I found endurance athletics, I found my home.  Plus, I am not crazy fast, so I knew my body was really meant for something else anyway.  I’ve done triathlon and raced road bikes these last few years, always with adventure racing in the back of my mind.  I love it too.  The teamwork and physical challenge of self that is necessary.  The mental and physical demands are so high, but you cannot get away with just being a good athlete. You have to find a way to take whatever strength you have at any given point and share it with whoever might be suffering at that moment…without being frustrated for having to share, without holding back.  And when you are the one who is down, it is up to you to be honest about it and ask for help, because not doing so will cost your team.  You think and feel and fight and work your backside off, no matter where you finish.  It has always felt to me as though adventure racing was life compressed by time and magnified by circumstances.  Everything you are is called into play and you learn about what is truly inside your heart and head.  It can’t help but come out.  I have truly been humbled in some races, observing my own responses.  Now, I am not anything special when it comes to these endurance endeavors, but I do have a habit of finishing things despite whatever obstacles might be placed in front of me.  Some people might call me dogged, some just plain stubborn (stupid?) and they might be right about that.  I think it serves me well in these races.  

As far as the race and our team is concerned, we sure would appreciate your thoughts and prayers while we’re out.  It’s gonna be over 500 miles on the road less- or virtually never-travelled.  Not a lot of sleep involved either, so it’s sure to be an emotional strain too.  If you have a shout of encouragement for us, please do feel free to post one.  In some races, the organizers have been known to pass them on to us during the race, and it’s great to hear from you.  Such a shot of energy, better than any Honey Stinger bar could ever give!  Thanks for checking in with us and please take a look at who we are racing on behalf of. Our name is just championing one of many causes that the NRDC is involved in for the best interests of our environment.  The real Druid Pack is a pretty great story, one that hopefully will have many chapters yet to be written.  We are all super-excited to be doing Primal Quest with the support of our friends and families and look forward to sharing pictures and video footage and the stories that go along with it.  Thank you for checking in on us.  Take care and peace to you,

Jim

 

PS  Did you ever notice that Barry seems to make a lot of exclusive claims about his songwriting?  ”I write the songs” and all?  Hey man, you’re good, but not THAT good.  But he sure makes me laugh…

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