Another great ultra adventure begins to unfold. I would normally make a few sarcastic remarks but will leave this post alone. All four Team Tenacious members can beat me senseless left-handed (they’re left-handed). Good luck women, go “Chicklet” a few hombres in Costa Rica. –Charlie–

Ok, so what’s a great idea for a week’s vacation away from the family, kids, the job, housework, cooking, shopping, carpooling, etc. for a group of four moms in the OC? A nice hotel on a great beach somewhere?  A week of lounging by the pool, working on a golden tan, and getting fabulous spa treatments? Dining out on delicious lunches and dinners where we don’t have to cook or clean up?  Partaking in tasty cocktails for happy hour every evening?  Not to mention seven days worth of sleeping in on comfy sheets and somebody else making the beds?  It all sounds heavenly.

But, not for us. Nope. Anyone can do that. Anybody can lay by the pool, sipping cold cocktails, and working on their tan for a week. Us, we have different ideas of fun, relaxation, and a get-a-way. Did we also mention we are all members of the So Cal TrailHeadz? Hmmm…need we say more?

Our idea for an exciting week away from those most important to us is also our opportunity to recharge our mom batteries, a chance to take time out for ourselves, and maybe even living some dreams in the process.  Hopefully, resulting in us continuing to be the best moms we can be. So, what is our idea of a dream week away you ask?  Well, you can forget the Real Housewives of the OC, we are Team Tenacious and our cast of characters consists of (in above order) Beiyi Zheng, Jody Van Zanten, Rachell Kadell and Shelli Sexton (not pictured). We are gladly trading in the rat race jungle of Southern California’s Orange County for the volcanic mountains and rainforest jungle of northern Costa Rica. Yep, we are taking on The Coastal Challenge Expedition Race (www.thecoastalchallenge.com) from January 31-February 5.

Forget the facials, manicures, massages, and pampering. If it doesn’t involve dirt, mud, early mornings, physical exertion, 12 hour days, sleeping in a tent, not really getting a shower, eating whatever we are given, fighting off bugs, crossing rivers, climbing mountains, battling the blister war, and trying not to get bit by WILD DOGS then we don’t want any part of it.

We want 6 days and 200 kilometers of mud, sweat, tears, and laughter. We want to jump out of our comfort zones for a week to push our limits and test ourselves. We want to forge new trails and explore a part of this world we have yet to see.  We want to deepen our friendships and create shared memories that we can laugh about in the future. We want to be role models for our children. To teach them women can be strong, courageous, daring, and adventurous as well as gentle, loving, kind, and compassionate.

We don’t know where we will end up in the final standings and in reality it almost doesn’t matter. We are already winners just by getting to the starting line, for taking a chance on each other, and for giving it our best shot.

It may not be every girl’s idea of a dream vacation but hey, we’re ultra runners…we don’t fit the mold anyway.  Plus, once we get home after a week of dirt and sweat, just think how much better all those massages and pedicures are going to feel. =)

Jody Van Zanten
Team Tenacious