So many pieces came together for me to make the San Juan Island Quest a success. I wanted to do this race in 2010, but other things came first. Then the Army moved us twice and I had two children–both made it hard to complete any adventure races. I even signed up for a race in North Carolina–while living in Key West–that fell though and I participated in an adventure racing clinic in West Virginia. I had a vision of adventure racing solo so that I could improve my orienteering skills.
I look at a day with two young children like an adventure race: limited sleep and starting early in the morning, eating on the go, bending and moving and carrying all day, not always knowing what is coming next. But there are differences, too. Racing is quiet and peaceful. Smooth paddle strokes out to Sucia Island. Soft dirt under my tires as I cruise single track in Moran State Park.
My 12 hour solo race was everything I wanted and needed it to be. Even two nights of sleep deprivation prior to starting would not dampen my mood. I came home refreshed and searching for a spring race to get me through until the 2015 San Juan Island Quest.
–Meghan Milliron aka Grey Ghost
April is a co-founder and former co-Executive Director for Recreation Northwest. She has a passion for place and loves exploring, experiencing and sharing the beauty of the pacific northwest. She is currently working with Ocean Conservancy to protect our oceans, specifically the Arctic.
