Primal Quest
reporting presented by Inov-8

Got an email from the Primal Quest media team this morning with details on the upcoming Sprint Series:

The premiere edition of the Primal Quest Sprint Series is now upon us with the first race being held May 10, 2008 in Chesterfield, VA at Pocahontas State Park. This four to six hour multi-sport adventure race presents participants the opportunity to experience the high energy of the sport without the huge time/financial commitment required to tackle a 400+ mile expedition adventure race course. It will challenge the elite level racer with itâ??s intensity and introduce the beginner to the world of adventure racing.

The PQ Sprint Series courses will feature many disciplines associated with an expedition length race such as mountain biking, trekking, paddling, and orienteering. In addition, there will also be unique challenges to endurance and technical decision making skills. A log drill exercise section and a ropes obstacle course comprise the unique legs of the race.

Originally developed in the early 1900's, log drill exercise was a mainstay of the Marine Corps physical training (PT) during the '40s and '50s. The old conditioning exercise, designed for strength and endurance, all but disappeared in the '60s and has mainly been used since by the Navy Seals. Primal Quest Sprint Series race producer, Don Mann, learned log PT during his training as a Navy Seal. "It was one of our favorite work outs," recalls Don. Traditional log drills are limited to the following six exercises;


Two-Arm Push-Up, Forward Bender, Side Bender, Half-Knee Bend, and Overhead Toss. While the log used at PQSS will be a shortened two person version and will be much lighter than the 35-50 lb. per person military version, "It will be the same type of exercise that the military does," says Don Mann. This leg of the race should take the two person teams about 30 minutes to complete. And what pre race advice can Don give to the inexperienced logger? "Consider doing upper body strength training!"

The ropes obstacle course section of the race will challenge racers' coordination and strength assets. Specific obstacles contained within the course will be a ropes bridge, a low crawl obstacle, and a cargo net traverse. Both team members will attack the course at once additionally challenging their collaboration skills. No additional safety gear, besides bike helmet and gloves, will be required of the racers. There will be no zip line or top rope climbing involved.

The fledgling Primal Quest Sprint Series will have three venues in 2008. The PQSS is expected to grow into an eight distinct race series in 2009 and will feature a point accumulation system awarding a free team entry into the 2010 expedition version of Primal Quest, www.ecoprimalquest.com, for the top points holder.

Primal Quest, LLC was founded in 2001 with the goal of bringing a world-class, multi-sport expedition race to North America. The concept of Primal Quest included the fusion of premier television coverage for the event, substantial prize money for the winning teams, and responsible use of back country lands to promote a positive environmental message.

by Craig Stein

So what do you think of military style exercises as disciplines in an adventure race?

Leave a comment and tell us how you think these kinds of challenges might change your training and racing strategy.