Recently, I had the opportunity to interview a member of Team Toyota of Greensburg’s (TOG). Toyota of Greensburg has partnered with American Adventure Sports (AAS), an adventure race production company based in Greensburg, PA. Adventure racing is a relatively new sport and has recently become more popular. Adventure racing is not your typical race that you see on a track. Adventure racing is distinct in that it involves traveling through the wilderness and not having a set route. You have to find your way to the finish using what adventure racers call orienteering. Orienteering is the process of using a map and compass to find your way to the finish (No GPS allowed out there!). Most adventure races are 24 hours or longer and include different athletic disciplines.
Team TOG is an adventure racing team sponsored by Toyota of Greensburg. The team consists of four members. Each of them know how to compete in all the disciplines in adventure racing, however each has a specific discipline they specialize in. Fun Fact: All four members happen to own Toyota vehicles. One of the four members of Team TOG is Nick Heebner. Nick received his undergrad degree from Penn State in Athletic Training which is where his love in trail running, mountain biking, and just being in the woods began. While looking for something more challenging and interesting than typical road and trail events he decided to try adventure racing by competing in the 24-hour LionHeart race. He was hooked after that and found himself competing in the USARA National Championship just two years later. It was great talking to him and learning not only about himself, but more about adventure racing as well.
Andrew Gauntner (AG): "I understand that you, as well as all of your teammates happen to own Toyota vehicles. Which one do you currently own?"
Nick Heebner (NH): "I currently have a Toyota Tacoma."
AG: "Why did you choose the Tacoma?"
NH: "I chose the Tacoma because it is a smaller truck. I wanted a smaller truck because it can be difficult to get a full size truck on some of the trails we race on."
AG: "What are some of your favorite features of your Tacoma?"
NH: "I like that it has a very capable four wheel drive system and all the room in the bed for equipment. I have a regular cab, so there’s a TON of room for equipment back there."
AG: "I’m glad that you like your Tacoma. When did you first start adventure racing?"
NH: "I first started racing in 2010, so I have been doing it for four years. However, I have been doing the different race disciplines for a while."
AG: "Why did you start adventure racing?"
NH: "I started racing because I like the competition and the thrill of it. I tried one of the AAS events and loved it. I also like the fact that when I race, I am being challenged."
AG: "I want to show that adventure racers come from all walks of life. Do you have a full time job, if so, what do you do?"
NH: "I am actually working towards my doctorate in sports medicine at Pitt (University of Pittsburgh)."
AG: "What is your favorite adventure race discipline (biking, swimming, running, etc.)?"
NH: "Adventure racing actually has four disciplines: a water activity (kayaking, canoeing, rafting, etc.), running, mountain biking and orienteering (navigating). My favorite activities would be mountain biking and orienteering. Orienteering is actually my strong suit and I am Team TOG’s orienteer."
AG: "What is the most scenic place you have raced at?"
NH: "The most scenic place I have raced at… I would have to say it would be in the Catskills Mountains in New York."
AG: "What is the most challenging adventure race you have participated in?"
NH: "The most difficult race I have participated in would have to be the US Adventure Racing Championship in the Catskills in New York. Typically, the races are in loops, so you can leave some equipment in your truck so you aren’t lugging 24 hours’ worth of gear with you. The championship is what we call a linear race. You start somewhere and then end somewhere else. So, we were unsupported. We had to lug 30 hours’ worth of equipment with us. It was challenging."
AG: "That’s really interesting. If someone wanted to start adventure racing, do you have any advice for them?"
NH: "I’d say take it easy at first. Don’t jump into a 24 hour race. Do a shorter race and build up to it. I’d also recommend working with a team or friend. It is a lot more enjoyable, and you feed off each other’s energy."
AG: "Thanks for the advice. Like all other sports, you need to train. What is your training schedule like?"
NH: "For the most part, you train on your own. You go to the gym and bike or run. You have to keep your fitness level up. As far as training as a team, we try to meet at least once a week to work out the technical details, like transition from bike to running and things like that. Another thing you have to watch is your nutrition."
AG: "My last question is what do you like best about being on an adventure racing team like Team TOG?"
NH: "I like the companionship with each other. It’s also a great way to meet friends. And you have to rely on one another when you’re in a race. You are together for 24 hours and you are trying to place well. You HAVE to trust one another and rely on each other to finish well."
Nick’s answers were very interesting to me and I found out a lot about adventure racing. It sounds like an awesome sport to get involved in. He also told me that there are many places locally (within an hour or two) of Greensburg that hold adventure races. One of the popular spots for adventure racing locally is Ohiopyle. On June 21 & 22, some Team TOG members competed in AAS’s Pyle Run & Ride. Toyota of Greensburg was there as well with our TOG Tundra! If you would like to learn more about adventure racing, you can visit AAS’s website at www.americanadventuresports.com. I would like to thank Nick for being an awesome interviewee!
Stay tuned for more Team TOG profiles!
