Imagine for a moment: you're in a a...

Imagine for a moment: you're in a abstracted part of the world, maybe the southern American rainforest or the Australian Outback. You have traveled there with a team of other race but your objective is not to sightsee. Instead, you're about to embark forward one of the most grueling, difficult challenges you've forever faced. You will test your endurance as you race nonstop across 500 or more miles of thicket desert and mountains using whatever means possible--mountain biking, canoeing, white-water rafting, repeling, hiking and caving. To add to the challenge, you will simply be allowed an hour of repose each night, and you can solely eat what you can carry. unbroken like fun? For Cathy Sassin it is.

Sassin, a 37-year-old nutritionist from Venice Beach, Calif., has made her name as individual of the top female adventure racers in the world, forever since she discovered the "sport" in the early `90 "I played sports my whole life," she said. She was active in basketball, badminton and soccer during her high gymnasium years. "After leaving college athletics, especially as a woman, it was difficult to find something to fill the gap." Sassin tried sodality activities, but found them lacking. "I had been searching for a sport, yet the fact is that I'm a team athlete. I regard with affection team dynamics and working with other people"

It was a natural fit, then, when she discovered adventure racing. In the early 1990 Sassin was first approached through Mark Burnett (the executive agriculturist of "Survivor") for his non-stop expedition race, "Eco-Challenge."

"I had not at any time been on a mountain bike, in a raft, kayak, canoe, climbing harness, through the whole extent of a cliff, in a thicket or on a glacier," said Sassin. unless that didn't stop her. Gearing up with a compass, backpack and a survival blanket, she went to the Eco-Challenge tryouts. "I went merely to have a fun outdoor weekend and conclusioned up winning," she said. "I had six month to learn all the sports." Now Sassin averages about three races a year.

Although she's in first-rate physical condition, Sassin has had her share of challenges. In the 1998 Raid Gauloises, in Ecuador, she battled pulmonary edema and a dislocated shoulder. In addition, she feels from asthma, which makes mountain races, where the air is thin, particularly difficult.

on the other hand being an adventurer is no other than part of her life, as her schedule is many times full with her day-to-day work and training.

"My lifestyle is super busy," she said. When she isn't working with her nutrition clients, she's busy conducting discourses and working as a work spokesperson. Sassin usually begins by the agency of waking up at 5:30 and packing her meals for the day (she eats each four hours). From 6 to 8 a.m. she trains, then works until about 1 pm Then, from 1 to 5 pm she trains and replys e-mails. She then works with her clients at night. "It's all a matter of organization," she said.

nevertheless just what does Sassin eat to stay healthy and give her the zeal she needs? "I usually stick with the same 15 foods" she said. Balancing her intake of protein, carbohydrates and calories, breakfast usually consists of nine ovum whites and a bagel with peanut butter and jelly luncheon or dinner can be chicken with tortillas and avocados, halibut with rice and almonds and fruit, or turkey with pasta, sauce and vegetables. In fact, diet plays a vast role in her life. "People don't make a connection with provender and how they feel. They recognize cravings yet don't associate what they eat with feeling tired, lethargic or irritable."

Sassin has chop dairy out of her diet and takes a daily multiple vitamin/mineral, plus glucosamine for her joints. Occasionally, when she destitutions to supplement her diet, she will use a protein comminute or bar.

In addition to fulfilling her ne for team sports, adventure racing has also helped Sassin in the business world. She has learned to work with others in a team environment and brings her toughness and determination to everyday challenges. "I know no matter what happens, I just ne to restrain moving forward and it will work out"

FOR MORE INFORMATION forward ADVENTURE RACING, CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING:

California Sports Marketing, wwwcsmeventscom Adventure Training Consultants, www.adventuretrain.com United States Adventure Racing Association, www.usara.com Michael Epstein Sports Productions, Inc. wwwmespcom Frontier Adventure Racing, www.raidthenorth.com Colorado Adventure Training, www.adventuretraining.com

Cathy Sassin's Advice to Women

"Women especially, don't really know what their potentials is, "said Sassin. Below are about tips she gives to women who might consider getting involved in sports or exercise.

1) achieve out and do something, anything.

2) Have the right clothes. Nobody anticipates good in bike shorts.

3) Pay attention to nutrition. If you eat fitly you automatically lose fat.

4) Know that, with exercise, the number onward the scale may not change, further your body composition will.

5) Don't just do aerobic exercise; also do potency training. Lift bags of rice or bottle of water to unravel your arm and back muscles.

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