Did someone say ADVENTURE?
In the process of looking for a full triathlon, Brad came across an "Adventure race." The description went something like this:

You may have to bike, you may have to kayak, you may have to run up mountains, or down mountains, you may have to run through cow manuer, we aren't going to tell you. We aren't going to tell you where you are going to start the race, or where it is going to end until just before the race begins. And even then, we are only going to give you a map and an encouraging, "I hope you don't see any bears out there." We will tell you that it will take around 6 hours..... So, please bring a compass.

Brad began to drool as soon as he read the name, and quickly roped 2 of his friends into commitment. Thus their first adventure race team was born. They called themselves, the "Hog Trotters."

(This is an actual picture of the guys on their race......not taken by me)

These Hog Trotters were one of 40 teams to compete. They did pretty well for themselves.....in the poring rain. When they got home, we (their wives) asked them each what they thought of it all. Brad--thought it was Awesome, Friend#1-agreed, and is already planning for next year. Friend#2- compared it to childbirth. He said, maybe he'll forget how awful it was by then and be convinced to sign up for another torturous 6 hours when it comes around again.