Betty Saxman, longtime DCR employee, and her teammates Veronica Salazar and Incy Teoh participated in an all-women’s adventure race, Buff Betty, at Occoneechee State Park last year. I asked Betty about her experience in her first adventure race, keep reading to learn what she had to say.  

But first, what is an adventure race? An adventure race is a multi-sport competition requiring analog navigation in the wilderness (also known as orienteering). Virginia State Parks host adventure races regularly. Several are part of our Adventure Series.  

Race team and longtime ”bike-buddies” Betty Saxman (left), Veronica Salazar (middle) and Incy Teoh (right). Photo courtesy of Incy Teoh. 

Q&A with Betty Saxman (aka Buff Betty):  

Q: What sports were part of the adventure race Buff Betty you participated in? Were you and your teammates experienced with these sports? 

A: The six-hour, beginner-friendly race we signed up for consisted of three disciplines: trekking (on foot), biking (mountain biking), and paddling (in a canoe). All of which we had done before. We knew going in that we would be using orienteering skills to find predetermined checkpoints along the course. The course, however, was secret until race morning when we received our map and instructions. We could take photos or record our activity with a fitness tracker, but we could not use our phones for navigation—just a map and compass. 

The team finds a checkpoint along the course. Photo by Incy Teoh.

Q: Had you and your teammates ever experienced an adventure race? What made you want to challenge yourself? 

A: Of the three of us, only one had done an adventure race before and she wasn’t the navigator that time. Orienteering as a sport has intrigued me for a while. We rely on our phones for navigation so much, it sometimes seems we’ve lost the analog skill of using only a map to find our way. Using a compass to take a bearing and set a course to a destination is a survival skill that feels old-timey and somewhat poetic to me. I wanted to challenge myself to use my wits to stay on course. 

Q: How did you pick your teammates (or did they pick you)? 

A: Incy, Veronica and I have been bike-buddies for years and are always down for an adventure. Veronica put out the word after seeing the race announcement on Meet-up and I was determined to earn the “Buff Betty” T-shirt that seemed made with me in mind. 

Teammates huddle together pre-race. Photo courtesy of Incy Teoh.

Q: How did you train for the adventure race? 

A: When we registered, we learned that our total distance between all disciplines would be less than 25 miles, although that distance could vary if we got lost or were inefficient in collecting checkpoints. To prepare, we scheduled a couple of training days at Pocahontas State Park where we could ride, hike and paddle together. Hiking and biking were no problem, we regularly spend a lot of time trail riding and hiking in and around Richmond. Three people trying to paddle one canoe under control toward a destination—different story. With all of us paddling, the boat zig-zagged all over the place. We settled on me sitting at the back of the boat using my paddle to rudder (steer) and the other two alternating sides paddling. 

Aside from the paddling, if we were weak in any area I felt it would be our navigation skills. As it turned out, checkpoints on the beginner course were positioned within sight of trail or fire roads for the most part, so skills orienteering with a compass were not really necessary for this race. 

Q: What surprised you about the adventure? 

A: What surprised me, and it should not have, was the competitive spirit of this all-women slate of participants. Our motivation to enter this adventure race was to challenge ourselves personally. My team had no goal of “winning”. We just wanted to see what it was all about and gauge interest for future entries. When our team considered trekking, we likened it to hiking or walking—not so for many of the teams. They set out at a running pace and were not messing around with chitchat! It was a supportive, encouraging atmosphere that fostered healthy competition. 

A major unexpected challenge we faced on race day was extremely hot temperatures. By 2:00 p.m. it was predicted to be 100 degrees. We carried a lot of water and checked in with each other often to be sure nobody was over doing it in the extreme heat. The toughest discipline was, as expected, the paddle. Full sun exposure and windy conditions made it tricky and slow going. One of us may or may not have said, “I’m NEVER canoeing again!” in the heat of the moment. 

Teammate Veronica Salazar paddles the canoe, photo by Incy Teoh. 

Q: Are you happy you did it? 

A: It was great fun and I’d certainly do it again. In fact, my teammates and I have attended a Central Virginia Orienteering Club outing with instruction this winter and plan to keep it up in order to advance our navigation skills. Within the six-hour timeframe we did not find all of the checkpoints, leaving a lot of room for improvement next time! 

Q: What advice do you have to others who are thinking about participating in an adventure race at Virginia State Parks? 

A: An adventure race is a lot like a scavenger hunt and a puzzle you get to run around outside to solve. I highly recommend it. My advice is always, bring snacks! 

Teammates smile on the trail during Buff Betty adventure race at Occoneechee State Park. Photo by Incy Teoh. 

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Thanks to Betty, Incy and Veronica for giving us a look into their experience!  

Adventure races are a fun way to explore your Virginia State Parks! Interested in taking on the challenge? Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, want to do it solo or with teammates, the Virginia State Parks Adventure Series offer a variety of adventure races throughout the year. Check the calendar of Adventure Series races to challenge yourself!