Kaizen - is a Japanese philosophy that focuses on continuous improvement throughout all aspects of life.
Jesse Hagberg of Asheville, NC was introduced to the outdoors at an early age through an extremely active Boy Scout Troop and began devouring any recreational outdoor activity he could get his hands on. In mid 2004 he joined up with some good friends and participated in his first trail triathlon. Like many people that eventually make their way to AR, he found it immensely satisfying competing in a multi-sport event. Combining that with the treasure hunt-like feel of orienteering and AR was the next logical step. "I get to do multiple activities I love in the same day... It's just awesome. Plus it brings a nice balance to my alter ego as a software engineer/systems administrator."
Jason Smith of Glen Allen, VA has always been athletically inclined, making it to state finals with his cross country team in a tough high school division. Fast forward through college and a few years of working hard to become a leading software salesman in a tough market, he was ripe for a new physical and mental challenge that would bring balance to his life in the rat race. Throughout 2006 he and his brother-in-law Jesse discussed their shared desire for an adventuresome goal that would require them to once again get into top shape.
Jason Herron of planet whizzlefiz, has decided to take up the charge with the Kaizen crew. More about this mysterious being later!
The Kaizen Story…
4 HR - In late 2006, Jason answered the call when Jesse proposed that they train for and compete in a 4 hour “sport” AR in central North Carolina being held in the spring of 07’. Jason’s sister, Bethany, whose AR career was cut short by two new children, also participated in this first event. This race would be a test to see if AR was as fun/challenging as it looked and if their homemade fitness program was up to snuff. Together, they surpassed their own expectations by being one of only two teams to collect all checkpoints and finish in the top half of the pack.
8 HR - After the 4hr race, Kaizen (then known as Hoplites) immediately began training for the next step, an 8hr race to be held in the fall of 07’. Jason and Jesse hooked up with one of Jesse’s best friends and co-adventurers, Andrew Radvansky of Columbus, OH and a blind date recruit in Eric Cone of the Untamed Adventure crew. (Eric was actually coming off of the UntamedVA07’ 30 hr race from the week prior!) The team busted their butts to get in shape for the longer event using a popular Navy Seal workout plan found on the Internet with a little best guess adaptation here and there. After another decent finish and many quality “lessons” later, Kaizen looked forward to raising the bar and tackling a beast with a lot more teeth, the 24+ hour AR. After much research, talking to people, reading race reports and juggling schedules, Kaizen settled on Untamed Virginia 30 hour.
Bad news struck the team in early February 08’ when Andrew reported a foot injury that would play out over a several month rehab. With Andrew out, Jason and Jesse decided to proceed as a tandem team until Drew had adequate time to mend and get back up to speed.
24 HR - Even though training was going well with the 5 month training plan the team put together, they began getting antsy about jumping straight to the 30hr duration. With relatively short notice, they threw in a classic 24 hour race just outside of Roanoke, VA. Their modest goals were to learn something about racing at night, to test their mettle by racing for a full day and if all went well to finish in the top half of the pack. Even with two nasty encounters with bees, some soggy feet issues and 2 hrs of the most evil bushwhacking they’d ever seen, they managed to stay on the full Pro course and get enough optional checkpoints to stay in the top 3rd of finishing teams! (Oh and they had a fantastic time doing it :o)
30 HR - September 13th is fast approaching and we can't wait to sink our teeth into Richmond!
-- Breaking News: We've added a third teammate in Jason Herron of Northern VA. I just spoke to him on the phone a few nights ago and his energy and excitement for this race could barely be contained by the Verizon Network --