Jeff Hajny

    ProFormance Physical Therapy doesn't just rehab injuries. They also are on the racing scene.
     This past year, Nate Myers and his Team ProFormance Physical Therapy, sponsored by Laminated Wood Systems of Seward, placed second out of nearly 30 teams at the Nebraska Sports Council Adventure Racing Series.
     "It usually consists of running, biking, canoeing and sometimes climbing with ropes and harnesses and orienteering (map and compass work)," Myers said. "All of these are tied together by using only a map and compass to get you around during the race."
     Races may last anywhere from two to 36 hours, all without the athletes stopping or sleeping.
     Myers, along with teammates Brian Drahota and Michelle Thompson, competed in the 12-race event which spanned January to October 2007 and took place in towns throughout Nebraska including Lincoln, Omaha, Fairbury and Norfolk.
     Myers has been involved with racing for about six years and has raced in many different states. He said he is hoping to compete in next year's Adventure Racing Series, which will start in March.
     This was Drahota's first year at adventure racing. He had previous experience with triathlons along with road and mountain bike races.
     Thompson has been involved in adventure racing for about six years and is one of the top female runners and triathletes in the state.
     "We could have won it this year, but we missed one race and it cost us some points," Myers said.
     Along with their win in Nebraska, the team also placed second at a race in Missouri. They qualified for the national race, but due to an injury had to back out.
     Next year, Myers also plans to travel to Missouri for a series of races throughout the state.
     Myers said he is expecting big things next year.
     "We plan on going full force next year and trying for the first place finish in the series," Myers said.
     Along with next year's race, Myers said he is planning to put on a 16 to 24 hour race in and around Seward in 2009, which will be a part of the Nebraska Sports Council race.