Andy Bacon

Age: 29
Occupation: Principal at SRA International, Inc.
Specialty: Not complaining

Relevant Experience:
Odyssey 24-Hour AR, Odyssey Sprint AR, Odyssey Off-Road 1/2 Ironman Triathlon, EX2 Venture Quest AR, 10 Xterra Off-Road Triathlons, 3 Summits of Mt. Rainier, 6-day mountaineering course, numerous climbs in the WA North Cascades, countless road and trail races.

Why am I doing Primal Quest?
For the past three years, I’ve participated in a fundraising event called the Climb to Fight Breast Cancer, which benefits a cancer center in Seattle, WA. Each year I’ve been amazed at the people I’ve met - some themselves cancer survivors, some friends or family of cancer survivors, some just looking to make a difference. Over those past three years, I’ve had the chance to spend time with women who have beaten cancer and asked them about their experiences. In all the stories I have heard, there is always one common theme, and it always comes at the end. That theme, expressed in many different ways, is to truly cherish every moment of life and live your dreams. Everyone I have spoken with has told me that it was only after their battle with cancer did this attitude towards life become clear. Only after being reminded so clearly that indeed life is short, and that life can be taken away unexpectedly, did they change their focus from working a job they didn’t enjoy, living in a place they didn’t feel at home, or being afraid to take chances to a life of really living, a life of going to places they’ve always wanted to visit, a life of doing the things they’ve always wanted to do, a life of enjoying life with the people they love.

I’ve chosen to compete in Primal Quest because I’ve tried to learn from those conversations and live a life full of amazing experiences. Primal Quest will undoubtedly be one of my life’s truly amazing experiences.