A bioenvironmental engineer for the U.S. military, when Maiya Kraus isn't protecting the lives of the 10,000 people on her base, she's risking her own.

The two-time NCAA Division II National Swimming Champion and 12-time All-American is a newcomer to adventure racing, but no stranger to survival expeditions. Maiya has served as a U.S. Air Force survival-training instructor in navigation and evasion and has led many expeditions in the Cascades, Rockies, Alaska and Olympics. Maiya has also learned that SealSkinz Waterproof Socks and Gloves are crucial gear for a long race.

"SealSkinz protect your feet after hours and hours on rough, wet terrain," Maiya said. "They allow me to keep going."

This year, Maiya and her team Wild Blue Adventure Racing will be competing in the Armed Forces Eco Challenge. SealSkinz will be with them every step of the way.

"SealSkinz mold to your feet like a glove when they are wet, keeping water and debris out. They keep me from getting blisters or sore feet."

Last year, Maiya turned in a third place women's team finish in the 2000 CISM World Military Triathlon. Maiya earned her masters in bioresource engineering from Oregon State Engineering in 1998.

To learn more about Maiya and Team Wild Blue Adventure Racing, visit www.geocities.com/wildblueadventure/