by Gina Scarpa

 

When a team comes in last in a non-elimination round on The Amazing Race, they may think that they ended up lucking out.  However, finishing at the very bottom of the pack always comes with a penalty.  This week, Christie and Jodi were forced to complete a speed bump, an extra task that no other team has to do, because they were the last team to check in during the previous leg.  Even though they were able to finish their challenge quickly, a lost cab driver ended up costing them the race.  Today, the pair spoke to RealityWanted in an exclusive interview about their time on the show, their friends, enemies, and the perks of being friends with Mike White!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made the two of you want to try out for The Amazing Race and whose idea was it?
A. Jodi: I’ve wanted to try out since day one.   Nine years ago, I tried out with my ex and went to the finals in L.A.  They told us that there wasn’t enough drama in our relationship.  Nine years later, I applied with my best friend from high school.  The show said that they’d love to have flight attendants.  Christie and I had been working together for a while and one thing led to another and here we are.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What sort of preparation did you do before going on the show?
A. Christie: We did a lot of upper body workouts.  In the past, women have been at a disadvantage in physical challenges.  I studied German and French and Jodi studied Italian and Portuguese.  We did a lot of work.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What’s the hardest part about being on the race?
A. Jodi: It’s the lack of sleep, coupled with the stress.  Your body takes a hit.
A. Christie: Even when you had the chance to sleep, you couldn’t, especially when you’re at the bottom of the pack.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Some teams have chosen to align themselves with one another this season.  Did you work with anyone?
A. Christie: We shared information with Victor and Tammy but we never really formed an alliance.
A. Jodi: The whole point of going on The Amazing Race was to do this ourselves.  Relying on another team wasn’t part of our strategy.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Was there anything that you saw, watching the show back, that surprised you or that you didn’t know about?
A. Christie: I think the funniest thing was Jamie and Cara.  We didn’t know that they were going around saying that we were telling the other teams not to work with them.  That is not true.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Had you guys not had to deal with the speed bump, do you think you’d still be in the race at this point?
A. Jodi: Oh yeah, we were only two minutes behind Mark and Mike.  The speed bump was a 30 minute task and the cab drive was 30 minutes because we were going the wrong way.
A. Christie: The biggest downfall was that the driver went to the wrong city.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Is there a team left in the race that you’re personally rooting for to win?
A. Christie: Jen and Keesha.  We wanted a female team to win.  They’d good sports, they’re competitive, and they’re good people.  We loved Mel and Mike, too.  They’re very deserving, very good people.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What has life been like since the show started airing and what are your upcoming plans?
A. Jodi: We have fantastic opportunities since the show.  I’ve been recognized at work, at the airport, and out at rodeos, which is a big thing around here.  The best part is that children look at you with awe.  The entire cast just spent a fantastic weekend in L.A.  Mike White threw an L.A. race and all the current teams, as well as past teams, the creator, and the casting director all participated.  We met so many people: Jack Black, Laura Dern, and Shawn Hayes!
A. Christie: My husband wants to go back and really experience the places Jodi and I got to visit.  They’re not places you would normally think of for a vacation.

 

The Amazing Race airs Sundays at 8pm ET on CBS.

 

(Image courtesy of CBS)

 

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