In the end we demonstrated beyond doubt that women can compete on equal terms with men at this level. We did no training together as a team due to our geographic separation, rather we relied on each persons experience and heavy e-mail communication to ensure we were all training appropriately. This requires a high level of trust, but this is something you must have to race effectively anyway. In general women are better communicators and are much more sensitive to each other than men. This can be both a blessing and a curse.
Problems can arise if sensitivity extends to ones self, something true in everyday life as well.
The trick is to be insensitive to the odd sharp comment or criticism and to be sensitive to each other's feelings. Many teams disintegrate due to internal problems and conflicts, quite avoidable if one can objectify what is said and keep the overall purpose of the race in mind. It must have been cozy at night when it was time to sleep. On the most part we snatched 10 minute to two hour naps which were either profoundly uncomfortable and cold or profoundly deep. Our strategy is to manage sleep, and not to get sleep deprived.