Cyndi & Russell

For the team from The Amazing Race 4, see Russell & Cindy.

Cyndi Kalenberg and Russell Kalenberg are a team of Pastors/Married Parents on The Amazing Race 2.

Although older than most of their competitors, Cyndi & Russell were able to keep up with them, sometimes even racing near the front of the pack in the first few legs. In the fifth leg, however, they struggled the most with the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, dropping to last early on and were unable to catch up, leading to their elimination in 7th place.

Profile[]

Retrieved from CBS.com

“Our relationship is based on the "Love of God," on giving each love and support as we face life's challenges together.”

Cyndi and Russell met in the tenth grade at Hutchinson High School in Hutchinson, Minnesota. Cyndi was a new transfer student that year, and the two have been together ever since. During their 28-year marriage, they have traveled together many times. Because they live in a cold place, they like to head south to the ocean for a couple of weeks in winter; thus their best travel experiences usually involve lying on a beach. According to Cyndi, "Our worst travel experience is when I have tried to 'get by cheap' and we end up in a dive and have to scramble for a hotel at the last minute."

Russell and Cyndi decided to team up for THE AMAZING RACE "to face the challenge of racing around the world, seeing all the beautiful locations, but most importantly, building a lifetime memory with each other." As they approach the starting line, they resolve that "win or lose, we will allow this experience to draw us closer together. Our relationship with God and each other cannot be measured in any dollar amount."

What strengths and weaknesses do you bring to the Team?

Cyndi: The strengths I bring to the Team would be an optimistic attitude, travel reservation experience, and getting us through a foreign airport. The weaknesses I would have is the lack of muscle power and trying to find my way out of any kind of wilderness.

What strengths and weaknesses does your teammate bring to the Team?

Cyndi: Russell's best strength for our Team will be his ability to lead us through any remote locations like a jungle or desert, plus his muscle power to carry his own weight and probably most of mine too. His only weakness is trying to keep a positive attitude no matter what.

What is your favorite film?

Cyndi: Anne of Green Gables
Russell: Gladiator

What is your favorite TV show?

Cyndi: THE AMAZING RACE
Russell: THE AMAZING RACE

Who is your favorite actor?

Cyndi: Robert Redford
Russell: Sean Connery

Who is your favorite actress

Cyndi: Meg Ryan
Russell: Julia Roberts

What is your favorite band?

Russell: Michael W. Smith

What comfort item from home will you miss the most?

Cyndi: laptop computer and slippers
Russell: King size pillow^[1]

The Amazing Race 2[]

Race History[]

Cyndi & Russell's Race History
Episode	Leg	Destination(s)	Detour Choice (underlined)	Roadblock Performer	Placement	Notes
1	1	United States → Brazil	Mountain / Beach	No Roadblock	2 of 11
2	2	Brazil	Freak Out / Seek Out	Russell	6 of 10
3	3	Brazil → South Africa	Dance / Deliver	Russell	8 of 9
4	4	South Africa → Namibia	Slide / Stride	Russell	6 of 8
5	5	Namibia → Thailand	Confusion Now / Confusion Later	Cyndi	7 of 7
				Average	5.80
Legend: The team finished in first place The team finished in last place and was eliminated from the race The team finished in last place in a non-elimination leg The team that won The Amazing Race The team that crossed the Finish Line second The team that crossed the Finish Line third ► The team used the Fast Forward pass

Post-Race[]

Cyndi later wrote a blog detailing the couple's experience on the show.^[2]

Trivia[]

With Cyndi's encouragement, Russell originally applied for Survivor, but was not chosen. A casting agent, seeing his audition tape, asked the married couple for apply for The Amazing Race.^[2]

External links[]

Interviews[]

Brainerd Dispatch (04/09/2002): "Couple talks about their amazing adventure"
Susan Schechter at RealityNewsOnline (07/10/2002): "Amazing Race 2: Interview with Cyndi & Russell"