WANT TO BE AN ADVENTURE RACER?
Rewritten by Wina Sturgeon
One of the hottest concepts to hit the outdoors in the past decade is Adventure Racing. It's continued rise in popularity has spawned a growing number of participants and fans that can only be categorized as ‘fanatical’. So why is adventure racing growing ever more popular, and how can you get involved in a race yourself?
One big draw of Adventure Racing can be attributed to the fact that a lot of the people involved don’t even care about the win. They just want to finish; a goal which also marked the early popularity of the marathon decades ago. But an adventure race combines the basics of a triathlon with pure adventure sports. Another big draw: there are no standard race rules. Mountain biking, kayaking, marathon running, climbing, and even in-line skating can all be a stage of any given race. As more races are put together, additional creative ideas of stretching human performance are rising like cream.
The basic concept of Adventure Racing revolves around teams of 2-5 people trying to navigate their way along a course using the specific type of transportation required for each stage, be it horses, canoes or belaying. The first team to complete every stage and get to the finish with all team members, wins. Some participants may have to be carried to the finish by teammates.
With races lasting anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of weeks, you can see how big a challenge it can be. Racers must be well acquainted with navigational skills, perform a variety of different sports, train in all climates from snow and high altitude to broiling Death-Valley-type temperatures. It is also a team sport; so if your team doesn't run like a well-oiled machine, than your chances of success in adventure racing will be slim to virtually none.
If you haven't been scared off by now, then perhaps you are the type to get involved in adventure racing. But be forewarned, being in top shape is essential, as well as having a few cups of courage to spare.
Getting involved can be as easy as you and a friend or two signing up and paying the entrance fee for smaller local or regional races. If you're interested in going to the upper levels, you could be forking out hundreds and even thousands of dollars for your team. But if you come well prepared and just happen to score a win--the payoff could reach $100,000 or more. Not bad for a few days of hard racing.
Once you have taken the step of deciding that adventure racing could be for you, the next step is planning your training, equipment, and your search for the perfect team. If you have done triathlons, the transition can actually be quite easy. For most races it is recommended to train in distance running over varied types of terrain, as well as biking over varied terrain for distance, as well as switching from the tri’s swimming to kayaking. These three areas happen to be the most appealing to adventure race organizers, since most people can train in these three sports easily. Since all races vary, plan your training program according to the race you are going to enter. Remember, only perfect practice makes perfect.
As far as equipment, start out with just a few basic items. Good and reasonably new running/hiking shoes are essential and you should make sure they are waterproof. Also, you'll need comfortable shorts, shirt, and perhaps a vest to carry basic supplies. If you are doing the basic biking, kayaking, running adventure race, the kayaks will generally be provided, but you will definitely want to use your own mountain bike, one professionally fit to your body. It is also recommended that you carry a first-aid kit, a map of the course, and a navigational device. GPS systems are usually not allowed, but that can depend on the race.
A good, consistant and varied workout will get you in general, thought not specific shape for your first race, but the biggest task lies ahead---finding your team.
Finding people to participate with you can take the skills of a psychologist, because each team member must play well with others under competitive pressure. For starters, look for people at your local gym, people you meet while out running or biking. Even family and friends who are in great shape could be the perfect teammate. This process may require you to be a bit self-critical. The key to creating the best team is to analyze your own weaknesses. If you are not a very strong kayaker for instance, you would want to find someone who is. Also make sure to take into consideration the navigational skills involved. You want a leader who is adept at reading maps and course topos, as well as people with whom you will get along with when you are all tired, hungry and uncomfortable.
Once all the necessary items are in place and you are ready to start your first race, remember the basics: drink plenty of water, stash a few energy bars and go out and have fun. A win is great, but just taking the initiative to have a great adventure in the outdoors could be worth more than a win any day.