Welcome to Adventure Racing Part 1
Here I am following an experienced teammate in my first adventure race four years ago.
With the Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge drawing closer and finding that about half of our registrants are first-time adventure racers, I thought it would be helpful to share a bit of what to expect in this unique sport. This is the first of a two blog series to welcome newbies to the sport where I’ll share what I’ve learned since I was brand new to the sport four years ago.
1) What is adventure racing?
The premise of adventure racing is that participants (typically a team of 2-4) use a map and compass to navigate through an unmarked course using several disciplines. These disciplines are usually on foot (running, hiking bushwhacking), on bike (road and off-road, and sometimes even hike-a-bike), and paddling (usually canoe) for a non-winter event. If you aren’t familiar with adventure racing, check out the links below for more info.
2) Don’t be intimidated
Perusing an adventure race website and seeing “gear lists,” “unsupported,” “no GPS allowed,” and “multi-disciplinary,” may intimidate a potential first-time adventure racer, but don’t miss out on one of the most unique sports. Even though these races span several hours, the distances covered are attainable as the pace is much slower than any other type of race. And you’ll get far more mileage from the stories you share from your experiences.
3) Plan to get hooked!
Many of you were intrigued with this summer’s resurrection of the Eco-Challenge, and that’s wonderful (and if you haven’t checked it out be sure to)! This sport is so unique - every time you toe the start, you’ll have a brand new adventure. Not only that, but you experience every moment with teammates (you are required to stay together the entire race - so choose your teammates wisely - more on that in part 2!).
4) Self-supported
Part of the adventure is that you’re mostly on your own. Not only is the course unmarked but you must provide your own gear, food, and usually hydration. Don’t worry, race directors provide a list of required gear to make sure you have a safe and fun experience. Plus there’s multiple “transition areas” along the course that you check in with volunteers, so you’re not left to fend for yourselves out in the wilderness the entire race.
Adventure racing allows you to experience the entire race with teammates exploring areas off-the-beaten path.
Going into my first adventure race, I was worried about packing enough food to last the duration of the course (I eat a lot - my arm would often get tired carrying my lunch into work!). After gaining some experience, I now have a “recipe” to pack about 200 calories per hour of racing and have yet to run out of nutrition in a race.
More ahead
We’ll provide more tips in two weeks, so stay tuned!
Related posts:
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