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Getting
Started.
So you want to be
an Adventure Racer?
Adventure Racing can be one of the most rewarding sports anywhere. It can also,
be one of the most grueling sports anywhere, which is one thing that makes is so
attractive. Adventure Racing, like everything in life, is all about what you put
into it. Being part of a team and dedication to the sport will insure that you
will always meet your goals. Adventure racing can change your outlook on life
and the view of others toward you. All it takes is a commitment to yourself.
Below is information on the various
types of races and what may be considered for each of them. It is important to
pick a first race that is reasonably within your ability, then chose harder ones
from there.
Adventure races vary in length. Sprint Races run less than
8
hours (like the Ozark Extreme Adventure Sprints). Short Course Adventure Races are about
8 to
14 hours (like the Raid the Rock and Lewis and Clark races), and Long-Course Adventure Races
run 24 to 72 hours (like the Ozark Challenge, Berryman or Sylamore Hardcore). Expedition
length adventure races run many days or even weeks (like the Eco Primal
Quest, Southern Traverse and Raid Gauloises).
Each level carries unique demands.
Races vary significantly in terms of required degree of
readiness and cost to compete, and all races have slightly different
personalities, and rule-books and may demand different skill sets. Know your
level of ability, your level of commitment and your budget, and choose a race
accordingly. Getting in over your head on your first race can make for a
turn-off, a miserable time or at worst, a potentially dangerous experience.
Other races mainly those above Sprint level races
often demand a team be proficient in climbing, orienteering or other specific skills.
Teams can be made up of three or four people, and can be broken out into classes
like Co-ed, Men's and Women's. These races are most like the common
races runners and bikers know. They differ in that your team will start the race
together, race together and finish the race as a group. Each team is responsible
for bringing enough fluid and nourishment to supply the team for the entire
race, and outside assistance is forbidden.
Sprints
Sprint races generally combine trail-running, mountain biking,
and some form of paddling, with special challenges meant to test a team's
ability to work together under pressure. Most races last from
3
to 8 hours. Common distances can be: trail running for 4-10 miles, mountain
bike riding for 10-20 miles, and paddling for 1-5 miles.
Usually made up of solo, two or three
member teams these races are much shorter than the short course races and do not
require the myriad of gear needed for longer races. Sprint races are appealing
to those who are interested in starting in adventure racing, but want to get
their feet wet before starting off in to longer races with bigger teams.
Short Course Races:
Although Short Course Races usually
range from 40 to 70 miles and can last 8 to 14 hours. These races usually don't provide much opportunity
for team-meltdowns the way longer races do, although it does happen, its still smart to consider group
dynamics in putting together a team. Choose teammates who have similar skill
levels, as the team will travel at the speed of the slowest member, which can be
frustrating to faster racers. Discussing in advance each individual's goals for
the race is a wise idea, to avoid incompatibility.
Short Course Races will tend to appeal most to those looking for an alternative to a triathlon
or other running race, or those who enjoy outdoor activities but desire a
challenge. Top finishers are in top cardio-shape and blaze through transition
areas, but many enter these races to accomplish something demanding and
different. These races are good introductions to all-out adventure races as they
are generally cheaper to enter, and do not demand much in the way of financial
or time commitment.
Long-Course
Adventure Races:
Adventure races differ in that they generally combine
hiking/trail-running, mountain biking, climbing, and some form of paddling,
along with other disciplines like rappelling, Tyrolean traverse, swimming, skating, whitewater rafting, or any
other non-motorized discipline. Races last from 24 to 72 hours. These races often
average 100-200 miles. Navigation skill, normally composed of orienteering and
map reading, is a must. Personal food and water intake monitoring and
sleep-deprivation become issues of concern. Teams are generally coed and made up
of three or four people. Each team will start, race and finish the race
together, and is responsible for bringing whatever food, water, and equipment
they will need, as well as any support team which may be allowed or required.
Since multi-day adventure races provide opportunities for
team-meltdowns, it's imperative to consider group dynamics before putting
together a team. Choose teammates who have similar skill levels, as the team
will still travel at the speed of the slowest member, which can be cause for
team breakdown and the dreaded "Did not Finish". Discussing in advance
each individual's race-goals is a necessity, to avoid breakdowns as sleep
deprivation and exhaustion turn people into their less desirable character
traits.
These adventure races will tend to appeal most to those looking for a real
challenge and a taste of the Eco, RAID or Southern Traverse. Top finishers are in top
cardio-shape and blaze through transition areas, but maintain "constant
crisp forward motion." These races are demanding and are not generally good
introductions. They may demand some financial and time commitment. Good training
in advance for the involved disciplines would be wise.
Expedition Length
Adventure Races:
Expedition length adventure races generally combine constant
orienteering with a handful or more non-motorized disciplines. Certification of
each teammate's skill in each discipline will be requested. Races may last up to
14 days. These races often run 200-600 miles. Navigation, normally composed of
orienteering and map reading, is a key to these races. Stories abound of top
teams losing time and the race to seemingly small navigational errors. Remaining
healthy is a prime concern. Teams are generally coed and made up of three to
five people along with a several person support team responsible for
transporting whatever food, water, and equipment the team will need between the
appointed race transition areas.
In an expedition length race, you will be spending
significant time with your teammates and experiencing very stressful situations
with them, both during the race and in pre-race preparations. Make sure you all
have the same goals, similar physical ability and similar levels of commitment
to the event. A mismatch in any of these opens the door for endless frustration
for all involved and a likely "Did not finish." Of course physical
ability is a must, but also gather personalities that balance well, and make
sure you can have fun together. Determine in advance how decisions are going to
be made and who is leading. Pick teammates you can rely on, with healthy egos
that are still in-check. The more "selfless" someone is, the more
likely they'll be able to put the team first. All of this can be difficult to
ascertain when you find teammates on the internet, but teamwork is the aspect of
adventure racing which demands the most, and from which you will gain the most.
The gun goes off when the commitment to do the race is made, and a big part of
the challenge is just getting a complete and well-prepared team to the starting
line.
Top finishers in these races are the ones who make the fewest
mistakes, while remaining in continuous forward motion. People who seem to enjoy
these races most are endurance athletes for whom the disciplines are weekend
fun. Become proficient in these skills or you will be the weak link on your
team. Navigation is probably the most critical skill. The reality is, only one
person must have navigation skills, but four brains are often better than one,
train with a weighted pack on long hikes. Paddle to learn an efficient stroke
and how to read water. Learn to swim while managing a full backpack. Climb to
become comfortable and safe with ropes. These things you should know well. Every
race is different and will demand different skills, which you can pick up as
necessary, but these you must know.
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