How hard will the traditional/long course be?
How hard will the short course be?
What type of physical shape should
I be in?
What are the necessary skills
for this race?
Do you have any training hints?
Why only mixed-gender teams for Premier Division?
Traditional/Long Course
The course is designed to take an average of 8-12
hours to complete, with the fastest competitors finishing in about
8 hours. All teams should be able to complete the course within
15 hours. It will be both challenging for the experienced racer,
and very achievable for the beginner racer. The course will be about
50-55 miles long, and can be roughly divided into thirds in terms
of distance: one third each for paddling, mountain biking, and hiking,
with additional rope work and special events to make this an excellent,
challenging, and fun course. All of the running sections can be
hiked, and it is up to each team to choose whether or not to run
the foot travel sections. The course can be completed without running.
Short Course
The course is designed to take an average of 2-4
hours to complete, with the fastest competitors finishing in about
2 hours. All teams should be able to complete the course within
5 hours. The short course will be a great first-time adventure race
for a team and a challenging workout for an experienced individual.
The course will be about 10-15 miles long, and can be roughly divided into thirds in terms
of distance: one third each for paddling, mountain biking, and hiking,
with additional special team events to make this an excellent,
challenging, and fun course. All of the running sections can be
hiked, and it is up to each team to choose whether or not to run
the foot travel sections. The course can be completed without running.
Adequate Physical Shape
There will NOT be a physical fitness test to compete
in this race. Competitors should decide themselves if they honestly
feel that they can participate in these activities for extended
periods of time. Do you run? Hike? Paddle? Cycle? How long can you
do each? Can you do some or all of them back to back? Try some of
these activities for extended periods of time to test yourself.
If you are unsure if you are fit enough, i.e. on the proverbial
fence, do the race (be you own best cheerleader)! Pick teammates
whose abilities balance out your own. Teamwork is one of the most
important aspects of adventure racing. Remember, the event is called
an "Adventure Race"; if you are not keen on racing, go for the adventure!
Necessary Skills
To compete in this race, competitors should be able
to navigate relatively well with a map and compass, i.e. follow
trails and know where you are; decide which trail to take at intersections;
figure out a bearing from a map with your compass and walk on that
bearing through the forest; associate terrain with your topographic
map; know what UTM grid coordinates are and how to plot them on
a 7.5 minute map (1:24000 scale). Participants should also have
some flat water paddling experience with three persons in one canoe
and skillfully maneuver a canoe in wind and waves. Also, participants
should be able to ride a mountain bike on asphalt, gravel roads,
and single-track trails, and negotiate hills in each, perform basic
repairs on your bike and be able to repair a flat tire. Remember,
there is still time to train or acquire new skills.
Training Hints
First, get a good base of aerobic fitness - run,
cycle, swim, etc. Next, practice the skills needed for the race.
Make a point to train your weakest skills and as a result, even
out your overall skill level. The beauty of adventure racing is
that there are so many disciplines that it's hard to get bored.
Try to do something everyday. Eat the foods that you think you may
carry during the race while training. On a rest day, study maps,
research gear, strategize food. Think about race details when you
aren't out training. Racers with good techniques, skills, and organization
routinely defeat teams that appear physically stronger. Train as
often as possible with your team.
Mixed-Gender Teams
Teamwork is the single most important aspect of adventure
racing. Part of the challenge is to pick a team whose members compliment
each other in all aspects of an adventure race: physical ability,
mental toughness, problem solving, navigation, temperament, etc.
Men and women offer different essential ingredients to the recipe
for a successful team, and mixed-gender teams combine the best that
everyone has to offer. In addition, all major adventure races, including
the USARA Nationals, Raid Gauloises, the Eco-Challenge, Southern Traverse,
Elf Authentic Adventure, etc. require mixed gender teams.
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