Beginner Adventure Racing Advice - Getting Started Adventure Racing

Where does the beginner adventure racing start out,will be in trouble, if you have a background of running
what work out plan for adventure racing should I use.this is a fine starting point.
What adventure racing gear is needed, what will raceThe longer the race the slower the pace for the
day be like, these are some of the questionsbeginner adventure racing and the slower pace allows
answered by Beginner adventure racing advice.one to take in and enjoy the great outdoors which is a
Some racers have come from a tri-athelonbig part of what beginner adventure racing is about,
background and for them the conversion is easy, it'smeeting people and discovering new places whilst
just a matter of replacing swimming with kayak orlearning about oneself.
canoeing.On the day of the race remember to drink plenty of
A work out plan for adventure racing will need to bewater to fully hydrate your body and get to the race
scheduled for six to eight weeks prior to the eventarea as early as possible. As soon as you can track
putting in training on the three basic disciplines, running,down the registration area and get the formalities out
mountain biking and kayaking. A lot of beginnerof the way. Recheck the start time and then go to the
adventure racing omit training in Kayaking andstarting area and check out the lay of the land.,
canoeing. Most times kayaks or canoes are suppliedCompetitors will start to gather in the starting area to
by race organiser,pick prime positions. Once you have done your final
Running and Mountain biking should be practised onchecks, Sort out where you will start. I always suggest
trails gravel roads and single tracks, starting off with 30picking an area at the side, so you do not get overrun
minute sessions and building to 90 minutesin the melee that usually develops. Try to get a clean
remembering to put in some varied countryside andstart but keep to your own pace, if you have plan stick
hills if possible.with it
Navigation is another area which is overlooked; if youThe field spreads out quite quickly after the gun and
have an orienteering club near you it is well worthwithin fifteen minutes virtually everyone is settled into
joining then you can practice your running andtheir racing pace, now is the time to take your first sip
navigation at the same time.of water (you should be drinking every 15 minutes) and
A beginner adventure racing does not need specialtake a look around you. Althuogh you should be racing
clothes to start with a race vest and shorts or leggingsyour own race it's nice to have company
will do fine for the first few races, together with aSome races have courses laid out with marshals,
running shoe or cross trainer which are the mostmarkers and tapes to keep you on the course, others
suitable footwear for both for the running and mountainrequire you to navigate with compass and instructions
biking sections. You will also need a hydro-pack orfrom point to point. In the latter races you may benefit
bottle carriers for water and snacks such as energyfrom being with someone else, however be wary of
bars or gels. Compass and map holder.blindly following the person or team in front they might
The biggest expense will be a mountain bike, althoughbe lost.
any bike can be used the most popular one is aTransitions are where the beginner adventure racing
hardtail that has front suspension. Remember also tochanges from one discipline to another. This is where
have a toolkit with patches and gas inflator togethertime can be lost or gained; more often than not this is
with spare tubes.where the beginner adventure racing loses out.
You will also need to put together a small first aid kit,Approaching the transition is where the beginner
with plasters, steristrips, antiseptics, scissors, tweezersadventure racing should be mentally rehearsing what
and don't forget you will need Vaseline or Bodyglide tothey will do, perhaps change socks, replenish water
help prevent saddle sores and the like.bottles and restock gel or food bars. The least you do
Beginner adventure racing involves passing through athe quicker the changeover will be, however is you are
number of check points or control points, at thesedeveloping a hotspot or blister you should deal with it
points the beginner adventure racer will need to eitherbefore continuing.
clip a race card or have their time recorded in aOnce away from transition it's about getting back into
passport. Care must be taken not to lose the card orthe racing rhythm and finding the next checkpoint. and
passport as it is the only way of proving you havethe next transition area until you arrive at the finish line
followed the correct course. Except in Score racestired and dishevelled and perhaps collapse in a heap
where competitors a given a set time to reach assaying you will never do it again.
many check points as possible it is important to moveWhen you reflect on Beginner adventure racing, you
through the checkpoints in the correct order.can look back in pride having taken on nature, the
What type of race should a beginner adventure racingcourse designer and challenged yourself and won, yes
enter, the sprint race lasting a few hours or a longerthat's right everyone is a winner. Rather than sitting in
race up to 24 hours. Many people assume the sprintan armchair watch others, you have gone out and
race is the easiest, however the truth lies in the namedone it yourself, and gained some healthy exercise at
a sprint is usually fast paced, so if you walk or jog youthe same time.