Hello adventure racers and “wannabes” and outdoor sports fans…
The purpose of this forum is to share FAQs and straight talk about our sport.
Anyone can add a comment, Jay Anderson will approve and moderate this forum.
Doug Gray will regularly update it, so that you can focus on our adventure race series and calendar and training described at www.ncars.info
Please forward to your possible teammates.
RE: netiquette: write something that your grandmother, or a very nice person down the street, would consider acceptable… Thanks.
Hi Doug
I’m very interested in running an adventure race. I’ve never done one and need advice on equipment. What do I need to run a 4-hour course?
I have a solid mtn. bike, and am reasonably as a former Marine, triathlete and orienteerer and I do crossfit now.
Do I need an hydration pack? Will trail running shoes work? I have no training in kayaking so will that be a problem?
Any advice or suggestions on where to learn more about this cool sport is appreciated.
Hello Jim, Great questions. I’ll try to reply in order.
1. There is a short list of gear needed for the 4h race on the FAQ page of http://www.ncars.info. I’m not sure if this blog links back. You may need to click through your back arrow or web history. We keep the equipment list short so that you don’t have excuses. We want you to get out and do a race.
2. You sound like you have a good level of fitness, and a broad range of skills. So you should do fine. In fact, most newbies have less experience than you.
3. Hydration packs (like a Camelback or Nathan) are common and a great idea. Go to our sponsors (REI, Great Outdoor Provisions, and Charlotte Trek. FYI, Nathan was developed by a New Zealand legendary racer named Nathan Favrae who formerly raced for Seagate. We met in 2004. Now he designs great gear.) But frankly you will not need a hydration pack for our 4 hour races. Most newbies over-hydrate. For our 4 hour races, you can race for an hour or two. Then stop at your car for a drink. Or get some water at the restrooms at the USNWC or at Lake Norman State Park. The point is to GO FAST. The best teams carry the minimal gear requirements, and eat and drink regularly, to keep energy high. (FYI, on expedition races the #1 problem is gastrointestinal. That is the #1 reason why most teams quit.) So, on a 4 hour race, I recommend that you tape a gel on your handlebars, put a bar in your pocket, put a water bottle on your bike or car, and GO FAST.
4. Trail running shoes would be ideal. Anything that provides good stability.
5. No problem with kayaking. For the races at the USNWC, you will be on the Catawba River, which is wide and flat. The kayaks are sit on tops. Very stable. (At Lake Norman State Park you will be in canoes.) Kayaking is a simple, natural technique. There are some excellent instructional videos on YouTube. The best way to develop skills is to practice with someone who has better technique. There are some canoe and kayak clubs. Most racers lose time on the paddle section. Sometimes the paddle is 1/3 of the race. So, another tip is to rent or borrow a boat and paddle, then spend time with a friend. Use the video camera on your phone as a training tool. Have your friend video your technique. Then vary your technique. Then video again. When athletes see themselves they can usually self-coach. Focus on using straight elbows and your skeletal system, rather than bent elbows and your muscular system.
We look forward to seeing you soon, Jim!