Adventure Racing

[spokewench]

An event like this could be very high-stress and a real strain on a relationship. If you both understand that, address it in advance, and have a "safe" word (ie something to say when you just need to remind each other that you love each other), you'll have a more successful event!

Good idea Velogirl:

I don't usually do stuff like this with my hubby cause he is very a type when it comes to athletics of all type, but when I do, I use a "not so safe" word when he is being a problem, and then wait till after the event to remind him "I Love him" Otherwise, he would just laugh in my face. Of course, not all men are the same! spoke

[limewave]

Thanks for the advice. I think this event calls for a new pair or two of smartwool's.

DH and I have started talking about it. I did some work for the race organizers so we got a free registration. With that in mind, DH and I plan to just have fun --we'll see if we can stick to that being that we are both so competitve.

[rocknrollgirl]

Limewave,
We adventure race. It is very different than a regular race because there is a huge mental factor thrown in. If you know where the race is going to be held, go there ahead of time to get a general lay of the land.

The races that we have participated in, they do not announce the location until one month before the race.

Make sure you practice running with wet feet. They will run you through rivers for sure.

Make sure you practice with all of your gear on.

Make sure you stay flexible. It is not always the fastest team that wins, it is who races the smartest.

It is a ton of fun, but be prepared, very different.

[Drtgirl]

I have been adventure racing for a couple years now.

Nav training- The best way to start is by participating in local orienteering events. Many have an intro clinic before the meet starts. I think the Michigan group is something like "southern michigan orienteering club" There is a good book called Wilderness Navigation that many local racers have used:
http://www.mountaineersbooks.org/pro...ils.cfm?PC=587. Buy a topo map and go for a hike. While on the trail, take note of your surroundings and see how they translate on the map.

I would recommend doing a AR "brick", ie- trail running, riding and a paddle. I see you're in Michigan... Island Lake State park would be great for this (I used to love riding there). If the race director says it will take 4-6 hours, then try a couple 6-hour sessions.

Also, practice bushwhacking, with and without the bike. Nothing says fun like carrying your bike through some tangled underbrush!!

Let me know if you have any other questions!