I have been involved in a number of AR events that were advertised as being ‘Suitable for Novices’. A number of people – experienced adventure racers included – seem to have been caught out by the term ‘Suitable for Novices’. I believe that the meaning of the message is in its interpretation, not its intent.
Safety in adventure races is a major concern addressed by event organisers around the world. They have to ensure that whether the team is novice or experienced, they will be able to complete ropes, water, hiking, mountain biking, horse/camel riding and other disciplines.
In adventure racing, rules are not made to be broken. In a sport where your survival could depend on assistance from a nearby team mate and compulsory equipment, it is clear that AR rules have been established to ensure your safety.
Sport psychology is a broad field of study and application. In what follows I have tried to be as practical as possible ad also to make comments and advice applicable to adventure racing in particular. One myth:The mind and body can be separated – dualistic view i.e. Racing according to a heart rate monitor will not guarantee success because it does not take in to acount your mind.
Women are an integral part of adventure racing and not only as ‘mandatory equipment’ – a phrase coined, in jest, by Team Mazda. While female team-members are sometimes only deemed necessary only to classify a team as ‘official’, women are definitely not to be considered the weaker gender, especially over multi-day events.
Adventure sprint races (20-40km distance, 2-4hrs duration) were launched as introductory events to give entrants a taste of adventure racing. They’re great for newcomers, weekend warriors, families and experienced athletes. But, over the past few years we’ve seen little crossover of adventure sprint participants to multi-day adventure races.
Events are no longer few and far between. On any given weekend there are many adventure races to choose from – and even more events once you include the separate sporting disciplines that are incorporated into adventure races like paddling, running, mountain biking and orienteering.
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