Typically a challenging sport, adventure racing features a diverse and rugged course that typically incorporates elements of mountain biking, running, trekking, kayaking, and more. The sport requires endurance, so preliminary training and appropriate nutrition are relevant for the successful completion of the course.
Adventure racing newbies often need bike navigation training. The high speed makes map reading more challenging compared to navigation while walking.
Eating appropriately balanced carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins during training and before the race is essential. Carbs such as pasta, rice, cereal, and bread provide the required energy during endurance training and deserve more emphasis. During the race, it's advisable to carry lightweight, high-energy food. Optimal choices for shorter races are high-energy bars and gels.
In adventure racing, each team has some time to plan the race after receiving checkpoint details. This extra time in this planning phase is crucial for a smoother race. Racers pay close attention during the pre-race briefing to gather important information on rules, out-of-bounds areas, checkpoint locations, and resupply points. Rushing into the game without knowing this information can undermine a team’s chance of winning any adventure race.