The Heart and Challenge of Adventure Racing
Within confines of our modern lives, our routines and obligations keep us entrenched indoors day in and day out, our interactions with nature are reduced to mere transitory moments. Strolling from the parking lot to the local watering hole is all most of us have. The cycle repeats, leaving a void that gnaws at the soul. The idea of adventure racing, however, has always beckoned to that primal part within us, urging us to break free from the dull routine. It calls for a taste of the wild, the touch of the sun, the sweat, the toil, and the unknown. We’ve forgotten these are the fundamental elements of life, while being consumed by the distractions of material pursuits, temporary pleasures, and social validation. When the final curtain falls, and the lights go out, was it a life worth living? Was any of it worthwhile? And we pray that we didn’t waste it.
My thought process
Training for adventure racing diverges significantly from conventional athletic preparations. There are no fixed benchmarks over known distances to strive for, no predefined paths to follow. You will know where the race is, but you won’t know the route. You don’t even know how many miles you will cover. On race day you will be presented with several maps and the rest is up to you. Planning and the ability to read a map are essential to success!
Unlike the structured pursuit of a marathon or other endurance events, the training approach for adventure racing demands versatility and adaptability. Not just the body but the mind as well. Being able to solve problems and create a plan of action are a must! Enter non-specific training – the cornerstone of this preparation. You must build an all-encompassing fitness regimen, not tethered to any singular athletic ambition. At the heart of this concept is building enduring stamina while preventing injury through strength training. It’s the fusion of cardiovascular endurance, full-body strength, that forms the core of this well-rounded regime. Not to mention, you might even find a new tribe.
Phased Training for Adventure Racing
The foundation-building phase, known as the base meso-cycle, sets the stage for the entire training blueprint. Whether you’re putting in work and gearing up for a single event or have a series of challenges on the horizon, the strategic breakdown of training cycles into manageable segments becomes extremely important. Break the training year into four distinct meso-cycles for a systematic approach. The first training cycle is dedicated to building work capacity coupled with resilience.
In the initial cycle, the focus remains on cultivating endurance through sustained Zone 2 cardio training. Zone 2 is all about leaving your ego at the door. In addition to zone 2 you need a comprehensive strength training routine. Fundamental lifts and functional movements, serves to fortify the body and help prevent injuries. Embrace the basics like squat, deadlift, and the bench-press. Be sure to sprinkle in some kettlebell work to invigorate and challenge your physical limits. Check out Dark Horse Athlete: Programs and Teams for comprehensive hybrid-athlete training programs.
As the journey unfolds, each step serves as a testament to the commitment to self-discovery and triumph over the mundane.
