Adventure Race Kansas Home

3710 Farnum Creek Rd, Milford, KS
785-307-1901
e xtremekansas@yahoo.com

What is an Adventure Race?
Adventure Racing is an opportunity for people to challenge themselves. Racers push and maybe even redefine their limits. ARs are not just
limited to elite athletes, because there is so much more than physical ability that will get a team to the finish. Races are focused on multiple
outdoor sports, including orienteering, running/trekking, biking, kayaking/canoeing, ascending, rappelling and traversing (ropes), and
surprise challenges. The reward is overwhelming---and the bigger the challenge, the greater the reward. In endurance sports, there are no
losers--it's a whole different game. You can also VOLUNTEER at a race to see what it's all about.

"The physical doman of the country had its counterpart in me. The trails I made led outward into the hills and swamps, but they led inward also. And from the study of things underfoot, and from reading
and thinking, came a kind of exploration, myself and the land. In time the two became one in my mind. With the gathering force of an essential thing realizing itself out of early ground, I faced in myself a
passionate and tenancious longing--to put away thought forever, and all the trouble it brings, all but the nearest desire, direct and searching. To take the trail and not look back. Whether on foot, on
snowshoes or by sled, into the summer hills and their late freezing shadows--a high blaze, a runner track in the snow would show where I had gone. Let the rest of mankind find me if it could".
(The Stars, The Snow, The Fire: Twenty-Five Years in the Northern Wilderness--John Haines)

What kind of team do I need?
The origins of adventure racing and the Eco-Challenge called for 4-5 person co-ed teams (at least 1 female). Many races in the US now allow
smaller team sizes which can consist of the same gender. Lake Adventures wants to continue the tradition of the co-ed requirement because it
makes for a whole different race with added depth, training challenges and strategy. However, some teams cannot meet the co-ed
requirement--so all races will be open to both types of teams, with the co-ed division being eligible for prizes and ranking and same gender
teams eligible for ranking but not prizes.So, you'll need 2 or 3 people who have some individual and collective skills and abilities. It's best to get
1-2 team members who can navigate (using UTM coordinates on a topo map, terrain features and a compass).

What's the difference in between races?
Sprint Races (short courses) normally consists of 6-8 hrs course time and involve about 12-18 mountain biking, 4-6 mi trekking and 2-4 mi
paddling, with a tendency towards easier navigation and maybe even a marked course.
Long Courses usually involved about 25-35 mi mountain biking, 10-15 mi trekking and 5-10 mi paddling, most of it will be navigating.
Both races may involve surprise team challenges--and some races may involve ropes challenges--like rappelling, ascending or traversing.
In all adventure races, you will do the entire course with your team--these races are NOT relays--everyone gets to do everything.

What gear do I need?
That depends on you and your goals as an adventure racer. There are some basics that you will be required to have. Those will be listed on the
gear requirements for each race, but will usually be very similar. You will most always need a backpack (no frills for less weight) that can be used
with a hydration pack, some synthetic clothing layers (never wear cotton), decent shoes for running (that you don't mind trashing), a whistle,
compass, UTM ruler, team first aid kit, bike repair kit, mountain bike and helmet.

How do I train?
Individually and as a team. A basic training program for a Sprint Race (25 miles or less) would be approx 4 weeks long. It would involve running 2x
week for 4 miles, mountain biking 1x week for 10-15 miles (some on on single track if possible), paddling a few miles once or twice and practicing
navigation.. Your team should have at least 2 training sessions of 20 miles long in which you can resolve issues.

For a long course (50 miles or more), your training program should be about 6-8 weeks Up the trail runs (sorry roads aren't going to get it) to 3x week, 6
mi each; the biking to 1x week at 30-40 miles and the paddling or core strengthening to 1x week..Don't forget the compass/map work and team buiding.
In endurance sports, it is best tobuild up your body's ability to do less with more if possible by experimenting with different sports nutrition
foods/beverages--remember you will be carrying your food and water.

How important is team training?
In the sport of adventure racing teams combine athletics, navigation, and strategy over 20-, 50-, or even 600-mile distances yet it’s their similarities
and differences that increase their odds for success. In this team sport, talk is cheap, and the real learning curve in endurance races usually comes
somewhere after mile 35. Team mates might know each other—or not. And while it’s likely they’ve identified some common traits and goals (a sense
of adventure and competitive spirit), they may differ in a plethora of others (age, gender, skill and fitness). Without a shared consciousness and an
understanding of their goals, both as individuals and as part of a team, they’re likely to build resentment—or worse—before the finish line. Many of life’
s incredible adventures can be solo; offering confidence, a clear perspective and a sense of control over the risks, rewards and outcomes. But in
adventure racing—just as in relationships with family, friends and co-workers—convenience, control and going it alone can’t sustain true growth and
happiness . . . Read more about Charmion's perspective in "Lessons From the Field", August 09 issue of Women's Adventure Magazine.

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