350 lb "Couch-Potato"?

ODB · 10-03-2005, 08:05 AM

This guy needs to write a fitness book! He started adventure racing in 1999 and was a "350 lb couch-potato" He is now considered elite and not only has been adventure racing but also is a race director.

I post this to remind people that anyone on this board can get into the sport. Lisa and I will be out in it next weekend on the Ft. Chaffee Challenge!

TrainingGirl · 10-03-2005, 08:38 AM

ODB...can you explain a little more about the sport? I hear it discussed, but honestly don't know a lot about it.

Thanks

ODB · 10-03-2005, 09:37 AM

Adventure Racing takes on many forms (expedition, sprint, short, urban, etc.). It is usually a team sport but is not a relay. Co-ed teams of three or four race other teams over a course that usually includes trekking/trail running, mountain biking, orienteering (map & compass), paddling and some type of rope work (climbing). The order will differ with each race and the course is kept secret before the start. For a team to place in a race they have to stay together (within 100 feet usually) throughout the race.

Some races add in special events along the course which can be mental or physical tests. (The last race that I helped organize was won at the finish line by the team that finished a puzzle fastest. It was fun watching them try to figure it out after 8-10 hours of racing.) Other disciplines have been added in some races including swimming, rollerblading, scooters and snowshoeing.

Here is an article that might help you understand how it started.
History of Adventure Racing

TrainingGirl · 10-04-2005, 08:21 AM

Thanks ODB. It sounds like something fun to do. I'd like to eventually get into something more than just "working out". I'll have to keep my eye on this.

ODBSGIRL · 10-04-2005, 10:24 AM

Tracy, I think part of adventure racing is being just crazy enough and being a bit of an adrenaline junkie to do it. I've only done short races but watching people do the longer ones (36 hours seems long to me!) you have to be just as smart as you are fit or you're toast. The season is probably drawing to a close where you are due to the weather unless you really enjoy punishing yourself with the cold but check in the spring and summer for sprint races. They are short and very doable with less equipment requirements. If you think it sounds like fun read some of these:
race reports

TrainingGirl · 10-04-2005, 01:51 PM

Thanks ODBG. Yeah, um, 36 hours would be way too long for me. I will definitely check out the sprint races. Thanks for the link [img]smile.gif[/img]