AR Helpful Info
For those new to Adventure Racing, or those looking for helpful reminders...
If you haven't already check out AR on AR youtube channel, it's a great resource.
For this race in particular, here are some helpful thoughts from Greg from 2023 BRAWL:
- Plan to eat 100-200 calories an hour. Always have access to food and know that you can't eat as much when kayaking bc you will be using your hands. Hiking is the best time to eat.
- Electrolytes are key. I take them in pill form, others put them in their water or chew tabs. This is a big physical challenge, so remember to stay hydrated and keep eating!
- Plan your water stops and sources ahead if possible.
- Practice with your gear beforehand. Know where things are and how to use your gear. You don't want any surprises out there.
- Be mindful stopping and transition time, it can all add up. Just keep moving and coordinate with your partner when you will stop to use the bathroom or take off a layer of clothing, etc. If you stop 5 min every hour, you will add another (2) hours to your overall time in a 24hr race.
- With that said, keep your heartrate at a manageable level, especially since you'll be moving for 24hrs. You only have so many matches to light...
- Practice navigation. Know how to use your compass and how to find yourself if 'lost'. there are a bunch of orienteering lessons on youtube if you need to freshen up.
- Bring lights and batteries. You'll be glad to have something really bright every once in a while. It doesn't need to be your headlamp, it can be a separate light or a setting on the headlamp, but you will be grateful to see terrain at a distance using a light to help navigate instead of something that may only shine a few feet in front of you.
- Remember this is a challenge and an adventure that you voluntarily signed up for. Push through the hard times and you will be grateful for it later. If you get lost, don't panic. Everyone gets lost at different points (another reason not to just follow another group all the time). Look for clues, work together and figure out a plan forward.
- Here's Greg's team packing list from the 36hr nationals race from 2022 for some ideas. You obviously won't need all of it, but I think it may help.
