EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
You're a runner, which means you have the fitness to handle all sorts of healthy outdoor activities with ease. We found 12 that promise fresh air, a toned body, and all-around excitement.
By Bob Cooper
PUBLISHED 06/11/2003
ADVENTURE RACES
Getting started: Competing with one or two adventurous friends as teammates is a blast. At all 10 Brooks Muddy Buddy Ride & Runs, you and a friend each run 5-K and mountain bike 5-K (sharing one bike) on trails interspersed with mid-course obstacles and a mud crawl. Another popular series is the eight-race Balance Bar (formerly Hi-Tec) Adventure Sprints, with three-person teams doing a 6-mile trail run, 16-mile mountain-bike ride, 1.5-mile kayak and nine "special tests" (think Survivor-like challenges). Train for all sports before race day.
Cross-training benefits: Works your whole body and mind (the latter thanks to problem-solving and memory tests).
Gear: Most races supply kayaks, but not mountain bikes. Wear durable, water-resistant running shoes and apparel.
Where: Of 300 U.S. adventure races, nearly half are "sprints" that take 8 hours or less.
Wanna race? Most races combine running, mountain biking, paddling, and more. Most are on hilly terrain, so train accordingly.
Find out more: U.S. Adventure Racing Association: (512) 763-1050; usara.com. Balance Bar Adventure Sprints: (203) 352-5216; balancebaradventure.com. Brooks Muddy Buddy: (800) 536-9978; muddybuddy.com.
ROAD TRIATHLONS
Getting started: Bike or swim several times a week for 1 month before attempting a race, and simulate race conditions in your training. Also, be sure you can comfortably swim the race distance in a lake or pool. You'll want to have something left for your forte, the triathlon-ending run.
Cross-training benefits: Bike and swim training promote shoulders-to-toes fitness.
Gear: Race on a good bike. For short races, save "transition" time by wearing running shoes on the bike ride and a swimsuit the whole way.
Where: There are 850 U.S. triathlons.
Wanna race? Most triathlons are "sprints" (typically a half-mile swim, 15-mile bike, and 5-K run) or Olympic-distance races (1.5-K/30-K/10-K). The stretch-your-limits Ironman distance is 2.4 miles/112 miles/26.2 miles.
Find out more: USA Triathlon (719) 597-9090; usatriathlon.org. Or visit trifind.com.
OFF-ROAD TRIATHLONS
Getting started: Train as you would for a triathlon, but emphasize off-road hills. You'll be even better prepared if you can train on the race course.
Cross-training benefits: In addition to offering all the benefits of biking and swimming, navigating the uneven terrain of trails enhances balance.
Gear: Same as for road triathlons, except you'll need a mountain bike instead of a road bike, and padded bike shorts and gloves for protection on the bumpy ride.
Where: About 70 races nationwide.
Wanna race? The Nissan Xterra Series dominates the genre, with more than 40 U.S. races. Most courses feature a 1.5-K lake swim, 30-K mountain-bike ride (hilly), and 11-K trail run (more hills). For novices, the Xterra events often include "sport" races that cover shorter distances.
Find out more: Nissan Xterra Series, (877) 751-8880; xterraplanet.com.
