Eco Challenges

Has anyone ever done one?

I'm going to be doing one mid-July in the Adirondacks, so I was just hoping to get some ideas about it. The one i'll be doing is 3 stages. Biking, canoeing, and hiking...and an average of 20 miles for each leg. My team isn't planning on camping for the night, just going straight through to avoid having to carry camping stuff.

Any recommendations on what kind of footwear I should use? I need to take care of that now, so I can break them in and get used to them. Something water proof and can be hiked and biked in?

Any other suggestions, stories, or whatever would be cool.

I have done a couple adventure races. A gortex mid or low hiker is a nice option- stays dry, stable.

If your shoes are waterproof, then they won't breath and your feet will get all sweaty and you'll develop blisters.

Don't worry about getting wet feet- it's all in the mind. Train in wet conditions, get used to it and you'll find that it's not such a big deal.

Maybe carry an extra set of socks (Ultimax socks are outstanding for this kind on application) if things get really gushy.

You might also aim to run as much of that final 20 miles as possible, rather than hike it.

I don't know any shoes that you can both hike and bike in, unless you're going with platform pedals.

I've done one that was similar but a little shorter.

For the events, train like you are in the race, ie...whoever is steering the canoe should steer the canoe when training, if you are serious about winning, but if not so serious, then that is not as important. Train at night as well. It makes the days easier to handle. Train under your headlamp, fixing a flat, adjusting your deraillieur, etc.

I agree about the waterproof shoes...don't really bother unless you have a pair that is breathable. If not, at least find a pair of shoes that you can attach gaitors to. That will keep all sorts of stuff out of your shoe.

When training now, act like it is the day of the race and do everything that you would do then, now. I made the mistake of listening to my brother and eating some whole wheat bread minutes before the race, which I was not doing prior. It came back to haunt me as I spent most of the awards ceremony in the worst of places.

Eat a good amount of protein to rehab your muscles, both after training and the race. Your muscles will thank you! DO NOT brig a gatorade mix that is super sweet. That will have adverse effects on your system, probably causing cramps and side stitches...which suck! Trust me.

Now the route or area as best you can. They probably won't give you the map or dirctions or way points until the day of the race but having a topo map before hand and studying it isn't a bad idea. Also, instead of having to pull the directions out all the time, write them on your arm with a Sharpie. It will save you time and headaches. Meaning, ig they say take trail 33 then 65 then 81....all you will have to do is look down at your arm. Crossing htem off helps as well.

Do not over exert yourself on the hike trying to run the steep uphills. Hike fast, don't run. Ask ultrathon runners...thats what most of them do.

Breathe! Long breathes while racing. Enjoy it..makes it more fun and you'll probably move faster. Try to keep a cool head. Frustration only makes things harder. Make sure your team is on the same page. Have a good night before, restraining from any controversial conversation that might affect the next days attitudes. Drink a beer the night before..that will calm some nerves.

Try and go to the bathroom before the start.

Is the course a series of loops? One way? Aid stations? If its loops, you can travel even lighter. One way..then...... Aid stations are great! You can friends helping with carrying stuff to them or whatever..taking your bike, having an extra pair of shoes ready and the like.

Thats all I can think of.