Racing Off Road - All You Need To Know

Racing Off Road!

Having arrived at the wonderful sport of triathlon from a mountaineering/climbing/mountain running background it is no surprise that the races that inspire me the most are the hilliest, muddiest, wettest and often weirdest out there. I love it when the swim is likely to be cold, the bike course hits the trails and probably involves a bit of carrying and the run goes straight from transition to the top of a mountain and back down. The races always seem to have a super friendly atmosphere and camaraderie not often found, brought about by the tough conditions faced out on the course. They also often take place during the off season so provide a great way to stay fit, motivated and get a racing fix whilst still giving the system a rest from the norm. The locations are always stunning; mountains, sea and forest form the backdrop for your days racing. So at least if you’re having a tough day you can look around at the amazing scenery and smile…well sometimes at least, between the mist and clag. You’re guaranteed an adventure at least!

Racing in and training for these conditions does take a slightly different slant to the norm and throw up a few surprise along the way, so here are a few hints and tips for training and racing off road.

Clothing

• Avoid white clothing, it will not stay white for long and probably never will be again!
• Choose the correct footwear for the conditions on the course. If in doubt email the event organiser and see what they recommend. A low to the ground, grippy trail shoe is usually the best bet. They are more stable than road shoes, so you’re less likely to twist an ankle or slip in the mud.
• Leave the elastic laces at home! 30 secs extra in transition is better than finishing the run with one shoe as you lost the other one in a bog.
• Check the forecast and dress appropriately. Put a jacket on in transition for the bike, wear some gloves etc. Bring a selection of clothing to the race with you and decide what to wear on the day. Conditions can change quickly so don’t be caught out.
• Make sure your gel pockets etc are nice a big, so easy to access. When you’re wet and cold with gloves on this makes such a difference.

Equipment

• Many races require you to carry some extra kit for the bike and/or run. This stuff is for safety and you will not be allowed to race without it, so make sure you have it all. Again check with the race organiser if you’re unsure.
• Many of the events take place in remote areas and therefore you will be responsible to get yourself back in the event of a mechanical. Take extra care to check your bike is working and well maintained. Carry a small repair kit with a multi-tool, chain splitter, spare link, tube, patches etc. A snapped chain in the middle of the forest can mean a long walk home!
• Pack some extra food. It can often take a little longer than expected due to conditions on the day or under estimating the course.

Training

• Recce. Try to put aside a weekend to visit the area you are racing in. If possible train on the course or at least in the area it takes place in. This will give you loads of useful info on equipment, conditions and you are also less likely to take a wrong turn on race day (that one is from experience; I blame the person in front though J).
• Be specific. Ride your mountain bike, hit the trails for your long run and don’t shy away from training outdoors in the wind and rain. It may be like this on race day so accept it, embrace it and try out your clothing and equipment. If it’s not working during training it won’t on race day when you are muddier, wetter and trying to move faster.

Top Off Road Events-

Buttermere Triathlon- 1.5km, 44km, 23km- Set in a stunning location guaranteed good weather. Crystal clear water, a couple of steep hills on the bike rounded off with a lovely flat trail run round the lakes (it is flat but I did not say bog free J).

http://www.highterrainevents.co.uk/18.html

The Helvellyn Triathlon- 1 mile 38 mile 9 mile- Buttermere’s bigger brother in a way. Wonderful refreshing water, a hillier bike featuring the infamous 1/5  “Struggle” and a run over England’s third highest mountain.

http://www.trihard.co.uk/Helvellyn/Helvellynhome.htm

The Wasdale Triathlon- 1.9km, 90km, 21km- The hardest Half Iron distance in the world? Probably!! Put it on the bucket list.

http://wasdaletri.co.uk/

The Kielder Duathlon- 7 km, 20 km (MTB), 6 km- A really good introduction to the world of off road duathlon. An interesting first run on some amazing single track, the MTB follows the blue graded osprey trail with a few extra sections on bridleway and the last run gives great views over Kielder Reservoir.

http://www.highterrainevents.co.uk/4.html

That lot should get you started but there are plenty more to go at! Enjoy and remember to smile for the camera no matter how muddy, wet, cold and tired you are. Have fun and be safe.

- Chris Stirling

Photo courtesy of MovieIt.co.uk