You’ve signed up for your first adventure race. Great, now what?

Chris Fenlon-MacDonald
May 4
3 min read

You’ve signed up for your first adventure race. Great, now what?!

So. you’ve signed up for an adventure race. Maybe it sounded like a fun way to spend a Saturday. Maybe a fri

end talked you into it. Maybe you misread it as a casual hike with snacks. Whatever got you here, welcome! Adventure racing is part scavenger hunt, part endurance challenge, and part “how did we end up bushwhacking through this thorn patch?” If you’re a MHM vet, your legs know exactly what I’m talking about.

If your race includes trekking, paddling, and mountain biking - and wraps up in a single day here’s your light-hearted yet legit guide to not only finish, but enjoy your first adventure race.

1. You Don’t Need to Be an Ultra-Athlete - But You Do Need to Keep Moving

Adventure races are less about speed and more about strategy, endurance, and not crying when your teammate says, “We just need to head northeast through that... swamp.” If you can hike for hours, ride a bike on trails, and paddle without flipping the boat every time, you're in great shape to start.

2. Hydration & Nutrition: Eat Before You’re Hungry, Drink Before You’re Thirsty

One of the top rookie mistakes? Forgetting to eat or drink until it’s too late. Keep a steady intake of calories - aim for something small every 30-45 minutes. Hydration is crucial, especially on warmer days. A hydration bladder makes drinking on the go easy, and tossing in an electrolyte tab can help keep cramps at bay.

Bring a mix of snacks: ✔️ Salty (trail mix, pretzels) ✔️ Sweet (energy chews, dried fruit) ✔️ Easy-to-eat (PB&J squares, granola bars) ✔️ Morale-boosters (gummy worms, chocolate, whatever gets you grinning)

3. Navigation: The Map is Your Best Friend (Not Your Smartphone)

Most beginner-friendly races still require basic navigation skills—usually with a paper map and compass. Practice beforehand! Learn to read contour lines (they tell you where the hills are hiding), find trails, and orient your map properly.

Bonus beginner rule: if you think you're lost, you probably are—stop, breathe, re-check, then move.

4. Your Feet Are Gold - Protect Them

You’ll likely spend a big chunk of your race on foot. Blisters and wet socks are the fastest way to ruin the fun.

Break in your shoes before race day.
Wear moisture-wicking socks (merino wool is your new best friend).
Consider taping hotspots or using blister prevention balm.
Carry a spare pair of socks in a ziplock - changing them mid-race is heavenly.

5. Bike Set-Up: Ride What You Know

No need for a carbon-fiber beast. A well-maintained mountain bike you’re comfortable on is way more valuable. Make sure your tires are in good shape, your brakes actually stop you, and your seat height isn’t out to destroy your knees (meaning too low).

Bring:

A spare tube & patch kit
Tire levers
A mini-pump or CO₂
Multi-tool (because bikes have feelings too)

6. Paddling: It’s About Staying Upright, Not Speed

For many beginners, the paddle leg is the most unpredictable. You don’t need to be a pro canoeist - just be ready to work together. Paddling in sync is easier, faster, and reduces accidental splashing wars (unless that’s part of the team strategy).

Waterproof your map and don’t drop your paddle. Trust us on that one.

7. Pack Smart - But Don’t Pack the Kitchen Sink

Everything you bring, you carry. Pack layers (weather can change), a rain jacket, a basic first aid kit, and some duct tape (because there is nothing duct tape can’t fix). Obviously, follow the mandatory gear list closely, but otherwise…

Organize gear into small, labeled ziplocks or dry bags:

“Bike Leg Snacks”
“First Aid + Blister Kit”
“Panic Chocolate”
“Emergency Layer”

8. It’s Okay to Laugh - Even When You’re Lost

Adventure racing is Type 2 Fun: not always fun in the moment, but legendary afterward. You will get tired. You may get muddy, soaked, slightly scratched up, or temporarily turned around. That’s the charm. Laugh it off, support your teammates, and soak up the wildness of it all.

My Final Thoughts

Your first adventure race isn’t about crushing the leaderboard - it’s about learning the ropes, pushing your limits a bit, and discovering that you’re way tougher (and weirder) than you thought. Show up prepared, stay positive, and enjoy the ride..literally.

~ CFM