Establish Fitness Level | 24-Hour Adventure Racing

(2+ days completion time)

Below are some guidelines to help you establish your fitness level with regard to EnduranceOnline Training programs. Remember that these are general guidelines designed to help you determine the most efficient starting place for your training. You do not currently have to be proficient at every discipline to use these schedules.

If you fall in between skill levels, look at the sample schedules for both levels in question. Match yourself to a level in which the first week of training most closely fits what you are currently doing. It’s also important to consider your time commitment to training for your race and your goals for the race. For example: if the first week of the beginner schedule seems very easy, then consider purchasing the next level. However, if the intermediate schedule seems a little too much of a time commitment and your goals are to have fun and finish the event, then choose the less demanding level.

It’s also important to note that the peak training weeks for each schedule set will be approximately a 25-40% greater work load (hours per week) than what the sample first week shows. The motive is to ease you safely into your program. Take your training time into consideration when choosing your fitness level.

Current training schedule

Beginner – You train 5-6 days per week. Your sessions last between :30 minutes and 4 hours—sometimes more. Some weeks are consistent, and some are not. You have been an endurance athlete for over a year and have dabbled in one or several different sports including adventure racing. Your main goals are to be able to complete the event and have fun. You are either fairly new to adventure racing and/or you have a very tight schedule and minimal time to spend training.

Intermediate – You train 5-7 days per week. Your sessions vary in length but generally last between :30 minutes and 5.5 hours—occasionally more, sometimes less. Your training is fairly consistent though you do miss workouts now and then. You have been an endurance athlete for over a year and have dabbled in one or several different sports including adventure racing. You would like to take your training and racing to the next level and are willing to commit the time to do so.

Advanced – You train 6-7 days per week consistently. Your sessions vary in length but generally last between :30 minutes and 6.5 hours—sometimes more, sometimes less. Your training is consistent though you do miss workouts now and then. You have been an endurance athlete for over a year and have competed in one or several different sports including adventure racing. You take your training seriously, would like to take your training and racing to the next level, and are willing to commit the time to do so.

Skill level - cycling

Beginner – Cycling experience required. Mountain biking experience is required. You need to feel comfortable riding for 3 hours.

Intermediate – Cycling experience is required. Mountain biking experience is required. You need to feel comfortable riding for 4 hours.

Advanced – Cycling experience is required. Mountain biking experience is required. You need to feel comfortable riding for 5 hours.

Skill level - paddling/kayaking/water sports

Beginner – Some experience is required.

Intermediate - Some experience is required.

Advanced - Some experience is required.

Skill level – running or trail running

Beginner - You need to feel comfortable running, hiking, and/or run/hiking for 2 hours. Some trail experience is required.

Intermediate – You need to feel comfortable running, hiking, and/or run/hiking for 2.5 hours. Some trail experience is required.

Advanced – You need to feel comfortable running, hiking, and/or run/hiking for 3 hours. Some trail experience is required.

Race history

Beginner – You have done one or a few adventure races.

Intermediate – You have done one or a few adventure races.

Advanced – You have done a few or many adventure races, including one or a few 24 hour races.

Note: A multi day adventure race is a very committed physical, mental, and team effort. In order to gain experience in the sport, we strongly recommend that you do several shorter adventure races before taking on a multi-day race. In choosing a schedule level consider your current fitness level, your skill level in each discipline, and the time you have available to commit to training.