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The Outsider: Embrace the burn |
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Written by Greyson Howard/Tahoe World
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Monday, 17 September 2007 |
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Didn’t endure enough pain this summer? Don’t feel like you pushed your body close enough to failure? Or maybe you just want to try to cram a summer’s worth of missed physical activity into one last summer hurrah?
Well you are in luck — you sick, twisted, endurance athlete you — because the end of September is flush with foot-blistering, lactic acid-producing, runner’s high hallucination-inducing events. And you don’t even have to be crazy fit — or just plain crazy (although it helps) — to partake, with long distance bike rides, adventure races, marathons, and other events for all ability levels.
First up, on Sept. 22, experienced athletes and newcomers alike can choose between the Tahoe Sierra Century and the Tahoe Big Blue Adventure Race.
The Tahoe Sierra Century bike ride offers 30, 60, and 100 mile tours of Tahoe, Truckee, and Donner Pass, with up to 6,800 feet of climbing on the longest route, and offers the added bonus of being a fundraiser for the North Tahoe Middle and High School music programs.
Check it out at www.tahoesierracentury.com.
 Next up is the Tahoe Big Blue Adventure Race, with both a 6 to 12 hour endurance event and a 2 to 4 hour sprint event that put participants to the test with kayaking, mountain biking, and running all while using map and compass, all starting at Commons Beach in Tahoe City.
Click here for more information on the Big Blue Adventure Race.
Rest a few days, ice your legs, and drink a protein recovery shake in preparation for Lake Tahoe Marathon Week on Sept. 25 through 30.
The week includes a whole slew of choices like marathons, a 72-mile ultra run, a three-day triathlon, marathon relays, a half marathon, bike races, kayaking and paddling events, kids fun run, and even speed golf.
More information on the Lake Tahoe Marathon Week is here.
The gear:
 Century bike rides, orienteering adventure races, ultra runs? There’s way too much gear to cover here for one column, so I’ll simply say for those considering one of the above events— remember to be the tortoise, not the hare.
Your gear should be built for comfort, not built for speed — which can mean a bike with a more upright position and a comfy seat rather than a crazy-light, aero tucked racer. And definitely go with the perfect-fitting, well-cushioned pair of running shoes you’ve got in your closet.
Nutrition will also be key, because your body can only go as far as the fuel you give it.
Energy drinks are a great way to get hydration and energy, just make sure it isn’t too syrupy-sweet; not only will it leave you coughing and sputtering for breath, but too much sugar can actually take away from the hydration benefits.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 17 September 2007 )
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