Please use this site to browse our portfolio of trail running, mountain biking and off-road multi-sport events. Whether you are a runner, a triathlete, or an adventure racer - an old pro or a total rookie - you will be sure to find a number of challenging events that will increase your heart rate and create a surge in adrenalin flow... and all before you have even left your chair! Our portfolio is carefully designed to motivate you to train hard, inspire you to push your boundaries, provide a structured framework for progression, and reward you with truly life-enhancing experiences.
- Welcome
- Trail Running
- Off-road Triathlon
- Adventure Racing
- MTB Trailquest
Welcome
Trail Running
Trail running is an umbrella term used to describe the practice of off-road running. It is not atypical for routes to ascend and descend thousands of feet and steep inclines and rough terrain may require sections of hiking and/or scrambling.
The feeling of freedom that results from an hour or two out on the trails is massively addictive and It is no surprise that the sport of trail running is growing rapidly in popularity –Trail running produces a natural high and is a superb way of releasing stress and tension after a hard day or week in the office.
The Benefits
There are numerous health benefits to trail running. The most obvious are improved cardiovascular fitness and reduced body fat through aerobic exercise. In addition to these proven physical benefits are a number of mental and spiritual benefits; The effects of fresh air, open spaces and stunning scenery lead to dramatic enhancements in ones sense of well being and increased personal confidence.
Whilst certainly taxing on the lungs, trail running can be less taxing on the body’s joints compared to road running. The constantly changing surfaces and frequent inclines and declines take away much of the repetitive pounding that the joints receive during the road based activity. While the higher stride rate and increased concentration required to remain balanced on uneven terrain results in a calorie burn some 25% higher than running on even surfaces. At a reasonable pace, a trail runner can expect to expend about 120 calories a mile.
Equipment
Trail runners tend to seek out inspiring landscape such as hills, fells, mountains, deserts, forests, and (our favourite) cliff paths. Trails in these kind of locations tend to be largely inaccessible by road (except at the road heads) and are narrow, uneven and steep. They may also involve sections of muddy, rocky, wet, boggy or slippery terrain. It is therefore imperative that trail runners pay close attention to their kit choice and make sure that they carry appropriate safety items.
The most important kit is footwear, and trail shoes are utterly essential. Trail shoes are specifically designed to cope with the rigours of off-road running, they tend to be grippier and stiffer than road running shoes, and will help to prevent injury from falling or slipping. We recommend Inov-8 trail shoes, Inov-8 produce an extensive range of shoes with models appropriate for all types of terrain. A good all-round shoe and one that is suitable for the Endurancelife Coastal Trail Series is the Roclite 315.
Other recommended equipment includes wicking garments, windproof layer, water bottles, energy food, sunprotection, emergency head-torch, and emergency blanket. These items should be carried using a hip pack such as the Inov-8 Race Elite 3, or back pack such as the Inov-8 Race Elite 20 which consists of a bladder, a suck tube and a small low profile backpack.
Training
As with all training it is important to start with a specific goal in mind - events often provide the best focus for training. The Endurancelife Coastal Trail Series is a unique series of seven events that offer un-matched opportunity for goal setting, bench marking and performance tracking. We advise that you book your place(s) well in advance and use it as a goal to work towards. The earlier you book, the sooner you commit psychologically and the more effective your training will be.
For most just completing one event is challenge enough and is to be commended, but more and more people are taking up the 7x7x7 Challenge and attempting to complete all of the seven stages in the series. The 7x7x7 challenge takes commitment to a whole new level! Obtaining and sustaining the required level of fitness and avoiding injury for seven whole months is a tough mission and those that manage it deserve to wear their special 7x7x7 t-shirts with pride!
Off-road Triathlon
Off-road triathlon takes the format of a standard triathlon, or three-stage race, usually consisting of an open water swim stage, mountain-biking stage, and a trail-running stage. Some off road tri’s such as the Endurancelife Trail-X Series have a kayaking option for those who prefer not to swim.
Off-road triathlons are distinguished from conventional triathlons in that the terrain for the cycling and running stages are generally unpaved, rough, and very steep and hilly. They require different techniques than conventional triathlon races, and in particular the athletes employ mountain bikes rather than road bikes.
Off-road triathlon swim courses are normally similar to those of road triathlons. Each type of triathlon usually requires competitors to swim a minimum of 800 meters and typically 1500 meters in a lake, river or ocean.
An off-road triathlon requires a higher degree of technical biking skill, as opposed to the high speed and endurance demands of road biking in a road triathlon. Distances for the bike portion of an off-road are much less relevant than for a road triathlon. An off-road bike course may have several severe vertical climbs and descents. It may also have a high degree of technicality, meaning the number, pitch and sharpness of turns through trees, rocks, logs, streams and other obstacles on the bike trail. Because the vertical climbs and technical demands of an off-road course greatly reduce a biker's speed, and because the amount of climbing and technicality vary greatly from one off-road course to another, estimating times for an off-road bike course merely by distance is not reliable.
Off-road run courses require trail running up and down hills or mountain sides, through forests, streams, riverbeds and other natural and occasionally man-made obstacles. The run distance is at least 5 kilometers and normally 10 kilometers. Again, as in off-road biking, predicting a finish time purely based on distance will not be accurate, due to the climbing and trail turns and obstacles preventing a runner from reaching speeds usually achieved on the road.
The Benefits
There are numerous health benefits to triathlon. The most obvious are improved cardiovascular fitness and reduced body fat through aerobic exercise. Once you start training as a triathlete, you will start to lose fat right away. The farther you progress the more weight you will lose. For some, this is the only goal they are trying to reach, but they will also gain many additional benefits from their training.
Running helps develop long, lean muscles; swimming (or kayaking) helps to sculpt the upper body; and cycling helps tone your lower body. Even most triathletes over the age of 50 look years younger than they are, and they most likely feel that way too!
Apart from the obvious benefits of fresh air, open spaces and stunning scenery, there are a number of additional physical benefits that come from taking triathlon off road. Whilst certainly more taxing on the lungs, trail running can be less taxing on the body’s joints compared to road running. The constantly changing surfaces and frequent inclines and declines take away much of the repetitive pounding that the joints receive during the road based activity.
Off-road cycling is also more demanding than road cycling, and involves a great deal of upper body strength. Riding on constantly changing surfaces with the occasional technical section thrown in is great fun and certainly beats the monotony of tarmac any day of the week! While the increased concentration required to remain balanced on uneven terrain results in a calorie burn some 25% higher than cycling on even surfaces.
In general the atmosphere at off-road triathlons is relaxed and friendly. They tend to attract sociable and adventurous people with joie de vivre and a sense of humour. Off-road triathletes don’t take themselves too seriously - you certainly won’t find one obsessing about shaving three tenths of a millisecond off their PB, or shaving their legs! (except of course the ladies!)
Equipment
Off-road Triathlon is a very accessible sport and there is no need to go and spend a lot of money on flash kit. A solid hard tail mountain bike, a bike helmet, some trail running shoes and a wetsuit are the main items that you will need. If you don’t have a suitable bike then don’t worry, Endurancelife have a fleet of brand new Kona Blasts that are available for hire by the day. For those who opt for kayaking in stead of swimming, all kayaks are provided by Endurancelife.
Training
As with all training it is important to start with a specific goal in mind - events often provide the best focus for training. The Endurancelife Trail-X Series offers un-matched opportunity for goal setting, bench marking and performance tracking. The series is comprised of three short one day events, each two months apart, followed by a gruelling long distance finale – The Coast 2 Coast. This format gives participants nicely spaced milestones within which to hone, practice and test their skills, and culminates with a challenging test of endurance.
Through the winter/spring season we advise that you take part in as many of the Endurancelife Coastal Trail Series weekends as possible. With trail running events on the Saturday and Mountain Bike Orienteering on the Sunday these weekends are the ideal way to get into the groove and prepare your legs for the Trail-X series to come.
Off-road triathlon takes the format of a standard triathlon, or three-stage race, usually consisting of an open water swim stage, mountain-biking stage, and a trail-running stage. Some off road tri’s such as the Endurancelife Trail-X Series have a kayaking option for those who prefer not to swim.
Off-road triathlons are distinguished from conventional triathlons in that the terrain for the cycling and running stages are generally unpaved, rough, and very steep and hilly. They require different techniques than conventional triathlon races, and in particular the athletes employ mountain bikes rather than road bikes.
Off-road triathlon swim courses are normally similar to those of road triathlons. Each type of triathlon usually requires competitors to swim a minimum of 800 meters and typically 1500 meters in a lake, river or ocean.
An off-road triathlon requires a higher degree of technical biking skill, as opposed to the high speed and endurance demands of road biking in a road triathlon. Distances for the bike portion of an off-road are much less relevant than for a road triathlon. An off-road bike course may have several severe vertical climbs and descents. It may also have a high degree of technicality, meaning the number, pitch and sharpness of turns through trees, rocks, logs, streams and other obstacles on the bike trail. Because the vertical climbs and technical demands of an off-road course greatly reduce a biker's speed, and because the amount of climbing and technicality vary greatly from one off-road course to another, estimating times for an off-road bike course merely by distance is not reliable.
Off-road run courses require trail running up and down hills or mountain sides, through forests, streams, riverbeds and other natural and occasionally man-made obstacles. The run distance is at least 5 kilometers and normally 10 kilometers. Again, as in off-road biking, predicting a finish time purely based on distance will not be accurate, due to the climbing and trail turns and obstacles preventing a runner from reaching speeds usually achieved on the road.
The Benefits
There are numerous health benefits to triathlon. The most obvious are improved cardiovascular fitness and reduced body fat through aerobic exercise. Once you start training as a triathlete, you will start to lose fat right away. The farther you progress the more weight you will lose. For some, this is the only goal they are trying to reach, but they will also gain many additional benefits from their training.
Running helps develop long, lean muscles; swimming (or kayaking) helps to sculpt the upper body; and cycling helps tone your lower body. Even most triathletes over the age of 50 look years younger than they are, and they most likely feel that way too!
Apart from the obvious benefits of fresh air, open spaces and stunning scenery, there are a number of additional physical benefits that come from taking triathlon off road. Whilst certainly more taxing on the lungs, trail running can be less taxing on the body’s joints compared to road running. The constantly changing surfaces and frequent inclines and declines take away much of the repetitive pounding that the joints receive during the road based activity.
Off-road cycling is also more demanding than road cycling, and involves a great deal of upper body strength. Riding on constantly changing surfaces with the occasional technical section thrown in is great fun and certainly beats the monotony of tarmac any day of the week! While the increased concentration required to remain balanced on uneven terrain results in a calorie burn some 25% higher than cycling on even surfaces.
In general the atmosphere at off-road triathlons is relaxed and friendly. They tend to attract sociable and adventurous people with joie de vivre and a sense of humour. Off-road triathletes don’t take themselves too seriously - you certainly won’t find one obsessing about shaving three tenths of a millisecond off their PB, or shaving their legs! (except of course the ladies!)
Equipment
Off-road Triathlon is a very accessible sport and there is no need to go and spend a lot of money on flash kit. A solid hard tail mountain bike, a bike helmet, some trail running shoes and a wetsuit are the main items that you will need. If you don’t have a suitable bike then don’t worry, Endurancelife have a fleet of brand new Kona Blasts that are available for hire by the day. For those who opt for kayaking in stead of swimming, all kayaks are provided by Endurancelife.
Training
As with all training it is important to start with a specific goal in mind - events often provide the best focus for training. The Endurancelife Trail-X Series offers un-matched opportunity for goal setting, bench marking and performance tracking. The series is comprised of three short one day events, each two months apart, followed by a gruelling long distance finale – The Coast 2 Coast. This format gives participants nicely spaced milestones within which to hone, practice and test their skills, and culminates with a challenging test of endurance.
Through the winter/spring season we advise that you take part in as many of the Endurancelife Coastal Trail Series weekends as possible. With trail running events on the Saturday and Mountain Bike Orienteering on the Sunday these weekends are the ideal way to get into the groove and prepare your legs for the Trail-X series to come.
Adventure Racing
Adventure Racing is designed to test both physical and mental endurance, it is often referred to as a ‘thought sport’ as success depends on equal levels of both physical and mental fitness.
Adventure races usually involve a large amount of planning and tactics. The need to think on the move and make decisions when physically exhausted is something that appeals to adventure racers over other sports such as triathlon where you simply get your ‘head down and race’.
While technically a form of multi-sport racing AR tends to differ from other multi-sport formats such as triathlon in a few key ways;
A) Navigation is an important (often critical) aspect of the event
B) Some form of kayaking is usually involved,
C) Other extra disciplines such as rope-work or coasteering may be included.
Adventure Races can be as short as 5 hours or as long as several days. The course is normally kept secret until the last minute. Just before the race start participants are handed a map and information pertaining to the whereabouts of a number of checkpoints. Each checkpoint has a points value assigned to it, the aim is to collect as may points as possible within the given time frame. There are usually penalties for going over the allotted time.
The Benefits
AR provides the opportunity to push yourself to extremes and as a result the major benefits of participation include improvements in physical fitness, mental alacrity, ability to handle stress and ability perform under pressure. It can also be great for improving leadership and or teamworking skills.
Of course one thing that gives everyone a buzz is adrenalin! If you’re an adrenalin junkie then adventure racing is for you…from the moment you start it’s a rush!
Once you try adventure racing, the biggest kick of all will be discovering a whole side to yourself you never even knew existed and you will amaze yourself at how much you can achieve!
Training
As with all training it is important to start with a specific goal in mind - events often provide the best focus for training. The Endurancelife Coast RAID Series offers un-matched opportunity for goal setting, bench marking and performance tracking. The series is comprised of three one day events, each two months apart, followed by a two day finale. This format gives participants nicely spaced milestones within which to hone, practice and test their skills, and culminates with a grueling test of endurance.
Through the winter/spring season we advise that you take part in as many of the Endurancelife Coastal Trail Series weekends as possible. With Trail Running events on the Saturday and Mountain Bike Orienteering on the Sunday these weekends are the ideal way to get into the groove and prepare for the AR series to come.
MTB Trailquest
Trailquesting is a fantastic sport if you like getting out on your mountain bike, exploring new ground and having a great time amongst other bikers. Trailquests are navigational events undertaken on mountain bikes (and now cyclo-cross bikes). The aim is to visit as many checkpoints as possible within a given area and time period. They are designed to be fun, challenging events that test route making skills, bike handling skills and endurance over the different terrain the area has to offer.
The national governing body of mountain bike orientee ring , the Trail Cyclist Association
(TCA), established this race format in 1993 and now has over 1400 registered members. All trailquest events are run under the guidelines of the association, thus maintaining the high quality and standard of event across the UK
Endurancelife is set to kick off the winter season by launching a new Coastal Trail Quest Series in the South West. Following a one day format, this exciting set of trailquest events will showcase the very best of the region, taking in some incredible coastal views and testing terrain along the way. Open to solos or pairs and with two score categories (short - 3hr or medium 5hr), both newcomers and experienced mountain bike orientee rers will be tested on some superb trails.
