by Anne Lundblad

It may just be the abundance of unconventional lifestyles in Asheville, but I’m noticing more and more of my running friends eschewing the traditional racing scene for pursuits off the beaten path. In a year where marathon participants across the country topped 400,000 and over seven million runners competed in organized races, what is causing some runners to leave the starting line behind in order to explore uncharted terrain?

Most adventure runners talk about the self-discovery that comes from a journey through the woods solo or with a few friends. There is no doubt that competition challenges an individual to push beyond preconceived limits, but perhaps creating one’s own challenge can be even more rewarding. In his book Bone Games, Rob Schultheis talks of extreme adventures “…hooking people into another kind of time-and-space frame than everyday life in the industrial life provides–a deeper, grander way of looking at things.” While trail races provide a chance to play in incredible natural settings, the competitive nature of these events can sometimes overshadow the pure experience.

North Carolina ultrarunner Matt Kirk, who last year completed a 71-mile traverse of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, agrees. “The mountains have a lot to teach us, but oftentimes we go to them arrogantly with minds narrowed to the rat race. Competition drains me and I like to recharge in the deep dark woods of the Appalachians.” Kirk will undoubtedly be recharged in March when he attempts to run the entire 31-mile Bartram Trail in from North Carolina to Georgia.

So now you’re ready to create your own adventure. Here’s how to get started:

Plan, Plan, Plan: It takes a bit more forethought to design your own experience –there is no showing up, pinning on a race number, and grabbing fluids from aid stations. You will need to design your own course and plan your own aid. Running or hiking sections of the course ahead of time will give you a good idea of possible obstacles you will face. Sophie Speidel, who completed a double-crossing of the Grand Canyon last fall, gained confidence for this goal by being very well-prepared, both physically and mentally. “We all trained for it as we would a race, prepared our packs and drinks, etc.”

Line Up a Support Crew: Don’t underestimate the support you will need from friends and family. Although you might be the one putting in the miles, the experience will no doubt be challenging for your support team as well. Crews will need to “roll with the punches” and be quick to adapt to changing conditions and schedules.

Recognize the Risks: Unlike many races, solo adventures do not have medical personnel available in the case of an emergency. In many instances, there is no way to opt out in case of injury, inclement weather, or other unforeseen dangers. Matt Kirk sums it up: “I’d encourage everyone to go on an adventure run, but always do so with care and a good dose of common sense.”