- Friday 30 August 2024
This month we speak to two brilliant racers, Isla Reynolds and Nina Ingham who share their tips from over a decade of Questars races! Read on to find out their tips on everything from racing as a team to kit choices. Enjoy!
When did you participate in your first Questars adventure race?
Isla: I think around 2008 or 2009? A long time ago!
Nina: My first one was in the Purbecks around 2010 or 2012. Not quite as long ago as Isla!
Roughly how many Questars adventure races have you participated in?
Isla: I’ve lost count! Lots – they’re my favourite events of the year, so I try and do as many as possible. I really enjoyed the new winter series – otherwise it’s a long wait for spring.
Nina: Good question. I haven’t kept count. Definitely not as many as Isla. Approximately 20 plus. That’s just a wild guess.
What do you like most about Questars adventure races?
Isla: I love the atmosphere and culture of the race. It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro adventure racer or taking part in your first one as a personal challenge, the event means everyone can compete at their own level and competitors and marshals are welcoming and friendly.
Nina: Spending time with my best friend, who is totally amazing! We have loads of laughs, whilst experiencing the beautiful countryside come rain or shine. I love the fact you don’t know who is winning. Other competitors are friendly. Everyone is looking out for each other. If you need help, someone is always willing to help.
Why did you first get into adventure racing?
Isla: My friend and I enjoyed being outside all day, but weren’t really into traditional running or cycling races, so this fit the bill really well and was something a bit different. Questars is a great excuse to explore beautiful parts of the country, challenge ourselves physically and mentally and every event is different.
Nina: Isla!!! After cycling together at a charity event, we became close friends. (Well, I like to think so!) She told me about this fantastic event. She promoted it as fun, friendly and you can do as much or as little as you like.
I was so chuffed that I had completed a 6hr adventure race. Since then, I have competed with Isla on many occasions. They are just fun. The two day was new to me this year. It was hard and when I was asked, “What was the best part of the race?’ I replied, “The finish”. When actually, the best part was being able to take part in such an awesome event.
What advice would you give to someone just getting started in adventure racing?
Isla: Enjoy the day – pace yourself over the 5 or 6 hours; don’t worry if you get a bit lost or miss a turn; and appreciate the scenery.
Nina: Have no expectations. Anything can happen and you might surprise yourself. Enjoy the experience.
What is the best piece of advice that you were given when you started adventure racing?
Isla: Playing to your strengths and getting your nav right is better than being fast in the wrong direction.
Nina: Take everything in your transition bag/box. It is better to have it and not need it.
What is your strongest and weakest race discipline? How do you combat your weakest discipline?
Isla: If I’m racing on my own, then I’m stronger on the run and weakest on the kayak. But as a team, we’re stronger on the kayak and weakest on the run! Nina is also more confident than me on the bike, so that helps me put my big girl pants on and attempt things I wouldn’t on my own.
Nina: First cycling, second kayaking and running is 100 percent my weakest discipline. I have a love/hate relationship. I just keep plodding along. Choose a landmark and run to it. If I am feeling good, run a little further to the next landmark. Isla is very, very patient!!!
How do you fuel yourself for a Questars adventure race?
Isla: I hate gels and energy drinks, so for me I keep to ‘normal’ food. A cheese and pickle sandwich, some nuts, Soreen and then some sweets for that last hour when the legs are flagging. And a chocolate milk and a cuppa post race.
Nina: I also hate gels, energy drinks etc. Natural all the way for me. Banana, dried fruit and nuts. Chocolate, oats, especially flapjacks. Cheese sarnie. A few sweets.
What’s the one piece of non-mandatory kit in your bag that you could not do without?
Isla: See cheese and pickle sandwich above! Or, more seriously, sleevies – they are light, quick to put on or take off and can help transition from a fresh morning to a hot afternoon.
Nina: I would agree with Isla, sleevies but also my glasses. I only need them for reading.
What’s the weirdest/funniest/strangest thing that has happened to you during an adventure race?
Isla: Winning! Also, the cave bus – if you know, you know.
Nina: South Downs, a small dog ran out of a garden and ran between Isla’s wheels. (How she missed it, I do not know). I braked and went over the top of my handle bars and landed on my feet. The dog was fine but the seat on my bike was bent and I had to continue the rest of the race with my hips pointing in the wrong direction.
What is the most difficult part of adventure racing?
Isla: I get a bit over ambitious at the start of the day and want go to the furthest point on the map, so I find it hard to stay realistic, especially when it’s a lovely day and you’re still feeling fresh.
Nina: Keeping Isla’s enthusiasm to go to the furthest point in check!
What are your top five tips for adventure racing success?
1. Don’t follow others – trust your own nav and route choice
2. Be flexible – have different options and be open to changing your route if you’re faster or slower than you estimated
3. Good nav at a slower pace is better then speeding off in the wrong direction
4. Take some real food with you and stop to enjoy it – a 5 minute break can refresh the brain and the body
5. Stay positive – getting lost or finding a route slower then you thought is all part of it – it’s how you respond that matters.
What are the pros and cons of taking part as a team?
Isla: I’ve raced on my own and as part of a team of two or three. In a team you can work out the best route together, you can encourage each other when one is struggling, and chat along the way. The kayaking is definitely easier as a pair. I definitely have a lot more giggles in a team (normally when I’ve fallen in a puddle). When I race on my own I take it a bit more seriously and push myself really hard, which can be really satisfying, but can also take some of the sheer joy out of it.
Nina: I would only take part in a team. I’m not a serious competitor. In a team, you get support and encouragement when things are tough.
When you race together, what roles did you both play within the team?
Isla: I’m probably Tigger to Nina’s more sensible Roo. I tend to do the nav as Nina can’t see the map detail without her glasses! Nina is definitely skipper on the kayak!!
Nina: Isla is the ship’s captain. We discuss the route and make charges along the way. I’ve always got the sensible head on.
Thank you so much Isla and Nina! Some terrific advice for those looking to get into adventure racing, particularly those looking to race within a team, whether that be best friend, sibling, or parent/child.
Fancy giving adventure racing a go? Click on the link below to our upcoming events:
