Mozambique 350km Race
WHEN the hell are we…?
Adventure Races, unlike stage race, are NON-STOP. You will decide based on the length of the race and the condition of your team when and where to sleep.
A two day race can be done effectively with no sleep at all. Longer races however will require sleep. Lack of sleep affects the mental strength of your team. Mistakes are made and the pace can become very slow.
145 hours into the Bull of Africa 2008 (650km)
You will often hear of seasoned adventure racers referring to sleep monsters. These are hallucinations that are induced due to lack of sleep. And sometimes the sleep monster “grabs” you and you fall asleep while hiking, paddling or biking. Have a look at this picture of Rodney Knight who fell prey to the sleep monster while on his bike still clipped in.
2004 Quest 550km Expedition
10 minute power naps can often revitilise a team member who is struggling to stay away. You will not believe the difference it can make to a member who is really struggling.
10min power nap - Sabie 100k
Sleep strategy for longer races are affected by many factors. Distance to next transition, weather and temperature, light vs difficult night navigation
You will be amazed at how far you can get on no sleep at all, however you will probably only really get a grasp for it when you have pushed passed your mental limitations.
Bull of Africa 650km Expedition
