Signing up for your first adventure race with friends isn’t just about testing your legs and lungs—it’s an adventure in every sense of the word. Sure, you’ll be running, biking, paddling, and maybe even scrambling through the mud, but the real rewards go way beyond the workout. Training and racing as a team means you’ll build resilience, stay motivated, and strengthen friendships in ways a gym session never could.
Here are three research-backed reasons why adventure race training (and racing!) is so beneficial:
1. Nature Gives Your Mind a Boost 🌿
Exercising outdoors isn’t just refreshing—it’s scientifically proven to make you feel better. Studies show that being active in natural environments reduces stress, improves mood, and helps restore focus compared to indoor exercise. That means every trail run, paddle, or bike ride is not only building your endurance but also strengthening your mental resilience.
When race day comes and you’re navigating through unfamiliar terrain or tackling that last brutal climb, it’s this outdoor training that helps keep your head clear and your spirits high.
2. Friends Keep You Motivated 💪
We’ve all had days where motivation dips. The secret weapon? Training with friends. Research shows people are more consistent and stick with exercise longer when they do it in groups. Why? Because there’s accountability, encouragement, and—let’s be honest—a bit of healthy peer pressure.
Adventure races take this to the next level: you literally can’t finish without your teammates. Training in a group means you’ll push harder, laugh more, and turn tough sessions into stories worth telling.
3. Fitness Meets Friendship 🤝
Adventure race training is about way more than physical fitness. Sure, you’ll get stronger, fitter, and faster—but you’ll also be building something deeper. Group exercise has been shown to improve social well-being and connection. Adventure training sessions—whether it’s a long mountain bike ride, a navigation practice, or a muddy trail run—are shared experiences that build trust, communication, and memories that stick long after the finish line.
It’s not just about crossing the line—it’s about crossing it together.
The Bottom Line
Training for your first adventure race with friends isn’t just about the physical challenge. It’s about nature therapy, built-in motivation, and the kind of friendships that come from doing something epic together. You’ll get fitter, feel better, and walk away with stories that beat any gym session.
So grab a friend, sign up, and start training—you’ll thank yourself (and each other) at the finish line.
References
Pretty, J., Peacock, J., Sellens, M., & Griffin, M. (2005). The mental and physical health outcomes of green exercise. International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 15(5), 319–337.
Barton, J., & Pretty, J. (2010). What is the best dose of nature and green exercise for improving mental health?Environmental Science & Technology, 44(10), 3947–3955.
Burke, S. M., Carron, A. V., Eys, M. A., Ntoumanis, N., & Estabrooks, P. A. (2006). Group versus individual approach? A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of interventions to promote physical activity. Sport and Exercise Psychology Review, 2(1), 19–35.
Estabrooks, P. A., Harden, S. M., & Burke, S. M. (2019). Group dynamics in physical activity promotion: What works? Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 13(3), e12425.
Beauchamp, M. R., Puterman, E., & Lubans, D. R. (2018). Group-based physical activity for older adults: A scoping review. American Journal of Health Behavior, 42(3), 286–303.
