EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
You're a runner, which means you have the fitness to handle all sorts of healthy outdoor activities with ease. We found 12 that promise fresh air, a toned body, and all-around excitement.
By Bob Cooper
PUBLISHED 06/11/2003
Being a runner has its advantages, from mental toughness and high self-esteem, to the hard-earned, legs-and-lungs fitness that prepares us for almost any other physical pursuit we desire.
Well, it so happens we've got a few of those pursuits in mind for you right now. What's more, all of them--including mountain biking, hiking, paddling, and backpacking--require minimal technical training to get you started. After that, you're good to go.
So, ready to expand your horizons? Great. Here's what's out there.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Getting started: Call your best local bike shop and ask where mountain bike clinics for beginners are offered. A clinic instructor will show you how to maneuver and maintain your bike.
Cross-training benefits: Even more than road biking, mountain biking on trails is excellent cross-training that works legs, lungs, and "core" muscles.
Gear: Replace that old bike with a new mountain bike that features "suspension" (for shock absorption) and clipless pedals. Price: $300 and up. Also needed: a helmet, bike shorts, and gloves.
Where: Bike-shop staffers can tell you where the best local off-road biking is, or visit trails.com.
Wanna race? Most events offer a "beginner" category race of 6 to 12 miles on moderate terrain.
Find out more: Riding clubs: International Mountain Biking Association, (888) 442-4622, imba.com. Racing clubs/races: NORBA, (719) 866-4581, or usacycling.org/mtb. Trips/camps: go to bicycling.com, and click on "Tour and Travel."
PADDLING
Getting started: In group or individual instruction, available through outfitters and paddling clubs, learn to paddle safely and skillfully.
Cross-training benefits: Strengthens "core" and upper-body muscles.
Gear: Watercraft rentals, including paddles and a personal-flotation device, run $20 to $50 an hour. Hard, plastic kayaks cost $300 and up. Wear water-resistant running apparel; sandals or water slippers; and sunscreen.
Where: Kayak or canoe on a glassy lake to develop paddling technique. White-water river rafting and sea kayaking are more advanced, so stick to guide-led outings. For locations, visit trails.com.
Wanna race? There are thousands of annual paddling trips, classes, and events in the United States, and hundreds of races as well. Most have a novice division.
Find out more: American Canoe Association (canoeing, kayaking, and rafting), (703) 451-0141; acanet.org.
OPEN-WATER SWIMMING
Getting started: Swimming in a natural body of water leaves chlorine, crowds, and the boredom of lap-counting behind. Don't swim alone or too far from shore, however, and try to swim within sight of beach lifeguards.
Cross-training benefits: The high arc of your stroke over the waves makes this an even better non-impact, upper-body, cardiorespiratory workout than pool swimming.
Gear: Wear a swimsuit, well-fitting goggles, swim cap, sunscreen, and in chilly water, a wetsuit.
Where: Lakes and protected bays are best. Currents make out-and-back swims laborious in rivers; oceans come with rip currents, stinging jellyfish, and sharks. (Oh my!)
Wanna race? Choose from about 250 races in the United States. Most are 1 to 2 miles, and welcome swimmers of all abilities who are over 18.
Find out more: U.S. Masters Swimming, usms.org/comp/ldcalendar.htm.
