Winter races are an excellent way to keep your heart pumping and add endurance training to you routine. Whether you're into ice racing or cross-country skiing, there's something for everyone to do in winter.
Extreme Races
Winter ultramarathons, such as the Yukon Arctic Ultra, are an extreme form of running where temperatures can drop to -50 degrees Fahrenheit and wind chills to -40. This race is difficult and should not be attempted by anyone who hasn't been trained.
The Yukon Arctic Ultra is a series non-stop multiday races that start in Whitehorse (Canada) each February. There are three distance options: 100-mile, 300 and 430-mile marathons. Participants can choose to run or bike, ski or walk their course.
There are many things to consider when preparing for an arctic race, such as the temperature range, insulating layers of clothing and the proper footwear. The event organizers are very strict about making sure that competitors have the right gear. This can lead to penalties of up to six hours.
Athletes must also take special care to keep their equipment clean, which can be difficult given the cold weather and lack of visibility. The organizers aren't interested to let anyone down. Any trace of human waste will result in the disqualification of racers.
The Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra, billed as one of the toughest races in the world, was held last week in the Canadian province of Yukon. Racers had to endure harsh conditions as they trekked down the Yukon Quest trail which was covered in lakes and rivers.
Climate change has a big role to play in the extreme nature of this race, as it has impacted the landscape and snowpack. Yukon Arctic Ultra organizers have made it mandatory that all participants take part in a survival training program before the race begins.
It's a good idea to plan ahead and purchase your gear as early as possible, since it can be hard to find what you need in the winter. A small kit with socks, gloves, and blankets is a great idea.
You should also bring a tent and a sleep bag. A sleeping bag is essential, as temperatures can plummet to -30° Celsius.
Snowshoes are another must-have item, as snow is a common factor on the course and if you don't have them, they'll be incredibly uncomfortable to wear.
When it comes to clothing, a good rule of thumb is to wear plenty of layers and avoid wearing shirts that are too tight or short because it can create a lot of heat loss. Depending on the temperature, you may want to consider adding some accessories like a cape or crown to your outfit.
FAQ
Why are knot-tying skills important for survival
People all over the globe use knots to attach items like ropes, fishing lines and ladders. You can also use them to tie bags closed, secure objects to trees and create shelters. It is a vital skill that can save lives if you have to tie yourself to a tree rope or string or use them as a shelter.
How to Navigate Without a Compass or With One
A compass doesn't tell you where you are going, but it does help you find your way back home if you lose your bearings.
Three different ways you can navigate are available:
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By landmarks
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Magnetic North (using a compasse)
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By stars
Landmarks are objects that you recognize when you see them. These include trees, buildings and rivers. Landmarks are useful because they provide a visual clue to where you are.
Magnetic North simply indicates the direction in which Earth's magnetic field points. If you look at the sky, the sun appears like it's moving across the sky. However, the earth’s magnetic field actually causes it to move around the Earth. While it may appear that the sun moves across the sky, in fact, the sun actually moves around its horizon. At noon, it is directly overhead. The sun is directly beneath you at midnight. Because the earth's magnet field is constantly changing, the exact position of the magnetic North Pole changes every day. This means you might be off the course by quite a bit during a single day.
Another method of navigating is using stars. Stars appear over the horizon to rise and lower. These are fixed points in time that you can use for determining your location relative others.
How can you remain calm in a survival situation
Most situations will require patience and calmness. It's easy for people to panic in survival situations, especially when they are far from civilization. However, staying calm and patient will help you deal with any situation.
It's important to remember that you cannot change the outcome of a situation. You only have control of how you react. In this way, you can still feel good about yourself even though you didn't accomplish everything you wanted to.
You must be calm and collected when you're in a survival situation. This requires being mentally and physical prepared.
Mental preparation includes having a clear goal in mind and setting realistic expectations for yourself.
Physical preparation involves ensuring that you have enough water, food, and fuel to last until rescue.
You can now relax and enjoy the experience once you have done these two things.
Statistics
- Without one, your head and neck can radiate up to 40 percent of your body heat. (dec.ny.gov)
- The Dyrt PRO gives 40% campground discounts across the country (thedyrt.com)
- In November of 1755, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 6.0 and a maximum intensity of VIII occurred about 50 miles northeast of Boston, Massachusetts. (usgs.gov)
- Not only does it kill up to 99.9% of all waterborne bacteria and parasites, but it will filter up to 1,000 liters of water without the use of chemicals. (hiconsumption.com)
External Links
How To
How to Purify Water in Emergency Situations
In times of natural disasters, drinking water purification is one of the most critical activities. The process of purifying drinking water includes filtering, disinfection, and storage. In times of crisis, drinking clean water has saved many lives. It also makes it easier to recover faster after disasters.
Purified water should always be stored properly and kept away from direct sunlight. When storing purified water, make sure there is no oxygen left in the container. Plastic bags or bottles can be used if you don’t have enough containers. Keep water at 4 degrees Celsius (40 F) or below. Avoid freezing as ice crystals can form in the water.
These are the steps to follow when you prepare purified water
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Boil water to boil until it is dry. Use a strainer or a sieve to filter out any impurities.
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For every 2 gallons water, add 1 teaspoon of iodine. Before adding the iodine, stir well.
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Store the water in airtight containers. Keep the water at room temperature for no longer than three working days.
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The date, the type of water and the amount of water should be clearly written on the label.
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Make sure that your water supply is safe!