Now that you are ready for a physical challenge...

Here are some MULTI-ACTIVITY adventures in the States (that I copied of National Geo)

BEGINNER: The Central Coast Adventure Challenge
18 mile kayak, bike and fast race through backcountry between SFO and SoCal.
May 16-17 in San Luis Obispo, California
tccadventure.com

ADVANCED BEGINNER: Adventure Week
Orienting work-shops, 3 hour sprint competition, an Xterra triathlon, trail running, mountain biking
June 5-14, near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
adventureweek2009.com

INTERMEDIATE: Adventure Xstream Summit
Part of 6 race series, the high altitude summit instalments plays out between 9000-12000 feet. Single track and Alpine lake terrain
25 July, Frisco, Colorado
gravityplay.com

The Fastest and the Most Effective Way to Get Fit

I read an article on National Geo Adventure on an athlete who was an exercise junky throughout high school and then college. Later when he graduated, he found out that he can be in better shape by exercising less. The trainers came up with a 2 phase multi-activity program which makes you stronger faster. The idea is that once you are fit, you don't need to try as hard to build on it. They recommend this program to those who realize they want to run a marathon 3 months before the race. It is still quite intense, but if it can get you in shape for a marathon in 3 months, it is still a great deal.









PHASE 1
For 6 weeks:

Monday: Cycle at an easy and steady pace for 3 hours. No need for intensity, DURATION is the main goal.
Tuesday: Jog for 30-60 mins
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: Paddle a kayak or canoe at an easy steady pace for 3 hours. (Rowing machines OK)
Friday: Cycle at a moderate pace for 60 mins
Saturday: Run or paddle at a moderate pace for 1-2 hours
Sunday: "Active recovery"- Pick your favorite sports and exercise for at least 1 hr at moderate intensity.

PHASE 2
As long as you can...

Monday: Cycle for 1 hour at fastest pace you can
Tuesday: Run for an hour
Wednesday: "Active recovery" (see above)
Thursday: Paddle for an hour
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Speed Workout - Sign up for a 10K running race, or a 2 hour mountain bike race, or hit the track with a competitive buddy for an hour of intervals. Building intensity is the main goal.
Sunday: "Active recovery"