Getting Ready For Brewster's Gut Check Triathlon

Quickly becoming one of Cape Cod's most highly anticipated events, Gut Check is an adventure triathlon that is remarkably accessible for athletes of all ages and skill levels.

The difference between Gut Check and a traditional triathlon is that it involved orienteering, which means that participants have to navigate their way through the course using a compass and map. The course, which will remain a secret until just before race time, includes trails, roads, and a pond, allowing you to explore the Cape's outdoors while training and participating in the event.

You can also compete as a team in this race, so you can turn it into a social gathering for you and your friends after the summer has come to an end.

In 2020, Gut Check will take place on Saturday, October 17, leaving you with plenty of time to train and become familiar with Nickerson State Park in the months leading up to this uniquely memorable race.

The Course

The great thing about the Gut Check Triathlon is that the route is different every year. Organizers don't release the layout until just before the race starts and, consequently, competitors have to navigate their way through the park while racing against other participants and the clock.

As you likely know, Nickerson State Park is 2,000 acres in size, creating an expansive course. Keep in mind that orienteering is a significant part of this adventure triathlon, which is one of the things that makes Gut Check so unique. Because of this, organizers recommend bringing a compass and map, so you don't get lost.

All you'll know ahead of time is that the triathlon includes trail running, road cycling, and a water crossing, so make sure you're prepared for all three phases of the race.

A Look at the Various Divisions

Most triathlons have multiple divisions in which you can compete, and Gut Check is no different.

There will be four main race categories: Solo, two-person, three-person, and four-person. The solo division breaks down into separate men's and women's competitions, and there are age-based awards, too.

The race also has two categories depending on how the competitors choose to address the water crossing. 

For some, the water crossing involves a half-mile swim in one of Nickerson State Park's ponds.

For those who aren't strong swimmers, there is a paddling category, where you can use a standup paddleboard, kneeling paddleboard, or surfboard to cross the pond. A limited number of paddleboards are available for rent, but otherwise, you're responsible for bringing your own watercraft.

What You'll Need

On the day of the race, you'll show up at Nickerson State Park in Brewster, Massachusetts, first thing in the morning. The triathlon gets underway at 8:00 AM, so make sure you arrive early.

You'll want to bring your running gear, swimwear, a road bike with a helmet, and, depending on your division, a paddleboard.

There will be water and snacks provided at the checkpoints, and you must present yourself at each of these stations to complete the race. Remember that you'll have to navigate through the forest surrounding the ponds while running and biking, but you can't take any shortcuts to the end.

Preparing For the Triathlon

Getting ready for a triathlon like Gut Check is difficult because you don't know anything about the course's layout.

As a general rule, competitive athletes should have the ability to run and bike at a sub-threshold level for about 90 minutes. Beginners and less active athletes should be able to run or bike at an aerobic level for over two hours.

The race is shorter than an Olympic triathlon, which generally includes a .93-mile swim, a 24.8-mile cycle, and a 6.2-mile run, but you won't know the exact distances until you arrive at the venue.

To prepare for the race, get out, and enjoy nature at Nickerson State Park. Once at the park, you can swim in the kettle ponds, run the trails, and bike on the paved paths that flow through the forest. The Cape Cod Rail Trail is also nearby if you want to cycle or run a little further.

By spending your summer preparing for Gut Check, you can keep yourself in great shape and ensure that you're ready for this huge annual event.

Spending Time at Nickerson State Park

Perhaps the best thing about Gut Check is that you'll have the chance to spend some time at Nickerson State Park, one of Cape Cod's most scenic recreational areas.

When training for this race, make sure you get out running and swimming in the park this summer, as the more familiar you are with your surroundings, the easier the course will become.

Living in Brewster, or anywhere else on the Cape, puts you close to Nickerson State Park and many other beautiful recreational areas. Whether you're into fishing, boating, swimming, running, hiking, camping, or cycling, Nickerson State Park is an excellent option during the warmest months of the year.