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Richard Cash

60. Race Week Preparation


Seeing as I'm not training this weekend, but resting up and climbing the walls instead, I thought I'd take the opportunity to give you an idea of kit and preparation for an event like this.


Given anything can happen from injury to diarrhoea, there are a lot of bases to cover. So here is a breakdown of some of the things I have to get ready and most to carry in my pack or on my person:


Clothes

Goretext & windproof running jacket

Base layer, mid layer, outer layer (for night stretch). Shorts, leggings & cooling towel.


Pack - Salomon Advance Skin 15litre that has 1.5liter water bladder and 1 500ml soft water flask


4x pairs of socks (change each 25km)

calf compression sleeves

Running cap & cycling gloves (to avoid blisters from poles)

Black Diamond Carbon running poles


Trainers/boots

Flip Flops (for after)

Runderwear (technical underwear. Great to avoid chafing)

Headtorch (and spare batteries!)

Neck buff (it can get cold at night)


Medi/blister kit

Blister plasters/compeed

zinc oxide tape (for feet and to cover nipples)

K-Tape strips

Immodium, poo bags, wet wipe tablets, tissues (knowing my stomach I will need all of these)

lambs wool (great for helping with rubbing in shoes. An ballet dancer taught me this trick as they used it in their 'blocks' to help their toes)

Gehwohl cream (great for blisters)

Couple of medical gauze pads

Space blanket (if you get stuck and the weather sucks you can easily suffer from exposure. These are a must on any long remote trail run for me)

Anti chafing stick (essential and to go between your butt cheeks to stop you chafing raw there!!)

Fuel


Tailwind - pre-measured for each rest stop refilled and into individual bags to save hassle

Gels - High 5 slow release carbs

Gu Berry Stroopwaffels

High 5 energy bars


I'll also be taking my airpods, charger pack for phone and pods so i can charge on the go.


All in all my race pack will weigh around 10-12kg at the start and after I reload the food at halfway. It'll get lighter as I drink the water, eat the food etc. But It will weight a fair amount all the same. Luckily I've trained with a pack on every long run so I'm used to the weight somewhat.


I could take some out and make it lighter but I know I'll need my stuff at some point. Preparation is key for me as lots can happen from the weather to blistering to an accident and I could be quite a way from a rest stop and assistance. If the weather is bad it can be dangerous. I feel better knowing I've covered the basis and I'm good to go.


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