John B
09-24-2009, 13:38
In light of the good news about two ultra runners who were found alive, I thought it might be interesting to hear from runners what you carry.
I know that the trail, weather, and many other factors go into making decisions, but for the sake of argument, let's assume you're planning a 3-5 hr run on a trail that roughly resembles the AT. Let's also assume that it's early fall, high temps estimated at low 70s, and that you've covered the trail at least once before and thus have at least some familiarity with it.
I can say that my always-carry list is:
1 oz. power gel (prefer GU) for every estimated 45 min. of running, plus one extra;
6 oz unsweetened black tea for every 1 hr of running, sometimes premixed with Hammer Endurolytes;
1 packet containing two tabs of 325 mg aspirin (in case of heart problems);
RoadID dog tag from www.roadID.com (http://www.roadID.com)
Timex watch
Small pieces of candied ginger (for nausea)
All of the above is carried in a belt pack.
If it looks rainy, I'll carry a Sugoi wind jacket.
If I know for a fact that I'll be out longer than 5 hrs., I'll carry a Clif Power Bar.
If I drive to a trail, I leave a note on the dash, visible from the windshield, saying exactly where I"m going, when I'm leaving, and when I expect to be back. If that's an invitation to break in, then so be it. So far it hasn't happened.
I've never done a +5 hr trail run so I have a lot to learn. My goal is to do the American River 50 Miler in April 2011.
I know that the trail, weather, and many other factors go into making decisions, but for the sake of argument, let's assume you're planning a 3-5 hr run on a trail that roughly resembles the AT. Let's also assume that it's early fall, high temps estimated at low 70s, and that you've covered the trail at least once before and thus have at least some familiarity with it.
I can say that my always-carry list is:
1 oz. power gel (prefer GU) for every estimated 45 min. of running, plus one extra;
6 oz unsweetened black tea for every 1 hr of running, sometimes premixed with Hammer Endurolytes;
1 packet containing two tabs of 325 mg aspirin (in case of heart problems);
RoadID dog tag from www.roadID.com (http://www.roadID.com)
Timex watch
Small pieces of candied ginger (for nausea)
All of the above is carried in a belt pack.
If it looks rainy, I'll carry a Sugoi wind jacket.
If I know for a fact that I'll be out longer than 5 hrs., I'll carry a Clif Power Bar.
If I drive to a trail, I leave a note on the dash, visible from the windshield, saying exactly where I"m going, when I'm leaving, and when I expect to be back. If that's an invitation to break in, then so be it. So far it hasn't happened.
I've never done a +5 hr trail run so I have a lot to learn. My goal is to do the American River 50 Miler in April 2011.