In order to ensure that in a few days from now you have a medal in the bag, best focus on packing that bag now...
Things to put in-
For the day:
- Your running shoes. More people have finished with them than without...
- ChampionChip - you will need this at registration, but fix
it to your shoe now anyway. Such a small thing it is easy to
forget it.
- Your socks - well run in, but not worn out
- Running vest and shorts - the ones you have run in for the last couple of months. Nothing new that is stiff and can cause chaffing.
- Your pacing chart - a Plan A, and Plan B
- Sunscreen - You are going to spend a lot of time out there, whether you like it or not. So pack the sunscreen.
- Hat and sunglasses - if you are used to running with them, take them along. Old story of don't try anything new...
- BodyGlide, Loobit, Vaseline, or your favourite product - to
prevent friction and burn.
- Lip balm - your own. Don't accept vaseline from the side of the road... if you need more detail why, just ask.
- Plasters - for toes, heels, blisters and nipples.
- Gloves - cheap disposable goodies for the start. It can be cool in the morning
- Old T-shirt - your oldest long sleeve running T. It is cool at the start, so this can keep you warm while you stand around for an hour, as well as for the first few km's. Also guaranteed to make a local supporter very happy.
- Garbage bag. To wear. Not glamorous, but it sure works!
- Watch - the old tried and trusted time piece.
- Pacing chart or running plan. Your mind may not be able to
do the maths.
- Gels - Jolt, Vooma, Gu, whatever you have been training on.
- Breakfast bar - pack one in for the start. It is a long time between leaving home and the gun. A nibble while standing on the line will help.
- Meds - your myprodol, immodium, valoid, etc
- Toilet paper. Don't bargain on the porta-loos being stocked. (Meds and toilet paper in a bank bag)
- Sense of humour and loads of energy - you gonna need both!
Other things that are good to have:
- Your own pillow. For a good night's sleep before the race
- Alarm clock. Or two. You can't afford to oversleep on this one.
- 'Track your runner' - register for friends / family that
want to know how ya' doin'
Things for the finish:
- Towel
- Tracksuit
- Dry clothes
- Fresh socks
- Bag for the smellies
- Water / juice / refreshments. Whatever you enjoy at the end
of a race. Rehydration is important, and I would recommend you
try get 1.5 litres in before you leave the stadium to go home.
Rehydration is critical to recovery!
- Cash - for the boerrie rolls and pancakes (and beer)
- Pre-arrange meeting place for friends and family. Nothing
worse than traipsing around for hours looking for people. A
sure way to ruin your entire day... Make sure your friends and
fmaily know where to meet you at the end. And make sure you
know where they're going to be too.
And a few other things to remember:
- Cut your toenails. Don't leave this to the day before the race or your toes will be sensitive and susceptible to a beating
- Shave - again, sun, sweat and freshly shaved skin do not go well together. Don't leave this for the night before.
Cheers,
Andrew
No comments:
Post a Comment