Before my Mt. Hood 50 miler this year, I wrote a post about my race prep. While it likely is not the most riveting read (plot twists seem to only happen while out on the trails, oddly enough), I enjoy the planning and organizing of it all. I can’t always control what happens during a race, but at least I gather some comfort in controlling what’s in my pack. I’m not a minimalist by any stretch of the imagination, and I also have no delusions of grandeur about my speed. I favor the Girl Scout mindset of preparedness, and have come to terms with the fact that I’m not a future Olympian. 😉
While prepping for an ultra isn’t anything particularly new for me, the difference for this race (Baker Lake 50K) is that Adam is running it instead of crewing! I’m so excited for him – his first 50K.
It doesn’t change things a whole lot, but there’s really only one aid station (with a drop bag option), so I’m thinking of it more like a self-supported run than a supported one.
My trusty Nathan pack (it looks a bit worse for wear in person) is now packed and ready to go. Stuff packed for this race:
- 2 liter water reservoir
- Small first aid kit (pink bag)
- Kleenex, TP, baby wipes (you never know when these items might come in handy)
- Extra socks (the one time I didn’t bring them, I really could have used them)
- Bandana (another just-in-case item, which has come in handy in the past)
- Seat Saver by Hammer (probably one of the most key items in my bag, seriously)
- Photo ID, pocket knife, extra hair tie, hand sanitizer, eye drops, chapstick
- Endurolytes
- Handwarmers
- Gloves
- Glutino Oreos
- Fruit snacks
- Boiled red potatoes w/salt
- Onigiri
- Feed Zone Portable pumpkin cakes
- Feed Zone Portable sweet cream grits
This will be the maiden race for Adam’s pack, an UltraAspire. His accouterments are almost identical to mine (shocking, I know) with the exception of his food. His fuel choices:
- Oreos
- Haribo gummy bears
- Boiled red potatoes w/salt
- Trail mix
- Goldfish
- Feed Zone Portable pumpkin cakes
- Kind bars
We’ve also got a post-race bag full of things to bring a smile to any weary runner’s face:
- Flip flops (Toes say – “Freeeeeeeeedom!”)
- Baby wipes (A way to feel more human in moments – at least by removing the first layer of salt and grime)
- Change of clothes (Ditto above)
- Hawaiian pizza (Sweet, salty, fatty, carby food of the gods)
- Lemonade (Just helping replenish our glycogen stores… 😉 )
- Cupcake Royale Cupcakes! (It’s Adam’s birthday tomorrow!)
One more sleep until the race! 🙂
