The KneeKnacker (KKNSTR) is tomorrow. It's a 50K (OK, OK, Enzo, it's 30-miles...)
For my buddy Steve, this is his first ultra. With 15 hours to go before the start, Steve is suffering from gastrointestinal distress. He's all stressed out about what to pack.
So what should he pack?
The Weather
Best to start with the weather and work backwards. Several sources have predicted warm weather with blue skies for tomorrow. True, the weatherperson isn't always right, so take that into consideration. The start is at 6:00 am, so it will be cool at the start and for the first bit. It'll be hot after that, so hydration is going to be key.
The Distance and the Course
You sure don't want to haul around more stuff than you have to for an ultra. Best to take advantage of aid stations and drop bags. There are many aid stations and the opportunity for drop bags at the KKNSTR, so it's fairly safe to pack light. Apparently lotsa mud in the first 1/4, so plan to change shoes and sox at 1/2 way.
The Pack Itself
Dude should have this worked out in training. 'Not sure if he does or not? Options are: hydration pack, butt pack or no pack and go with handheld water bottles. Given predictions for the weather and the terrain (very technical) and the distance and the fact that he's new to it, I'd recommend my buddy be over-prepared rather than under. My vote goes for the hydration pack or 2-bottle butt pack for him. I'm going with a hydration pack for the first 1/2 and handhelds for the last 25K.
The Clothes
Cool morning. Hot day. Minimal chance of snow, rain or hail. Drop bag at 1/2 way. I recommend a technical t-shirt and a light windbreaker that can be packed away when it gets warm and jettisoned at the aid station. Hat or headband. Most of the race is under the tree canopy, but shades for me 'cause the sun bugs my eyes. I'll just hang them in my headband when I don't need them.
The Trail Chow
Better to drink more than less and have too much to eat. Given the weather, dehydration will be a challenge to prepare for. I'm going to drink a lot and expect to pee a lot. Lots and lots of great goodies at many aid stations on the KKNSTR course, so will only pack a couple of gels in case I bonk. I've been plagued with a calf tear for a couple of years so I will bring along some vitamin I (ibuprofen). Personally not smart enough to remember to drink, so I 'll bring along some salt licorice and table salt to remind me and will set my watch to beep every 10-minutes (Beep = "Drink, Jackson!") Given the anticipated heat, it's also a good idea to top off the electrolytes, so I'll pack a few eCaps and drink the sport drink provided at each aid station.
'Hope this helps!
Comments
Attitude
Or more specifically, a positive upbeat attitude. Negative thoughts can really bring you down. Sure, there are going to be rough patches, we all go through them.
Getting to the start line, that's the hard part. It's all downhill from there, well not on this course, but you know what I mean.
Butter
I would not travel 50k on foot without some form of grease to address the distressing issue of chaffing: Hydropel, Body Glide, Vaseline.
When the problem arises you need to take action quick. Besides like Betty Crocker says, everything taste better with butter.
As well. one must carry TP...or lots of butter.