What to Pack For a 200-mile Adventure Relay
| June 18, 2010 | Posted by Lauren under Running |
I’m currently on my way up to Vermont to run in the Green Mountain Relay this weekend. The further north we travel and the weaker my cell reception gets, the more excited I become for the race.
Most of this afternoon was spent in a frenzy of packing and last minute preparations. Packing for this race is different than packing for any other. You need to be prepared to run multiple times in varying conditions at all different times of day – including the middle of the night. Plus, each team needs to have the necessary gear to support their runners during the relay. And of course, you can’t forget the snacks…
So what exactly do you pack for this type of event? While you probably could survive with just one running outfit and your shoes, that wouldn’t really be a pleasant experience – for you or your teammates. In order to be as comfortable as you possibly can when living out of a van, it’s important to bring a variety of things (and then practice changing as covertly as possible).
Here is a list of what I brought:
24-hour 200-mile Relay Packing List
CLOTHING
• 2 pairs of running shoes (my good ones plus one spare in case they get soaked. I’m sure this is over-kill as I’ve never used the second pair, but I’d rather be prepared)
• 3 pairs of running shorts + 1 pair of gym shorts to wear between legs
• 2 running shirts
• 2 running tanks (it’s supposed to be high 80s on Sat)
• Extra undergarments & socks (the key to avoiding getting chilled is to change out of the wet ones ASAP!)
• A breathable long-sleeved running top, in case the overnight legs are cold
• A pair of comfortable long pants to wear in between night-time legs (in case of cold weather)
• A light-weight jacket, for the same reason as above
GEAR
• Garmin forerunner
• Reflective vest (along with some flashing lights brought by teammates)
• Head lamp
• Pain killers
• Pepto (let’s just say that last year I got pretty sick during the Reach the Beach relay. I don’t want a repeat of that experience)
• Sunscreen
• Running cap
• Body glide
• Icy Hot
• Neutrogena Deep Clean Sports Wipes for in-between run wipe-downs
• A small towel (for the same reason)
• Mouthwash, toothbrush/paste plus my contact case and glasses in the hopes that I’ll get a chance to give my eyes a break
• Flip flops to give my tired feet a break
• A camera
FOOD
We will have time to stop for a few real meals while the other half of the team is completing their legs. But since we’re running at such strange times, the goal was to be prepared with easy to eat, easy on the stomach snacks. To that end, we brought:
• Lots and lots of water
• Gatorade
• Clif bars
• A few Larabars
• Trail mix
• Bagels
• Peanut butter & cream cheese
• Apples & bananas
• Pretzels
• 5-hour energy shots for an extra kick
• Plus a few other assorted snacks some other teammates are bringing
Which should hopefully fuel us “over the mountains and through the woods…”
Alright, we’ve finally arrived at the hotel. Time to get some pre-race shut eye!
LAUREN-ZO!!!!!!!!
As much as you keep telling me that you’re not as intense as you seem, I beg to differ.
You are SO SO SOOOOOOO0O0O0O0O intense.
NOW GO OUT THERE AND KICK SOME BUTT ON THAT RELAY!!!!!!!
XO Aletheia <3
aletheia´s last post ..To Boldly Trek Where Few Have Trekked Before
i am VERY excited for your adventure race report. run strong!
andi @ livelaughbefit´s last post ..hectic lives, making choices.
Good Luck! It sounds like you are well prepared and have accounted for all sorts of weather. It was very interesting to read about what you have packed, it must have been difficult deciding what food to bring. All of the food looks like it will fuel you well. I hope it all goes well.
Helen´s last post ..Overnight Oats at last
you are definitely well prepared!! id wanna venture with you, at least i know id be covered with all the essentials, and then some
GOOD LUCK! all the best!! <3 xoxoxo
kelsey@snackingsquirrel.com´s last post ..Say Cheese!
Good luck today! I can’t wait to hear all about this experience.
Alex @ IEatAsphalt´s last post ..My trip to India
I am SO impressed you are doing this! And what a gorgeous photo! GOOD LUCK and of course I will be eagerly anticipating the recap =D
Great list with lots of necessities..I’d die without my icy hot sometimes! Sounds like so much fun and can’t wait for the recap!
claire´s last post ..“no more cookies!”
Good luck! Have SO much fun!! I always use The Stick in between my legs and propped my legs up in the van to get the blood out of them. That really helped me!
Can’t wait to hear all about it!
You’re so prepared!! I hope you’re having a fabulous time. Can’t wait to hear how it went!!
Lindsay´s last post ..Surprise Party and a Giveaway!
Hope you are having a wonderful relay! And I can’t wait to read the recap. There is a HUGEEEE relay in Melbourne that I want to do, but it’s not exactly a relay since the entire team has to cross the finish line together, but it just sounds intense.
Have so much fun!
Jess´s last post ..Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Cannot wait to hear how much butt you kicked:)
Bless you for outlining what you packed, it’s so important to write it all down and maximize every inch of crap you’re trying to squish into a bag.
Nichole´s last post ..What Am I Running To? Weekly Playlist Must-Haves
Aahh I’m so excited to hear about the relay! Great post full of awesome info in case I ever get incredibly motivated!
I loved reading this! I want to do a 200 mile relay but have yet been able to find people that will commit. I may have to settle for running my first ultra in 2012
Good luck and I look forward to reading more about the 200 mile experience.
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Thanks Jill! Relays are amazing. Hopefully you’ll find a team to run one with. If not, relays usually have message boards with teams looking for a couple last minute members. So you could grab a friend and hop on a random team (I’ve done it!). Or if you want to come to New England, I know plenty of people who’d want to be on a team with you