Geared Up to Race
A short trail run is one thing, but when you tackle the long trails, you need to be prepared for anything – especially
if you’re heading up a mountain or two, in winter, with a cold front moving in! That’s why the bigger trail races have
compulsory gear that all runners must carry throughout the race. This is what you need to know about gearing up for the
trails. – BY KIM STEPHENS
There is always one… Some dude that ran hours
of trail in the late 80s in a pair of polly shorts
with nothing more than a melted Bar-One in his
back pocket and a neckerchief from his grandfather
that served as sun protection, a receptacle for
consuming water from the streams, and a sling or
ankle strapping for when things went wrong. And this
dude all too often likes to remind us how trail running
was done when the human race was “properly tough,”
and the mountain was ours to conquer.
The thing is, we’ve all learned a lot since those days,
in particular that no mountain is ever conquered,
that we are simply permitted time on the great rocks.
And that time can be swiftly shortened through
bad planning and lack of proper mountain running
equipment. However, investing in the required kit can
seem overwhelming, so here is an easy way to build
up your trail arsenal, pass every pre-race kit check,
and get more out of your mountain time.
The most important aspect to consider is
that mountain weather is fairly unpredictable.
Temperatures at the top can vary dramatically from
those at the base, and visibility can change swiftly,
too. With this in mind, your kit should allow for quick
changes. Then there is trail footwear, a story all on its
own. In short, get your shoes fitted by an expert, and
base your choice on the kind of terrain you will be
running on, rather than coordinated colours or shoes
that double as jeans-and-a-braai solution.
Packs, Hydration & First Aid
A technical backpack is your next big move. This is
where the safety versus weight debate rages. Start
with safety, not the other way around. Choose a
pack with sufficient space to house compulsory race
equipment, and ensure that you try on a few before
investing. Consider the position of pockets for easy
fuel access, and a structure that can be adjusted for
a snug, chafe-free fit. Women’s specific packs are a
relatively new innovation, and allow for shorter back
lengths and more comfortably positioned straps and
clips. In short, you want to reduce or eliminate taking
a pack on and off during a race.
Packs offer various hydration systems. A reservoir
(or bladder) with a tube ensures easy access to
fluids without breaking or changing your stride.
Bottles or soft flasks held in the front of the pack
are easier to refill on long runs, but require slightly
more concentration as you need to use your hands
to hydrate. A collapsible cup has become a new
regular on compulsory kit lists, as this reduces overall
waste produced by an event, allowing aid stations
to fill directly into your own cup. It also enables easy
sipping from streams during racing and training.
The stuff that should never leave your pack includes
a whistle, space blanket, basic first aid and simple
ankle strapping. For basic first aid, include items like
anti-inflammatories, rehydrate sachets, antiseptic
cream, plasters and cable ties. You can add a tube of
sunscreen to that if you wish, but don’t skimp on the
biggies. These items could literally save your life, or
that of a fellow mountain runner.
Dressing in Layers
Before we cover the hotly debated outer shells, take a
moment to consider what lies below. Even in sub-zero
conditions, we warm up quickly. Layer so that you can
go down to a tee or vest and shorts or tights easily,
and reverse the process in minimal time if the weather,
or your luck, turns. Compulsory kit lists often call for
a thermal layer, as well as a micro fleece. Take note,
these are not just long-sleeved running tops; their
fabric enables optimal insulation. They are light and
easy to pack into small pockets.
Then there is the whole windbreaker vs waterproof
conversation. Take a moment to consider the science
behind this one. A windbreaker is a lightweight
outer shell, ideal for protecting you from a little bit of
wind, or to reduce risk of hypothermia, and 99% of
the time that is enough. But when the rain pulls in,
you’ll want a 100% waterproof jacket, with a hood,
which will keep every layer below nice and dry. If the
manufacturer does not say 100% waterproof, then
36
ISSUE 132 JULY 2020 / www.modernathlete.co.za