TRAIL RUNNING
choose another brand. Look for tape sealed seams, a
hood with draw strings and built in visor. It is a pricey
investment, but one that will last many years and
multiple mountain adventures.
A Buff® or similar multi-functional headwear item is a
small addition with many uses. It can keep the sun off
your neck or forehead, it can assist with body cooling
when dipped in water, and it can warm your head, ears
or face. A beanie is another small item that can make
or break your mountain mission, so lock it away in a dry
bag and use it to avoid rapid loss of body heat.
Rather Safe Than Sorry
These items may seem like an insult to that dude
of the late 80s, with his melted Bar-One, but this
list has been compiled based on actual experience.
For example, on the hottest day, a runner can fall
and seriously injure themselves in a shady area,
resulting in a rapid loss of body heat and the onset
of hypothermia. The more remote the route is, the
longer it will take for a helicopter or rescue vehicle to
reach the runner. During that time, the use of a space
blanket and other layering will save their life.
Gear Essentials
You need to be prepared for anything when
racing in the mountains, which is why the
Wildrunner crew put together this pretty
comprehensive list of compulsory gear for
their Bos Mountain Series Challenge events
(Jonkershoek Mountain Challenge, Helderberg
Mountain Challenge and Marloth Mountain
Challenge). These events climb and traverse
mountains, where weather is unpredictable and
can change quickly.
• Backpack (or mountain running gear carrier)
• Waterproof jacket with hood
• Long-sleeve windbreaker shell
• Long-sleeve micro fleece
• Buff (or similar)
• Beanie/fleece hat or band
• Emergency/space blanket
• Whistle
• Mobile phone, charged and with the emergency
number programmed
• Race nutrition
• Water
• Basic first aid & personal medication
• Trail running shoes
• Gloves & chemical hand-warmers
• Dry bags/zip locks
• Collapsible Eco-Cup (as water tables do not supply cups)
The great news is that recent advances in fabric
technology mean that highly effective kit now weighs very
little, so never skimp on the items that a race director has
made compulsory. There are no excuses or exceptions.
Credit to Wildrunner
This article first appeared in the regular newsletter sent out by Wildrunner, a Cape-based events company
specialising in trail running events, including the popular Trail Series Super League and the Mountain
Challenge Series. More info at www.trailseries.co.za or www.mountainchallenge.co.za, or you can visit
www.wildrunner.co.za.
Those Race Rituals
Runners share a lot… Long journeys on the trails, life stories, toilet breaks, emergency medical gear and, at a push, we’ll
share our secret refuges or lesser known trails. But we don’t often share our truly weird and wonderful race rituals or
superstitions. Lucky undies? Charms in your pockets? Here is a round-up of true stories that will make you feel better
about your own quirks. – COMPILED BY KIM STEPHENS
Images: Alan van Gysen, Ewald Sadie & Kelvin Trautman
Consistency is King
“The same meal, for eight-plus years, before every
race. A bowl of warm oats and a teaspoon of honey.
Changing that could have a disastrous effect on my
tummy, and that’s a race situation I hope to avoid
forever.” – Kelsey James, Johannesburg
Weird is OK…
“There is a specific order when it comes to socks and
shoes pre-race. Left sock, right sock, left shoe, right
shoe. Anything else is a crisis waiting to happen.”
– Donna Preston, Cape Town
“I get dressed in the time it takes for the kettle to
boil – never longer, that makes me anxious.” – Kim
Stephens, Cape Town
“I have favourite race earrings…” – Sam Charles,
Durban
“If my thick Falke socks go walkabout, I’m not racing.
Klaar!” – Clayton Saville, Cape Town
“I have lucky undies. Having my good luck panty on
helps. Must be comfortable and work with me on race
day. It is a black one.” – Marlie Freitas dos Santos
The Race Tee Curse
“My brother-in-law refuses to wear the race garment until
he crosses the line. If for some reason he doesn’t finish,
he will never wear it.” – Bruce Viaene, East London
Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail
“I put out all my kit and nutrition the night before, so
there’s no frenzy of trying to find that one sock. I also find
it important to give thanks (pre-race) for the ability to run,
for health and strong legs!” – Kerry Red, Cape Town
Get Clean to Get Dirty
“For longer races, I always shower first thing after waking
up. I learned years ago that hair gel and sweat are not
good for the eyes.” – Andrew Hollely, Port Elizabeth
Optimal Ablutions
“Pre-race has to be coffee, peanut butter toastie,
dump, shower. Then, get to the start line with enough
time for a second dump, just in case!” – Gerard
Wallace, Cape Town
“A packet of dry mango the night before a race… for
ideal pre-race toilet activity.” – Paul Diedericks, Cape
Town
Extreme Preparation
“Depending on the day, if I have specific race
intentions, then I wear black tights and a lumo green
cap. If I do not have race intentions, then I wear grey
tights and a white cap. I always have a quarter chicken
and chips the night prior. I have my sister lace my
timing chip on to my shoe, never myself. My race vest
is always hung on the same wire hanger on my room
door, and I put my socks inside my shoes before I go to
bed. I could go on…” – Mogammad, Cape Town
The bottom line is that we runners are a quirky
bunch. Also, makes one wonder whether cyclists
talk about toilets as much as we do?
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