"I'd rather be seen on my bicycle than on a park run" - Quote from the dark side

Thursday 18 August 2011

How I Carry Supplies On A Run

After my previous post about my upcoming trail race I received a few questions and comments about carrying what I will need. This 35km trail race requires that you carry everything with you as there are no water points or aid stations on the route.


So what do I do?


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I have this fantastic hydration pack that also doubles as a backpack. It has many pouches and I can really fit a lot into this.


I will carry 1.5L of water in the bladder and also 2 x Powerade, 1 x chocolate milk, some energy jellies (Energade), long sleeve wind resistant top, cell phone in waterproof bag and a PB sandwich in the hydration/backpack.


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I’ve carried this many times in trail races and during long training runs before, so I’m 100% comfortable with this load and also know exactly what I pack where.


I will also have my trusty fuel belt with me loaded with some gels and Gu and of course my camera.


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So that’s it, quite simple. I do train with this often and think it is essential to do so.


Happy running everyone!

26 comments:

Jennifer said...

I always love to see how other trail runners keep their stuff handy. Looks like a good system. I wear a pack too and find it pretty comfortable. Good mileage you been getting these days!

HappyTrails said...

Very nice Johann! I could not live without my hydration vests - I run poorly while having to carry bottles in my hands. Good luck and have a great time this weekend!

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing this Johann! I am waiting to receive my new Camelback hydration vest in the mail. I'm so tired of carrying that weight in water around my hips!

Amy said...

That looks good! By the way, are you having snow there? Our news ran a story about snow in South Africa and how unusual it is (of course they didn't say exactly where)! Hope you don't have to run in the snow on Saturday!

Matty O said...

Thanks for sharing this with us!

Always curious how you manage to make it so long without aid stations!

Giorgio said...

That hydration pack seems a good system! what's its overall weight considering that you take 1.5L of water, chocolate, cell phone and other things?
Have a great running weekend!

A Prelude To... said...

I have varying sizes of camelbacks and I love all the areas I can stuff in things I need. I even wear mine on my bike sometimes.

Have you ever run dry way too early on a trail run?

Marlene said...

I can't imagine carrying that much on my back! I guess you can get used to anything. I remember when carrying 500mL in my handheld seemed impossible and now I don't even notice it.

wendy said...

I have gear envy : ) Your perseverance and endurance are truly inspiring, Johann!

Mike said...

After looking at your pack, it seems I should bring more supplies with me on long runs. You're ready for anything!

misszippy said...

You have it down to a science, without question. That's what makes you so successful at all those incredible miles! Thanks for sharing with us.

ajh said...

You look very organized. Glad it works so well for you.

Char said...

Leave nothing to chance. I think you've got everything covered there. It makes my spibelt look very meager in comparison. But I don't do the distances you do.

Teamarcia said...

You would make an excellent Boy Scout! Always prepared!

Kate Geisen said...

I guess here experience is the key. You know what you'll need, what you can fit, and where to pack it. I'm still working on what to pack and where to put it in my pack for the adventure race. So far, experience has taught me NOT to put my food where I have to remove my pack to get it, or I won't be eating much!

Jim ... 50after40 said...

I've ran a few races with my Camelbak, but nothing like the load you're packin'! I learn so much from your posts ... I've picked up so many tips! Thanks.

Lauren said...

Great info! I love the chocolate milk idea. I tried the peanut butter and jelly once and ended up with a completely smashed flat sandwich. LOL. I also love that you remember where you pack everything. It took me a long, long time to realize that I needed to always pack everything in the same place.

Anne said...

You are so organized! Thanks for sharing this.

Thanks also for all your encouragement, I really appreciate it Johann :)

ultra collie said...

yo! picnic to go!

Molly said...

seems like you have it down to a science! Good luck, have a great race!!!

Jenn said...

Just finished reading your previous post. I laughed at the 10K getting water but you bringing your own!! You are likely running this race right now-not sure of the time difference. Anyway, Best of Luck to you!!!

Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Will Travel said...

It's funny, I'm totally comfortable running with a pack, but I get very grumpy when I have to wear a fuel belt.

Mark said...

Very impressive!! I learned something!!

Jerry Smallwood said...

As an ultrarunner from England my first reaction is "WOW what a lot of fluids" and then I remember you are a lot closer to the equator than I am.

As the temperatures are lower here I could just about manage 35 km on 1 ltr and about 250 calories, if hilly 1.5 ltrs and 350 calories. The kit otherwise is perfect

The Green Girl said...

Loved this.

I've been using my Nathan hydration backpack for cycling but I wore it when I paced my friend at the Headlands Hundred and I really like being able to carry so much stuff on me. It's surprising how well the weight is distributed - 2 liters of water plus 8 ounces of sports drink didn't feel heavy at all.

Black Knight said...

No aid stations and water points? Very tough race, but you have a perfect organization. Good luck.