August 16, 2010
The Gear Plan
In my continuing look into my upcoming race, the Leadville Trail 100, today we focus on the gear!
Shoes
Its gonna be the La Sportiva Crosslites until I can’t take it anymore. They have performed well in training and in races this season. But I do get a bit of heel wear late in the day from a lot of climbing. Will have moleskin on hand. Thinking that I will change shoes at Twin Lakes inbound no matter what. That’s after 61 miles. I will likely transition into road shoes at that point for comfort. Nike LunarGlides. Nice and comfy ride. Should get me feeling fresh. Debating changing into the New Balance MT100s for the final stretch just so I feel light on my feet up that long Boulevard. Will make the call on race day. The summary I guess is that Crosslites are going out to start and I will have other shoes on hand for late race changes.
Probably have a few pairs of socks on hand as well in case I feel like changing those out. At SJS50, sock changes were really good with the water. But Leadville is a much drier course. Although, it seems like its just raw dirt build-up that nice to drop socks from time to time.
Clothes
Its looking to be a cool day up there so I am hoping to only go with my RaceReady shorts. This provides ample pocket space for me to stash lots of stuff close. I do good with these because I have easy access to my stuff. Hoping to be shirtless for most of the day light hours. Probably not first thing in the morning because its chilly. Will have to put one on when I wear my hydration pack because it rubs. I was cut up for months after a shirtless test with the pack on the Boulder traverse. Probably have a couple of changes of clothes on hand in case. Long sleeves for the night time hours. Super light jacket for Hope Pass…if they make us carry one.
Gloves
Might start with them. Might finish with them. Did OK up there a few weeks ago but fingers started getting cold in the late night when I was wet.
Hat
Only when I have my headphones on. I use it as the holder.
Watch
I had planned to swap between my Garmin 305 and 405 throughout the race. The battery life on both is dwindling so its a logistics issue. But I ran into some easy money last week and sprung for a new Garmin 310XT which lasts 20 hours. That means I get can through most of the race on it. Its not here yet but hope it shows up by race day. I have during race charging strategy for getting me those last few hours with it thanks to Duracell.
Lighting
Running at night? You need light! Got my new Petzel Tikka XP2 headlamp. Worked well at the night run. I also put an old one around my waist like a belt. Seemed to help a bit too but was adjusting it a lot by the end of the night. Think its going to wear on me with the tightness. Not sure if I will go with it.
Music
Won’t run with music the entire day. Want to soak some of the atmosphere and then use the music to get me out of any downward trends in energy levels. Will have 2 iPod Shuffles on hand. Crew will have them and I will pick them up as needed. Thinking of using 1 of them from Fish to Twin Lakes. Then the other sometime in the evening…especially if I can’t get JP to stop yapping at me.
Salt Pills
Probably should have had these in the nutrition list but forgot since they aren’t calorie counted. Will be carrying S-Caps and trying to get them down throughout the day. Will be monitoring my sweating and trying to balance. Its 1 per hour in moderate heat. 2 per hour if you are really sweating.
What’s missing?
Camera? Nope. Crew can help me there plus there are a lot of independent photographers out on course and I hope to borrow/buy a picture or two from them. Video? Nope. I may have JP carry the Flip for a segment later in the day to get some shots. Its the lightest device so its really no burden.
All set?
