The Gear - Almost Showtime!

Well, I'm getting all my stuff packed to head to San Antonio today. I have laid out all the gear that I am taking to the race (this is just some of the gear that I have. I have more things that I will be taking with me to the race, but that stuff is in San Antonio). In the picture you will notice my Moeben arm sleeves, outdoor stove, medical kit, Garmin watch, trail running shoes, gaiters, etc. All indispensable!

Cactus Rose Shopping List

The thing about Cactus Rose is that it's aid stations are not manned. The set-up is a self-serve format; you bring your own stuff. This forces the runner to plan out ahead of time their own food needs and supplements - not that runners shouldn't do that anyway. I have compiled a list of things I will need for Cactus Rose 100. Here is my shopping list, broken up into three distinct sections: Gear/Miscellaneous Needs, Nutrition/Fueling, and Medical Care. Note that these are things I have to buy. This is not a list of things that I already have that I am planning on taking. In short, this is not an exhaustive list of things that I will be taking to the race. Also, I will probably be adding to this list as I think of more supplies and needs.

Gear/Miscellaneous

Two small, but sturdy and strong flashlights for the trails
Batteries (for the flashlight)
AAA batteries for my headlamp
1 stick of BodyGlide
Duct tape
Black Sharpie Marker
Lightweight long pants, preferably white (will buy in SA)
5 medium-sized duffel bags to leave at the aid stations
5 ice chests to leave at each aid station (maybe)

Nutrition/Fueling

Vanilla Bean GU Gels (100)
Heed Powder (will buy in SA)
Bananas
5 loafs of bread
2 jars of peanut butter
2 jars of jelly
A large bag of M&M candies
Avocados
4 Cans of Progresso Soup
A large bag of Pretzels
Trail mix (no chocolate in the mix)
Spoons to eat
Can opener
Tostitos Tortilla Chips

Medical

Bandaids (waterproof)
Ankle tape
Gauze
Little scissors
A needle to puncture blisters
A lighter to sterilize the needle
Tape (for feet -- will buy in SA)
Powder for feet
Bengay

How to Put on a Pair of Gaiters

Don't make fun of me, but I just spent the last 20 minutes trying to figure out how to put on my new gaiters. The damned things didn't come with instructions! I couldn't figure out if the instep strap went inside the shoe or not. Now, it seems fairly obvious. (No one ever accused me of being smart).

For a nice visual aid, refer to this video:



Have fun out there and happy running!