My Race Day Must Haves

      
Every runner has their own list of "Must Haves" for races. There is a specific list of what we must use leading up to our race and what we must have come race day. Since joining the ultra marathon community, I have gotten my list down. I started off using a few of my own things and then winging it with aid station goodies. That never went well for me; I would end up feeling like crap or bonking. Once I started figuring out what "really" worked for me and my body come race day, I was set. Now I am able to glide through aid stations without spending extra time there. I drop my trash and grab what I need out of my drop bag and go. Here are the things that are always in my drop bag and on me out on the trails. Some are very common and my number eight item in particular is not. In fact I get lots of laughs every time I tell someone it is a must have in my pack. 

My Race Day Must Haves

1. Honey Stinger Organic Gluten Free Waffles

                                                

These waffles are so yummy! My friend Neil introduced me to them last year at my first ultra. He had extras in his drop bag and I was starting to hit a wall. They are about the only thing that I can actually chew without it bothering my stomach. This is my favorite flavor but I have also tried the lemon and vanilla & chocolate flavored waffles as well. I'm just OBSESSED with anything salted caramel...haha


2. Salt Stick Caps

SaltStick caps are the easiest way for me to keep my electrolytes balance in check and for me to know exactly how much I am taking in. I typically will take one before the start of a race and then one every hour after that. If it is really hot out I alter this a bit since I am sweating more. Usually I will start taking two caps/ hour after 5 hours in. 



3. Hammer Nutrition Gels

Hammer Nutrition Gels saved me this last 50 miler. I had used them on and off but never really was convinced that the needed to be in my pack until a few weeks ago. My head was getting foggy and my mindset was beginning to spiral into a negative place. I knew I needed something different than what I was taking in. I was out on my third loop and reached into my pack and pulled out this flavor. I took it in and literally about 5-10 minutes later I felt like a new person. Our brains function best on glucose and clearly I was running super low. 

4. Skin Glide for Her

This stuff is awesome. I ran a race recently and ended up with some really severe chaffing all over my body. It was mostly on my abdomen from the pack that I was using and had adjusted it wrong and it chaffed the heck out of my stomach. I would show you a pic but it is not pretty. For my 50 miler that I just completed, I rubbed this stuff in all the places that could potentially have rubbing and I finished with NO chaffing! The make large sticks and to-go ones that fit right in your pack. 



5. Hydration Pack- I'm not sold on a certain brand as of yet. I'm still testing out a few options but know that I would not get through a race without my hydration pack. I have so many friends who are able to use hand-helds but I like having my hands free and being able to carry the nutrition that works for me is a must, too.  Right now I'm torn between Orange Mud Hydration Packs and Nathan Sports Hydration Packs. Do you have a brand that you recommend over the other? I'd love to hear from you!

UPDATE: Orange Mud 1L Gear Vest for the win!! I am absolutely in love with this vest. You can't even tell you have it on. It has so much storage and has proven to be perfect for my races. Thank you Orange Mud for making this amazing vest!!

www.orangemud.com

6. Altra Running Shoes

https://www.altrarunning.com/women/altra-olympus-25

These shoes are like running on clouds! They have the perfect traction for the trails yet offer amazing comfort for those long runs. Last year I switched permanently to Altra running shoes. I have the Torin, Paradigm and Olympus styles and love all of them. If you are thinking about switching to a zero drop shoe this is your brand! Start with a higher cushioned style to make your transition smoother and then go from there. Your feet will thank you. Toes get the full splay that they crave and need and your foot works like it was always meant to. It is a win win! 

7. Injinji Socks

Injinji has made socks that keep my feet blister free for 50 miles! After Palo Duro Canyon, I took my socks off to find dry, blister free feet. You need to follow the care instructions to keep these socks working perfectly for you but they are worth every penny. When I first tried these awesome socks, I thought it would take some time to get used to them but it took no time at all. My feet are so happy in these socks and it actually now feels weird when I have to wear a traditional pair of socks.



8. Baby Food Packets

 
      I know this may seem odd but I love baby food packets for part of my race nutrition. They are clean and have just the right stuff that I need, are easy to carry and there is no need to chew it ....WIN all around! The two pictures above are my two favorite flavors and can be purchased at at most grocery stores. 

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It takes time to figure out what works for you on a long run or during a race. Take time to try new things and listen to what your body tells you about each of those things. Take notes and come race day you will be racing your best and feeling your best! I'd love to hear what works for you and am even open to try something new. Have a great week!

-Samantha, Blissfully Fit Mama

P.S. You can click on a few of the products to buy them directly from rei.com. I am an affiliate with them and do receive a commission from purchases made from my site. Thank you for your support!