HOW TO PACK FOR A LONG RUN OR ULTRAMARATHON | Tips on mandatory kit and extras!

[@runningcafe1]

Really good video with practical tips for optimising storage during these long runs. Every item really needs to count as every extra piece of weight makes a huge difference, nice work

[@CotswoldTrailRunner]

Thanks so much! You’re right everything counts and not many train with full kit so come race day, find it a shock how heavy the pack can be. These are some of my tips from my experiences. Thanks for the support. 👍

[@BenNotley]

Great video mate! Very detailed and full of great advice. Nice tip about the peanut butter and honey thins sounds like a great nutrition option. Thanks for sharing with us! 😎🤘🏻

[@CotswoldTrailRunner]

Thanks Ben, Sandwiches were actually a refreshing change from gels. Run went well, video out soon!

[@BenNotley]

@@CotswoldTrailRunner glad to hear that mate! 😎🤘🏻 What race was it? SDW50?

[@CotswoldTrailRunner]

@@BenNotley No it was a training run for the Thames Path 100 in 2 weeks

[@BenNotley]

@@CotswoldTrailRunner ah fair play mate! Thames Path will be mental! 😎🤘🏻

[@bilaltahir9978]

Great video. Which contact lenses do you use during ultras? Also how do you change your contact lenses during the race? Do you have a mirror? Also do you use the water in your softflask to wash your hands? Do your eyes feel dry when wearing contact lenses for that long of a duration?

[@CotswoldTrailRunner]

Thanks so much. Great questions. 1. I use daily disposable soft contacts during races and usually carry a spare pair. I change them either using my phone camera or just can put them in without looking now! 2. Eyes can feel dry after about 10/12 hrs but sometimes I take eye drops which sorts the dryness out. 👍 3. I tend to carry water and electrolytes on long runs, if I need to wash my hands I’ll do it at an aid station water refill, tap, stream or early morning grass dew! Thanks for asking and your support.

[@TheBramptonValleyRunner]

Good video, I have a camelback but I probably need to upgrade to something better this year for more storage.

[@CotswoldTrailRunner]

Go for it! It will change your life! I used a rucksack before committing to the Salomon and never looked back! Well worth it.

[@silver-ageddave2849]

I’ve always run Ultras with a Nathan Hydro Vest but upgraded this summer to the Ultimate Directions Mountain Vest 5 and love love love it! It comes standard with two soft flasks but a bladder is not included which for me is no big deal because I already own other bladders from my old vests. The storage on my new UD is amazing, way better than the Nathan’s but for some reason I’m not crazy about the feel on side storage for gels & small items…basically those side pockets contour snuggly to my body but when I insert a hard item like a rectangular phone I’m getting a “rub” which I’m certain I won’t like during an ultra. I see you packed phone & GPS on a side pocket & I’m wondering if you ended up moving them to the very front or back on race day? I’ve found that my iPhone (just) fits right behind a full soft flask on the front of the UD vest so that’s how I’m rolling at Burning River 100M this weekend. Best of luck in everything, be awesome! Silver