Tomorrow I am going for a long run. It will be the longest run I have ever done, stretching from Devils Fork Gap to Allen Gap (and back) on the Appalachian Trail. The black arrows represent my starting/turn around/finish points. The section is 20.2 miles each way and gains about 7000 feet in elevation. It should take me between 10 and 12 hours. For estimated AT distances check out http://www.ragtag.org/dbatdist.html I am doing this run solo, without support, so I will be carrying everything I need with me. There is a fine line between too much weight and not enough supplies. The crucial gear is below.
1. Safety: Dry conditions have squelched local streams, so water is a big concern. I am bringing 70 oz with me and will have iodine to purify water I get on the run. The forecast is calling for temps in the mid nineties. I will try to drink 15 oz/hour. I am going for an alpine start and will be using my headlamp for the first hour. I will probably hang on to it, but if my pack feels heavy I can ditch it and pick it up on my way back. Lighters and a space blanket come with me anytime I go outdoors. If I become exhausted or my legs cramp up, I will stop and sleep in my space blanket.
2. Calories: I am bringing 2000+ calories with me, but I will burn between 5000 and 10000 depending on speed and terrain. I have been eating honey stingers all summer and can honestly say they are by far the best tasting and healthiest gels on the market. The bars are also an excellent source of energy and nutrition. I will also bring some simple sugar and granola bars for variety. Tonight I will gorge myself on Mexican food and desert to improve the glycogen stores in my liver. Exercise physiologist have studied sports nutrition exhaustively, but it all comes down to one thing-EAT CALORIES.
3. Sun protection/lubricant: No, I am not planning on performing any sex acts on the trail. Vaseline or some other lubricant is indispensable in preventing chafing. Apply liberally to all contact points (skin-skin, skin-fabric). Severe chaffing has caused many people to DNF long events. That is it except some tunes, the camera and 400 or so mg of ibuprofen. I have spent the last three days telling my body that on Saturday it is going to run 40 miles. Hopefully it has been listening!
2 comments:
I really believe the vasaline was for when you took a break.. Keep up the great work Zog.
Check out the Barkley run in my hometown Wartburg, Tn. It might be for you. App. 100 miles. Nice blog, I'm interested in seeing more. I hope it rains sometime soon for you so you can kayak for a break from running.
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