You'd think it's pretty easy, right? A few socks, a few t-shirts and a spare pair of running trainers. No, no. If my kit requirements for a 100km are extensive, then kitting out for 6 ultra marathons is a bit of a head-fuck. There is much I need to research in terms of the route, the terrain, the weather, What I carry, what's available, etc. etc. Some of these questions I'll have no real idea about until much nearer the event so i need to basically plan for all conditions underfoot.
Everything from, mud, to tarmac, to sand, to shale, to shingle, along with dramatic changes in temperature, rain, wind, sun, etc. It's not just a matter of turning up in a pair of joggers and a tshirt. Not for me anyway. I have to think about stuff like accumulated chafing, blistering, inflammation (I'm no spring chicken any more), exposure and so much more.
Then there's the cost. Fuck me, the cost of some of this stuff is significant. When you consider a good pair of trail socks that can cope with most weather is £20 for a single pair (and I'll need about 12 pairs), you start to get a picture. I can't see I'll get much opportunity to wash and dry kit. I'm unlikely to have the energy, to be frank with you.
A good windproof, technical jacket that keeps you both warm and dry when needed, and cool when you're warm can easily run to £150+. Trainers are £150 a pair for the type I need (and I'll need to take two pairs). The right poles. The right pack. The right base layers, shorts, t-shirts, mid-layers, etc are more important that you realise. Do I goretex my footwear or do i let my feet breathe but get wet? I don't know right now but I have to think about it and check the terrain and weather. I have to decide this well beforehand as I need to break in my trail shoes well in advance.
Yes, I get to use the stuff again, but there is a significant investment. Not just in the cost of the challenge itself, but the kit-out and logistics. That means taking it seriously. If I want kit that is up to the rigour and demands I'll put on it, then it needs to be decent gear. And that means research and testing.
I've thought about seeking sponsorship for some of this stuff, but I'm really slow and I'm not sure if any of my corporate clients will do that as there's hardly an advertising benefit to them. I certainly can't see Hoka or Salomon sponsoring a broken-up middle-aged slow runner who paints the air blue while trundling along for endless miles. You never know though. I'll ask, if nothing else than for a laugh.
The good news is that I have time. Time to look into the gear that'll work. Time to ask for advice from people that have done similar challenges in similar conditions and routes. Time is my friend (for now).
I will certainly keep blogging as I make my plans and my choices. For now I certainly have a lot of questions that I need to dig into over the next couple of months. With Christmas looming, I'm hoping Santa will be kind and help kit me out with a couple of options. There's always the black Friday mayhem at the end of this month as well so I might be able to snaffle a couple of bargains that side as well. Let's see, and watch this space...
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