Run Special Needs

Yeah, that was my thought too as I was packing up my stuff for IMCdA two weeks ago.

I was sitting there looking at an empty SN Bag for the run and wondering if I needed to pack it. I was seriously considering the idea of just not having one. I really wanted the extra number for my sherpa to wear on race day. (I purchased a Sherpa Shirt that had a place for a racer's number)

But at the last minute I stuffed a bunch of alternate nutrition into it and figured it was a good way to clean out the cupboards in the condo.

Fast forward to race day:

At mile 12, I started to bonk. I had been living off of the course on the run and nothing was really working for me. My tummy was very angry with me and not absorbing much of what I was giving it. Cola, gel and even water were not helping much.

So, I stuck my head into my SN bag at mile 13 and pulled out a big bag of baked Wheat Thins and Zowie, did those things hit the spot. I gobbled down the whole bag, chased it down with lots of water and I was good to go for the rest of the race. (Nothing after that but sips of water and broth)

I will never again skip the SN bag. Better safe then Sorry

When I did IM FL here's what I had in my run SN bag:

Long sleeved running shirt
2 packets of biofreeze
extra pair of socks
cliff blocks

I only needed the long sleeved shirt and I grabbed the packets of biofreeze to put on my legs because my knees were killing me.  Looking back, I should have just tied my shirt around my waist and ran with it out of T2, and put the little packets of biofreeze in the little pouch of my race belt.  If I do another IM I'll probably pack a SN with things I "might" need and if I don't need them then I won't stop.  Although just stopped and getting those 2 things gave me something to look forward to- so mentally the run SN was a good thing. 

I also ditched the gels I was carrying in my race belt number holder almost 1/2 way of the run because I didn't even take one.  The thought of stomaching anymore gels made me ill.  The aid stations were awesome and got me through the run.  Next time I won't carry gels with me on the fun- especially since now I use Gu's and they are offered on the course.  At the time I was using E Gels and I felt the need to carry my own.

Edited:  The one thing I didn't have that I did need was TUMS- go figure.  I had some major reflux/heartburn on the run that I never experienced during training. 

Yeah, if anything I was thinking along the "out of the ordinary",  like beef jerky. Tho that seems to directly conflict w/ the the tums

Good stuff. Thanks all.

Keep'em comimg.

I didn't pack a run special needs bag in 2006, and likely won't this year. Like running2far said, I carry my little container with lava salts and ibuprofen (no lectures please ), and live off the course. I remember having water, cola, gel, watermelon, banana, orange slices, chocolate chip cookies, pretzels, and chicken broth on the course, so to me there was plenty of variety out there. Some aid stations also had bandaids and tylenol - I'm not sure if those were "official" aid station items or if someone was just trying to be nice.

If the forecast were calling for torrential rains, I might consider a spare pair of socks.

Now there's an idea. Tho I might opt for Pringles Sour Cream and Onion  

runnergirl - 2008-07-02 1:16 PM I do remember passing a guy after the bike SN riding in aero holding a ziplock bag of Baked Lays and eating them while riding. I never thought about eating Baked Lays during a race, but man- they looked so yummy! I was really jealous that he had chips and I had the usual- gels and uncrustables Next time I'll have Baked Lays (for the bike, probably not for the run) just in case...they are dry but the salt would probably taste good!

Dude -  if you're runnin a 3:30 there aint no stopping at SN! aprreciate you listing the menu tho

Yeah that's what I'm hoping

It's been kinda slow on th IM forum and I'm having a little trouble concentrating on work. Thot I might learn something, kill some time and have some fun. It's working

Maine Rob - 2008-07-02 2:01 PM Hey, since you're going to be running the whole marathon, then it's irrelevant for you too .

Slight change of subject, but since most of you guys are doing LP, make sure to get your bags as soon as possible after the race. They weren't "guarded" last year, and by the time we got to them Monday morning (at 5:30AM, we couldn't sleep!!) some were missing and there was stuff strewn about the area like a bunch of bears got hungry . I found mine ok but a friend lost a whole bag including her favorite riding jacket.

What? I'm focused like a laser here - haven't thought about LP all day!

So somewhere in the Adirondacks there's a well fed bear sporting a nice riding jacket? 

I want to keep it simple too. With the next 3 weeks to think about it, I fear my various bags will be filled with so much sh(i)te that I'll need a bellhop to help me carry them out to the course…  

My Run SN bag at WI was:
Long Sleeve tech shirt
Small baggy of M&Ms
Small baggy of Advil

I did learn one very sobering experience.  After 11 hours, your brain and your mouth aren't always on the same page.

I left the half-mary point and took out the baggy of Advil.  I knew it was Advil.  I saw it was Advil.  My brain processed it as Advil.  I stuck 4 pills in my mouth and my tongue went "Ohh.  M&Ms!  Yummy!" and promptly commanded my mouth to chew them up.  I spent the next 2 miles trying to get rid of that taste. 

That's what your sherpa is for. 

Alright, so what's with the socks? Seriously?? I mean even if it's pouring, replacements are gonna get wet in minutes.

Aren't all of your long runs done in socks already tested? Do you ever change socks in the middle of a run?

I really don't get the paranoia need for an extra pair.