Must Haves: Drop Bag 50 Miler

I was just thinking the same thing! My first 50 miler is the 21st and its a road run.  out 11 miles back 11 back 11 miles two times then a short 3 miles out and back. Dont think that 3 miles out and back are gonna feel too short come time!

For starters I'm thinking:

band aids, antacids, aquaphor/lube, sunscreen, couple wet wipes

1 pair extra shoes, socks, spare LS shirt

sweet/salty snacks, extra salt tabs, water bottles ready for swap out, extra gels

I have a blister kit i bought just in case case, sunscreen, chapstick, extra socks and extra shoes, bite size PAYDAY!! they are the bomb salty and sweet yummmm. Not bringing any water cause there is aid I believe every 5.5 miles. Long sleeve shirt, long sleeve jacket (last year they had some snow!!!) extra gels and other nutrition stuff, ibuprofen? I actually started a word document listing what all I wanted to pack - I am feeling flustered already and very anxious. 

Ha! I'm dealing with same questions for my upcoming 50-miler on the 21st, also.

It's a tough, point-to-point race with at least 5 creek/river crossings, so wet feet will be mandatory.

Between miles 17 and 33 there are no bags allowed and from 33 to 44 they say to be self-sufficient for 4 hours on the trail. These details and choices may determine whether the day is successful or not.

I'm also considering the planned use of ibuprofen at some point(s) during this race. I've never used drugs, so this is a big question for me. I think I read something about NSAIDS and potential kidney problems during hot races with hydration issues. If anyone has comments or suggestions...

Everything I've ever read says no ibuprofin during long distance training/racing.  Go tylenol if you think you'll need it.  Better yet, get some biofreeze for aches and pains and apply it right where you are ailing.  I've had tylenol available for IM distance races, but just used biofreeze instead.  Worked. 

You're going to do great!  

p.s. what's in a "blister kit" and is this something they might sell at a LRS?

jkron, what are you using to carry fluids between miles 17-44?

Here's an article from irunfar.com that points to a study conducted during the Western States 2005 race regarding ibuprofen and its effects on ultrarunners.  Looks like there is potential for renal failure:

http://www.irunfar.com/2010/07/ibuprofen-and-its-effects-during-ultramarathons.html

First: To clarify slightly; there is an aid station with basics at mile 25 so I'll be able to reload the fluids; there just won't be any drop bags due to the remoteness of the location.

Second: I'm wearing a minimalist 2-liter Camelback. I really like it and used it during the Arrowhead under my jacket. It fits snug and there's no bounce. Of course the trade off is that there is no extra storage capabilty except a very small pocket big enough for a couple of gels. For extra fluids on the 4-hour stretch between miles 33 & 44, I'm thinking about hand-carrying a 20-oz bottle of water that I'll drink first and then crush it down to tuck into the flap on the Camelback. Flimsy plastic bottles nowadays weigh about 1/4 ounce.

Third: - Ibupropen; The words "renal failure" are a bit scary. Like I said, I've never used drug aids or NSAIDS before, so it was just a random idea. Sounds like I may consider Tylenol if things get bad. But as crazy as it sounds; enduring some pain and hardship is one of the hallmarks of this sport.

Fourth: I'm probably going to have spare shoes and socks in a drop bag at my last checkpoint. Seems like it might be very refreshing to have dry stuff on your feet late in the day. Of course, it all might be moot if there's another water crossing between mile 44 and the finish. I'll have to check...

Fifth: In some races, knowing where you might be come sundown and having an extra headlamp or throwaway flashlight in a drop bag may make the difference in getting to your primary light in good shape. I've seen several cases of racers having to walk in pitch darkness because they didn't have a back-up light in a mid-course drop bag.

I've took Aleve during the Rocky Racoon 50 miler and was fine, and I've taken Tylenol during marathons before with no noticeable effects.  It helped to get me through and the end when my IT Band was really bothering me but reducing the inflammation.

I do have one trip for a drop bag type of kit, I got from an ultra running site.  Go get a tackle box to organize all your stuff in.  I put everything in there: blister kit, chap stick, sunscreen, body glide, icy hot etc.... it was super easy to find everything that way and I didn't have to dig around for anything (like the small things that fall in the bottom of your drop bag!)

Man ya'll are gettin me ansy to run another ultra soon...

Here is the blister kit I got

http://www.ithacasports.com/encoblrekit.html?cmp=googleproducts&kw=encoblrekit

I see you take credit for the tackle box idea! Typical husband!  

But, the tackle box worked great, and you don't have to search for anything, easy access.  Also, and I can't stress this enough, if someone offers you a warm coke during the run....TAKE IT, or take your own.  You have no idea what a lifesaver this can be!  

I'd say a water bottle, too.  I know you said an aid station every 5.5 miles, but if you get thirsty, it could be painful mentally  til you get there.

How about a beer   It is mile 40 after all!!