UTA 100 2017 Preparation ,Preparation and Preparation

 

 

 

Mandatory and other Gear for the Ultra Australia 100 

Two weeks before the big run . Starting to gather all the equipment and prepare my list . Most importantly trying to prepare for all contingencies.  

Andy Dubois article on mental preparation referred below summarizes what is needed 

 

"Running at that intensity on that kind of terrain for that long takes an unwavering, relentless attitude of indifference and non-attachment. The mental effort of the knowledge of the enormity of the task is what consumes most people, and along with everything else, Kyle managed it better than anyone else on that course ever. He never resorted to music, nor extended breaks at aid stations. He simply never allowed himself to get too high or too low.”

Indifference and non- attachment ; any of you who have practiced meditation or know anything of Buddhist philosophy will recognise those words."

 

Gear List /

1. Long sleeve Thermal Top and pants
2. Waterproof Jacket with hood
3. Beanie /Balaclava/Buff
4. Full fingered lightweight gloves
5. High Visibility vests 
6. Headlamp
7. Small backup lamp
8. Mobile Phone
9. Compass
10. Whistle
11. Space Blanket
12. Compression Bandage
13. Fire lighter block
14. Dry sack
15. 2l water bladder or 1.5l with  2 small flask
16. waterproof map case
17. Optional waterproof pants at CP4
18. 100 weight long sleeve fleece 
19. plasters and nipple shields
20. 
    Mental  Preparedness  ( a really good article on the analysis of runners in the past and preparing for the race comments from the author and Andy Dubois Runner's Survey on the NF100         So how can you prepare mentally? Aussie trail runner and Salomon athlete Matt Cooper pays a lot of attention to this as part of his coaching initiatives, he comments, “In the last few weeks of race preparation the doors are all but shut physically, but mentally they have never been open wider.  In fact, it is this week that you stand at the fork in the trail. What you tell yourself this week about your race ‘preparation’ will have a great influence on your results.”
    

    

    Did you feel mentally prepared?

    Anyone can engage in a few simple practices which will ensure their mindset is also in an optimum state, matching their already superior trained bodies. Many runners may already do this, but the final week before race day is a great time to become very clear on the visualisation of crossing the finish line. Take time to close your eyes, relax, breath and focus on creating that amazing picture – the end goal.
    Picture the finish… if you haven’t seen it before yet, check out the race photos of previous years or ‘Google’ it. Picture seeing yourself there… Think of the smiles, the applause, the emotion of knowing that you have completed such an amazing feat, the support crew and the organisers and volunteers.
    Hear the sounds that you will hear, the cheering of your own support, the stillness of the moment, the internal praise of what you are saying to yourself “you did it”. Feel all the feelings that come along when you say that to yourself, the tingles, the overwhelming sense of achievement and pure dedication and know that you have now grown to a place that you never would have been before had you not put this vision in place and trusted in your own amazing ability.
    Another simple practice for runners whilst out on the trail in those times when you catch your thoughts of not doing enough preparation, is to simply become aware of where you are right now. Grab a leaf from a tree (there’s plenty out there) or rub your hands in the dirt – bring your focus and energy back to the only place energy can ever exist – The Present. Smile, laugh or even cry and accept that it is purely only through thought that you can be defeated today, as without thought there is no energy loss or pain and you have all the re-sources you could ever need to complete a 100 miler/100ker. If you’re looking for more information on mental strength, Andy DuBois has another great article on this topic over at Mile27 too."
21. Finally have a nutrition plan even if it is loose >Generally I have to take in about 200 calories mostly on Tailwind and some solid food at the Checkpoints and  along the way with salt every few kilometers if the weather is hot