Stocking Fillers for Ultra Runners

We're all rooting for Mr Gemmabee, good luck on the West Highland Way.

I once crazily agreed to run the Bob Graham Round, 42 peaks in 24 hours in the Lake District. Needless to say the decision was made on an evening when there was a lot of drink flowing and following a read of the book Feet in the Clouds and being in a sober state decided perhaps not for me.....what was I thinking! I'll re-visit the idea in maybe the next 4 or 5 years.

niloc senoj 15 wrote (see)

What about a book,Relentless Forward Progress- A guide to running ultra marathons by Bryan Powell.A very good read about his races training and diet.

good luck mr gemmabee....i also recommend the above book...its very good to refer back to!

how about some compression arm sleeves for him gemmabee? hese are good if you get too warm to have a jacket or l/sleeve top but want to keep chill off your arms a bitthey are fairly inexpensive if you look on ebay etc

I was thinking about this thread while running yesterday and remembered how happy I am with my Inov8 debris gaiters. For mucky stuff, they keep the dirt and stones from falling into the top of your shoe. They're a stretchy fabric, so running through the heather is really hard on them, but they're cheap enough to replace after a couple of years without regrets.

One last think for the dark nights: the Nite Ize Cliplit. They come in red, white and maybe some other colours, and are super tiny little points of light to make you visible if you've forgotten the rest of your lights. I've got 2 clipped to my running jacket and I can't even feel them.

gemmabee wrote (see)

Thanks loula, that's actually a great idea! Hadn't thought of that at all.

For Christmas, all he wants is running gear for next year, so I'm trying to get some inspiration beyond the usual (really nice tech top & lyrca, belt, books etc etc) and the arm things are a great call for the early months. It's the Isle of Wight race he's doing in June, which could be pretty warm, but should be easier as it's got support along the way I assume..!

yes they would be good for that...if you get too warm then you can just fold them down. i hate being chilly but i prefer wearing sleeveless tops under jackets so theres no faff in having to stop and take off layers. arm sleeves are good as you still get air flow under the arms if you see what i mean but keep chill off if the temp drops

sometimes its the little things that make for a comfier run like the 2 items rennur mentioned

Alpkit Gamma - cracking head torch that beats a Petzl for running.

Small Ortlieb map case (mine is A5 sized and easy to hold in one hand and stops race directions turning to mush.