Equipment tips for backyard ultras and long runs

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  Background information

  Backyard ultra: the craziest, funniest and longest race I’ve ever run

  by Siri Schubert

Race belts and running vests

If you regularly participate in fun runs, half marathons, or marathons, you’ll get the whole bib number thing. And the holes in your T-shirt caused by the safety pins. It annoys me every time.

Sunglasses for better vision

Until now, I’ve generally found glasses annoying while running. They either fogged up or were too tight. My previous pairs didn’t handle the transition from light to dark particularly well either. This time, I wore the superlight Piuma glasses by Out Of. I barely felt them, yet I still had a clear view – stay tuned for a more detailed review.

Illuminating headlamp

I enjoy running in the dark. I like how everything’s quieter, allowing me to focus on running and the sounds around me. Depending on your start time, you’ll run part of an ultramarathon in the dark. My favourite headlamp’s the Silva Trail Runner Free 2. It’s bright, stays in place thanks to the silicone strip and takes both rechargeable and standard AAA batteries. There’s now also an ultra version with an even longer battery life.

Size-adjustable high-vis vest

If you enjoy running at dawn or dusk or at night, a high-vis vest’s a good idea. It was mandatory for the backyard ultra. I ran in the Connect LED vest. The red LED lights on the back give you additional visibility. Plus, the Velcro fasteners make it easily adjustable, so I can also wear it over my running vest with a hydration bladder.

Socks for almost blister-free feet

In a normal marathon, you probably won’t have the luxury, but during the backyard ultra, you can change socks during breaks. It was a real treat for my feet to put on fresh, dry socks every few laps. I had almost no blisters after 60 kilometres. It also helped me mentally, because feeling fresh gives me new motivation. I know not everyone likes toe socks, but I like to alternate between running socks and toe socks.

Running shoes to swap

When the distances get longer, feet like variety. Almost all the runners at the backyard ultra wore several different pairs of shoes. I thought it was great to slip into different running shoes after a few laps. This way, my feet, muscles, and joints weren’t put under quite so much strain. I ran in various Mount to Coast trainers, which were developed specifically for ultra running but which we currently don’t have in our range. I also ran in the Prodigio shoes by La Sportiva, as they offer me the right mix of cushioning and stability. I’ll also be reviewing the successor model – the Prodigio Pro – soon.

Blister plasters and anti-chafing sticks

Speaking of feet, I didn’t need them this time, but I was still glad I had blister plasters with me – just in case. If you develop painful blisters, you can treat them immediately and prevent infection. To prevent chafing, I rubbed my feet with the Body Glide anti-chafe stick as a precaution – and it seems to have worked.

Shirts and shorts

We set off in beautiful weather. For the first few laps, it was important to me to wear a light, moisture-wicking t-shirt. I chose the Odlo Zeroweight Chill-Tec shirt. After three laps, I felt the need for a fresh top. This time – for motivation as well as comfort – I put on a t-shirt from a past competition that meant a lot to me. Later, when it got cooler, I opted for two layers. The X-Bionic Invent 4.0 functional shirt was a particularly important pick for me. It regulates temperature and feels soft and very comfortable against the skin. I opted for the X-Bionic Run Speed shorts because they offer light compression and don’t rub.

Wind and rainproof jackets

Temperature management was one of the challenges of the run. It was especially important not to get cold during breaks and at the start of a new lap. So I brought the Vertical Wind jacket from Dynafit, which, at around 100 grammes, is easy to stash in my running belt or race vest. It was a breeze to put the jacket on and take it off as needed during the race. Although it wasn’t raining this time, I also brought the running jacket from the Mac in a Sac Venture series just in case. I’d already tested this jacket and other Mac in a Sac products.

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  Guide

  Braving miserable weather with Mac in a Sac gear

  by Siri Schubert

Camping chairs for the break

Admittedly, chairs aren’t part of my typical running kit. But I like to have them in my car when I want to rest my legs after a long run. They weren’t essential at the backyard ultra, but they were very welcome. I enjoyed putting my feet up and relaxing between laps.