It is a wise idea to firstly have a
plan in place in terms of where you are going, estimated time of how long it
will take and a map of where you intend to go. I like to have a gear checklist
and bag packed ready to go.
One of my favorite runs in the
Northern circuit at Central Plateau and whenever I run there I carry
appropriate safety gear. Think about staying out over night if you get injured
or unable to complete the journey. Think about what gear you would need to
survive overnight.
Gear checklist:
a. Backpack that is comfortable and
straps are tight
b. Personal medications – if you are
allergic to bees or have any medical issues be sure to bring your own
medication.
c. Thir HEAD band – this is essential
for keeping you warm around your ears. I pull mine over my face as my nose gets
cold.
d. Spare pair of socks in case you have
a fall and get wet
e. Waterproof trousers
a. A whistle is a good idea because
b. A head lamp with spare batteries in
case you underestimate the time it takes you to finish. You do not want to be
caught out in the bush or mountain with no lights.
c. Survival blanket - I’ve used my
survival blanket a few times on trail runs of less than 3 hours and also on the
mountain. I usually take two of these.
d. Capacity for 2 liters of water, I
carry a hand held bottle and another two soft flasks which overall has around
1.2 liters of water, however I carry capacity for two liters, such as a larger
snap lock bag which I can fill up with water if necessary.
e. Base layer – thermal top x1 or x2
f. Thermal bottom trousers
g. Shorts or long tights or pants – if
the weather isn’t looking good go for marino. No denim cut offs or jeans. (I have seen a lot
of people where these).
h. Fleece that is warm (I prefer a zip
Northface fleece as it is easy to get on and off, especially if it does get
hot)
i. Wind and rain proof jacket
j. Sunglasses and sun cap, extra sun
block
k. A map and or compass.
l. Gloves x2 – Marino and thermal
m. Full first aid kit – consisting of
strapping tape, plasters, bandage, scissors and pain relief.
n. Spare Water. Check where possible
streams are and whether you can drink from the streams. You can also fill up
water bottles at huts and so plan where those stops are. You are the only one
that knows how much water to drink.
o. Food – enough for 8 hours and a snap
lock bag for rubbish. I find it ideal for taking gels.
My tips on staying safe:
· Check the weather conditions and plan
your route. Don’t be afraid to turn back if the weather looks bad.
· I will run solo if I know the area
reasonably well. For example, I would run the Northern circuit once or twice in
the dark as I feel like I know the area. However If I do not know the area I do
not like to run for too long. It is advisable to run or tramp with other
friends though that isn’t always possible. If you are running or tramping alone
be sure to tell someone where you are going and try not to deviate from that
plan.
· Check your gear. If you are going in
a group, perhaps buddy up with someone in the group. Do not go off alone of
leave that person behind. Recently in January I did the Northern circuit in a
group and ended up running with a friend and we stayed together during the
course of the day. Check with your
friend that they are drinking enough and how they feel periodically.
· Put on clothes before it is too late
– do not wait to put on a base layer of wind proof jacket until the weather
conditions turn, if you are starting to feel cold put the clothing on. Tucking clothing in can help keep you
warm.
· Keep a positive frame of mind. There will
be tough times when you are running all day or tramping. Take regular breaks
even if they are short. However in cold conditions it is a good idea to keep
moving.
· Eat enough food to get you through
the day. I usually aim on consuming around 50 grams of carbohydrates per hour
to ensure that I am getting enough energy. I try and space it out every half an
hour and do not usually consume anymore than that as I feel sluggish. You may
like to set your watch to beep every half an hour as a reminder to eat and
drink. Believe me hours can go by otherwise as if you are like me I find that I
can feel in a meditative state while running and forget the necessities such as
eating.
· Do not rely on anyone else for
clothing or essential gear and be self reliant. It is your safety that is
paramount and the last thing you want is for a search and rescue team to be
called out because you have gone unprepared. That is not to say that I have
always been totally prepared, which is probably why I am writing this brief
blog. I also find it useful to test out the equipment on shorter runs to ensure
that it is fit for its purpose and works for you.
Contributor: Kate Townsley of Kori Kita
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