Getting Hot

Greetings

Its heating up and not just temps

last day to cut down gear and packs before we head to desert tomorrow

Ed

Chico State Highlights Ed's Adventure

Inside Chico State's March issue came out today. Check out the article on Ed. http://www.csuchico.edu/pub/inside/ (Submitted by Peggy)

Things are heating up

Runners are arriving and the level of anticipation is growing.. ok maybe thats just me.. and maybe its aprehension because I am now meeting veterans of MdS who are sharing stories and advice.. such a gracious bunch, but I have packed and repacked my kit three times now and I sense there is more to do.

This morning I had the honor of meeting Mohamed Ahansal, three time winner of MdS and one of the most gracious people I have met. The commradery is amazing and advice (and horror stories) are free flowing. I also met the woman evac'd last year due the to scorpion sting and what a character.. all in stride and back for more.

The temperature is also going up and while everyone keeps saying it is waaaay cooler than last year.. I also keep hearing its much warmer once we get out to the desert.

The scenary is spectacular. Ouarzazate is at the base of the snow topped Atlas Mountains.. but that seems far away from the heat that starts building by mid day... oh joy...

So long for now.. I think I just thought of more stuff I can cut from my pack....

Run Happy

Ed

safe n sound

LONG travel day, 37 hours but finally got in late last night! Woke to feeling I was in an aviairy there are so many birds!
Finally found a cyber cafe that can change keyboard to english but typing is nightmare as non of the keys line up
Wonderful food,  interesting town and culture
E

And away we go

At SFO waiting for flight to Paris to take off. Its surreal traveling without my iPhone (left it home) and not being connected the way I normally am but thats kind of part ot the point!

Moment of apprehension going through security with all those energy gels

Thanks to everyone for you support

Adieu

Test of the EBS

This is a test of Ed Broadcast Service..
beeeeeeeeep
:)

counting down!

Bags packed, checked in online now just a few errands and I'm on the way.
Thanks to all the people at work for the send off and funny cake... pics later

Gearing up

 With just 18 days before I leave, I have had quite a few questions about what all I have to carry for the duration of the race. There are several "compulsory" items required by race organizers as well as whatever competitors feel they need for the week. Those are marked by an * in the list.
Here is what I am bringing.  Total weight, before trimming packaging etc is just under 20 lbs.

*Backpack

Osprey Talon 33

            2 x 750-800ml. water bottles

(Attached to the front straps on my pack)

*Sleeping bag

Western Mountaineering - Highlite 

*Flashlight-Headlamp

Xtra batteries for light

I have lithium  - they are lighter and last longer.

*10 saftey pins

1 medium; 1 small… 8 xtra small

 *Compass

With at least 2 degrees of precision!  

*Lighter

*Knife

I use a ultra small “leatherman” b/c is also has scissors

  *Topical disinfectant (alcohol pads)

 *Anti-venom pump

  *Whistle

Very small, lightweight plastic; mine is built into the buckle of the pack's sternum strap

  *Signaling Mirror

*Survival sheet

You know, silver mylar like whats handed out at marathon finish lines

Flare

**provided by race organizers

Salt tablets

**provided by race organizers

 Light Stick for 50 mile stage

**provided by race organizers

EKG - dated within 30 days of event

***must have original copy signed by doctor!!

FOOD

All my food for duration of race

(You must have a minimum of 2000 calories per day)

7 -Breakfasts I have bars, oatmeal, 6- 7 Lunchs: Top Ramen, jerky,    6 - Dinners freeze dried meals… a good variety, mostly rice and chicken compinations   Electolyte drink mix enough for each day… and I have a variety so I don't get sick of one flavor. Suceed Caps (salt pills) for each stage, NUUN (Electrolyte tablets) A variety of Cliff, protein and honey bars/waffle cookies.

Clothing:

One pair of shorts (Brooks Sherpa)

I am also bringing compression shorts as they tend to chafe less (and keep the sand out)

  One race shirt

Brooks Rev T with UPF protection

Moeben UV Arm Sleeves 

Buff

Protects neck, face.

  Sunglasses and/or Goggles

I wear Wiley-X with Light Adjusting lenses that have a foam seal around the eyes to keep out the sand

 Earplugs

 Hat

I use a Brooks breathable running hat… 

One long-sleeve shirt

1-4 pairs of socks

I use Smartwool… PHD Trail Socks

 Windbreaker Brooks LSD cause it balls up into something I can use as a pillow

Tyvec Suit- (Painters overalls-weighs only a few grams/ounces and can keep you a bit warmer at night

 Running shoes WITH Gaiters

Brooks ASR with a custom sewn gaiter

Sunscreen

BodyGlide (well DUH) 

Babywipes

Dehydrated, rehydrate with water

  Lip balm (w. SPF)

Hand sanitizer

Blister care kit- New Skin, needle, disinfectant, Elastikon tape, BlisterShield Powder

Tiny toothbrush

Tiny tube of toothpaste

Deodorant (bet the tent mates will be happy)

Multi-purpose soap

For bathing, cleaning utensils and clothing

Camera (super lightweight and water/sand proof)

Spork

Collapsible bowl

Pencil & notebook (to keep notes on the race)

Sleeping pad -Lightweight foam…

One Month Out

With just about a month to go it was time to tally up all the gear, separate the food out to what I will need for each day and see if it all fits into the pack.

 

This is pretty much everything except a couple pair of socks, some earplugs (recommended) and the water bottles that mount on the front of my pack.

Here is a fairly typical days food.  Instant oatmeal and poptarts for breakfast, Top Ramen for Lunch and some high calorie backpackers Risotto for dinner.
Next its time to play MdS "Jenga" and see if I can get it all into my backpack.

I didnt much care for the way the sleeping pad ended up so trying some different approaches suggested by some of my hard corps back packer friends.

All totaled up I was right at about 20 pounds. A bit heavier than I wanted so this weekend I will pare some things down and try a different carry method for the sleeping in pad. But it was good enough to get some running miles in and I took it out both Saturday and Sunday.  Saturday was a dual purpose run, try out the weight and check out a new course for the training groups towards Honey Run. The pavement was pretty tough to work on and my knees and ankles were NOT happy!
Sunday I faired better by staying on the dirt and got a solid 15 miles in along the trails and fireroad in Upper Park.
This weekend I am going to try eating all weekend on a similar type and amount of food.  THAT post should be fun!
Run Happy!
Ed