Running Gear (Fur & fangs)

The Bra!

Along with a decent pair of trainers you will really need a good supportive bra - believe me I'm only an 'A'cup and it makes a huge difference to me, a good selection can be seen at www.wiggle.co.uk.

Reflective Gear

If you are out on early morning runs or in the evening don't forget to wear a reflective top. You can buy a reflective bib from any running shop for about £5

Thermal Layers

Don't try to keep warm by wearing a thick jumper or sweatshirt, - they are bulky, heavy and not very good at wicking moisture away from the skin( in other words you will get sweaty and stay sweaty, add to that cold wind and rain and you will then start to feel cold. You are better off investing in one long sleeve thermal top. Cost varies from but they last an incredibly long time, (I've had one for about 10years) but I've had to say goodbye to it now as it got past its best!)

Websites worth a look

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Pre-race preparations pre race

So you think you're ready for your first race, or maybe not as ready as you would like to be but race day has arrived and you may well be wondering what to take with you. Here are a few tips from someone who has done a lot of races, got the tee shirts, medals, power bar, bags, hat, gloves and bottles of wine and forgotten some very important gear. From trainers to toilet roll there's lots of stuff you need (and I've forgotten it all at one time or another) so for that perfect race day experience (is there such a thing?) follow our top tips (not too closely).

What's in the bag?

What you pack in your bag depends to some extent on the race you are doing and how long you are going to be away from civilisatin for. A major race like the Liverpool Half Marathon, Great North Run etc usually involves a bus ride to and from the start and a lot of standing around so you'll need more stuff. At a local 5k you'll usually be able to get straight back to your car or straight into the pub so arctic gear isn't as vital.

This is what Yvonne has in her bag for a race, some of it is essential, some of it just makes the whole experience a bit more pleasent, some of it is beyond explanation.

  • spare trainers - If you have some, it's worth having some warm dry comfy footwear for after the race (although slippers are'nt the usual choice to make)
  • spare warm, dry clothes - socks, leggings, thermal, fleece - again for after the race (if it rains, as it sometimes does in the north west, you'll appreciate dry gear)
  • towel - not essential but useful if it rains
  • safety pins - for your race number (if you haven't already got it)
  • snacks
    • before the race, whatever you know your stomach can cope with - you should have tried it in training
    • after the race, whatever you want, you've finished - in a perfect world you would think about repacing lost carbohydrates, proteins etc, in the real world most real people think about chips and chocolate
  • drinks - as with snacks - what you know you can stomach before the race (try it in training) and what you want afterwards - (try to get some good fluid replacement before hitting the bottle)
  • toilet roll - there is never any left, even if you have the luxury of a toilet. When it comes to the queues at portaloos at big events it is sometimes preferable or necessary to use the natural facilites (in other words head for the nearest tree), see examples kindly tested out by Diane
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A good tree to hide behind which tree would you use! A not so good tree to hide behind

What to eat and drink

Eating before a race, with the nervous knots already tied, can seem unappealing but it is important to have a good energy source available for your body to call on during the race so finding food that you can stomach which doesn't then come back to call during the race is very important. The search for the perfect combination is ongoing - here are a few ideas that work for some - NB no science involved

  • night before - it has to be pasta
  • morning of the race (no less than 1-2 hour before the start)
  • peanut butter and jam on toast (no one said you had to try these)
  • anything on toast
  • weetabix
  • porridge
  • bananas

after the race

  • bananas
  • anything on a sandwich
  • full english
  • chocolate

Obviously some of these are healthier options than others - you'll have to find your own winning combination by experimenting. Let the other panthers know your secrets by emailing your food tips here.

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