Pre-Race

We arrived in Grande Cache on Friday after a 5 hour drive from Edmonton.

Temperatures were 10-15c lower in the mountains and we were treated to a heavy rain shower almost immediately.
 

After the heat and humidity of Ottawa and Edmonton, I started wondering if I had brought the right race kit. The racers brief confirmed that the course was as wet as it had ever been in 20 years of holding the event.

With the wet weather and cold temperatures expected overnight the biggest danger was likely hypothermia. Apart from the terrain and the weather we were warned about potential wildlife encounters - especially bears and cougars - the message was clear: this is wilderness running and things can go wrong.

Drop Bags

We had drop bags to stock spare kit and food.

Race planning included trying to predict where dry layers and other supplies might be needed; poles for the mountains, headlamp for overnight etc.

In the preceding weeks we had been debating shoe strategy: if and where to change into dry shoes and socks to reduce blisters and swelling.

1. Poles, PB&J sandwiches, electrolytes (sodium Clif Bloks), and sunscreen;
2. Fresh socks, clean buff, trail mix, PB&J;
3. Waterproof/ wind proof jacket, headlamp + spare batteries, hat, gloves, more PB&J, Redbull, Clif Bloks (sodium + caffeine), Endurance Tap (maple syrup gel);
4. Fresh t-shirt and long-sleeved top, spare shoes & socks, Redbull, and more PB&J!