First timer for Headlands 50

[jeremy]

This will be my first 50-miler. I am starting to get very nervous. Our longest runs have only been 31 miles. We were supposed to do 35 last Sunday, but the 100 degree heat got to us. I am counting on the lower tempertures and elevation to help me out.

My question has to do with the drop bags at various aid stations. Are these "bags" allowed to be coolers, or just bags of supplies?

Thank you for any insight you can offer.

Good luck to you all!!!

[pureh2o]

First off, you'll have a blast running your first 50 at Headlands. It was mine last year and the course is beautiful, the volunteers great, and the race coordinators (Wendell, Sarah, and Aaron) take such good care of the runners. Speaking of the runners, they're great too - everyone is extremely friendly and helpful. It'll be a blast!

Speaking to drop bags... Sarah or Wendell could step in here, but I didn't see an official drop bag limitation. However, the general rule of thumb is not bigger than a shoe box. There's some leeway in that - no one will be out there with a ruler. I think the biggest thing is to be respectful of the RDs and volunteers that must transport your dropbag x 225 per aid station.

I'm not certain about coolers. This past weekend at the Tahoe Rim Trail 50/100 there was a sign near the drop bag area that specifically said "no coolers". That leads me to believe coolers create some sort of trouble for the RDs. Your best bet is to email PCTR directly on that one.

Typically your drop bags will include: food items that the AS won't have, footcare supplies, socks, possibly medications. Don't over-pack them and remember there's a fully stocked AS right there to help you with most anything else.

Good Luck... and I'll see ya out there!
Franz

[pureh2o]

Here's a discussion on drop bags that may be useful:
www.ultrunr.com/dropbags.html

[mweston]

My typical drop bag is a small semi-soft-sided cooler. You know, the kind that's nylon on the outside rather than hard plastic. It would probably have room for a couple of six-packs if it were being used for its normal function. I do usually include one block of that refreezable blue ice so it stays cool inside.

I've never had a complaint.

One thing to note though. Since you're doing the 50, the drop bag won't be returned to the start/finish area until way later than you finish. So either you'll need to have your crew pick it up (if you have a crew), or you'll need to get it yourself when you're done. If neither of those appeal to you, stick to a plastic bag containing stuff you're willing to not get back (e.g., GU, salt pills, etc.).

HH 50 was my first 50 last year, and my longest before that was also 31 miles. 31 miles in 100 degrees... if you survived that, you should be good to go.

[jeremy]

Thank you all very much for your input. Have a great run.

[sjsorrow]

Hey Jeremy, this was my first 50 miler. It's a beautiful course and you're going to have a great time. Look forward to the race and seeing you there. Stephen

[jeremy]

Those hills were absolutely relentlis...had a great time though. Had my first runners high from mile 30 to 36. My wife and a friend I was running with asked me what I was on, and if they could have some. Great times...the aid stations were absolutely amazing. Everyone was awsome. Thank you all.