Summer race season is here. Many committed runners have ultras booked in (any race longer than a marathon) and some even are looking forward to an ultra in an extreme location, such as high mountains, hot jungles, arctic snow, or in the desert. I only have experience with a desert ultra so far so I thought I would share the things I am glad I packed. Of course, this list is not exhaustive nor specific to your event. Be sure you read all of the race info when packing as some races, like Marathon des Sables, you have to carry everything you pack while you run. But others, like Ultra X Co’s events, will transport your luggage for you. These are important details you don’t want to overlook.
In no particular order, here is a short packing list. Items marked with a ✓ are for if you do not have a weight restriction. I will say that a local Jordan man joined us last minute with a regular rucksack, plain old trainers, and a baseball hat and was able to finish the race. No sunglasses or fancy equipment. Mind over matter, eh?
Salt/hydration- In the desert, you are going to sweat more in order for your body to deal with the heat. Plus you will be running, which is another reason to sweat. Staying hydrated is very important. Drinking plain water on its own will affect your body as osmosis in your cells won’t work properly. You need to add salt in some shape or form to your drinks and food. I used Aptonia Salt capsules* during my race, along with nuun tablets and salted pretzels. I kind of made up my own dose and luckily didn’t have any problems. Please speak to a professional when determining how much salt you should take and when.
Poles- I used my Leki Micro Trail poles (similar to these Micro Trail Pros) every day except the first when out in the desert. I didn’t strength train enough, nor practice enough in sand, to move efficently. With the poles, I could use my upper body to pull myself along, as well as keep steady in the shifting sand. My poles have a minimalist ‘glove’ which protected my hands and secured the poles. They easily unclipped from the poles for ease (rather than having to remove the entire glove). The poles were super-light and folded up if I needed to attached then to my rucksack instead of using them. Poles tend to be a personal preference. If you are new to desert running, I would say give them a try. The majority of the competitors used them. Sunscreen- This is a no brainer. Adding a sun burn on top of fatigue would really put a damper on the race. My Race Kit recommended Tingerlaat SPF50 because the sand won’t stick to it. It was expensive but I used it and can report that the sand didn’t stick to me at all. Cap or scarf- You need to have something to cover your head from the sun. I picked up the RaidLight Sahara cap and loved it as the cloth attaches with velcro.
My snazzy cap and Salomon Agile 6 with Camelbak
Bag to carry stuff- If you don’t have to carry everything with you, but just what you need for the day, a small rucksack could do the trick. Of course, you should try running in the bag before your race. Figure out how/were a hydration pack will go too. The Salomon Agile 6 worked for me. I had two water pouches (one for plain water and one for nuun tablets) plus it fit my 2L hydration pack. I would have preferred zippered pockets on my waist for easy access to snacks but I guess that is why the bag was so light! Snacks you crave- As I mentioned, I had pretzels for the salt, but also Haribos, protein cookies, Lucho Dillitos, and more to keep me sane. The one thing I didn’t pack but wish I had was Diet Coke (hello- no weight limit!). Warm clothes for evening- Depending on the time of year and where you are sleeping, the desert can get a bit chilly in the evening. The nights we were in tents, I was fine. We did have one windy evening outside on a rock, for which I wore my beanie cap and everything I had that was dry. Biodegradable loo roll- Lessen your environmental impact but using biodegradable loo roll. I found it basically disintegrated when it got wet but it was better than nothing when in the middle of a 50km run.
Sunglasses- You need to protect your eyes from the sun’s rays, as well as have a slight barrier for blowing sand. My SMITH Attack Max with Chromo Pop were amazing. They wrapped around my eyes and had a maximum view of the landscape ahead of me due to the single lens design. The other cool thing, is that the lenses are interchangeable so I could choose a lens to suit the weather (but never had to swap as the sun was bright every day). This option is perfect for like in the UK. Music for the long days ✓- I bought a £10 MP3 player off of Amazon and only used it on my longest day. I went for something cheap as I wasn’t sure how the heat and sand would affect the technology. To be honest, I don’t usually run with music, so for not having music the majority of the race wasn’t a problem.
Solar powered battery pack ✓- This should be the first extra thing you pack when you discover you can. I used it to charge my fitness tracker and activity camera (or faux pro as I like to call it). Of course, I was not running to win the race which meant I had plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the scenery. Blister kit- This is a no brainer. Do your research to figure out exactly what you need. Practice taping your feet up beforehand too.
Getting blisters fixed by the pros
Hand sanitizer- For the wild wees and camping without running water. Nobody wants to get sick in the middle of the desert. Along the same lines, don’t high five anyone until after the race. Camera ✓- As mentioned above, I had a faux pro for snapping the scenery and taking some videos (which will some day be a vlog). The serious competitors did no bother with this or used their mobile phones. It depends on how you want to remember and commemorate the experience. Diary and pen to write memories ✓- This would be the thing I pack after the battery pack. I have a terrible memory so I needed to take a few minutes each evening to record what happened that day. After a while, everything becomes a blur! If weight is precious, you can download an app, such as Evernote, to type in your memories each evening. It works without internet. Head torch- Because it gets dark. Make sure it had red light so you don’t wake up your tent mates and is strong enough to light the path ahead of you when running before sunrise. Container and spork for eating food- Depending on what you pack, you will probably need a bowl of some sort (although I think for MDS you can use water bottle) and a spork. You will be hungry.
Comfy shoes with insoles- In Jordan, I wore the Salomon S Lab Sense 6* (similar to these Sense 7s) with SOLE active medium insoles*, plus sand gaiters. Because of my history of Achilles tendinopathy, I am very particular about what trainers I run in. I need something stable and cushioned. The Senses were super comfortable during my training before I had the velcro for the gaiters sewn on. Unfortunately, that is a risk with any pair of shoes when you have to add on velcro. I was so bummed I couldn’t wear them any more! I have worn SOLE in the past and went with the medium thickness to allow for sandy conditions where my foot would be flexing over uneven terrain. I then transferred them to one of my other pairs of running shoes and am very happy with the fit.
If you have ever run a desert ultra, let me know if there is anything I have missed off of this list by leaving a comment below. If you want a packing list for a regular race, click here to have a read of my head-to-toe packing list.
Items marked with an * were given to me pro gratis to review. As always, all opinions are honest and my own. This post also includes affiliate links which cost the buyer nothing extra, but help contribute to running this website.
Over the last 2 years, I have been working with a nutritionist on and off to help me loose a bit of weight and ensure I was fueling my body properly for all of the training I was doing (remember my 4×4 challenge?). However, since I took my foot off of the gas at the end of last year due to injury, it was hard to stick to my plan without a race in the diary. Her plans were based on the amount of calories consumed per day and associated macros. At the start of this year, I wasn’t hitting either target. I knew I had to make a change. I just didn’t have the motivation or willpower to get myself on track.
Meet Melissa, the delicious nutritionist. She has a First Class degree from Newcastle in Food and Human Nutrition, endorsed by the Association for Nutrition. I found her on social media when she was offering her services to bloggers in exchange for a testimonial and review on their website. I volunteered to be a guinea pig and be assured, I will tell you about my experience honestly.
Start of my acai bowl (but I didn’t have any acai powder)
We started off working together with some paperwork so she understood my lifestyle, food habits, and dietary preferences. We then chatted on the phone for about 20 minutes about my goals and what I was looking for. The following day, I had two weeks of meal plans in my inbox.
My meal plan and list of expiry dates for the fruit and veg (thanks James)
While we were chatting, I asked Melissa the difference between being a registered dietitian and registered associate nutritionist. She said nutritionists help healthy people while dietitians help the sick. What attracted me to her program (of which I have been gifted one month) is that she designs a weekly meal plan, complete with recipes and shopping list. I didn’t have to think about anything or make any decisions.
Salad with nectarines and lentils
Week 1 started on our way back from Cornwall. My initial shop was at Asda one evening with James, much to his disappointment. We usually have our groceries delivered, so while we were driving back home I added the things I thought I would need (and be able to eat). The shopping list was very detailed with the amount of each items needed. However, I was a bit nervous about all of the perishable goods. Would we be able to eat them before they go off?
Full fridge, please ignore all the plastic
The things I like about working with Melissa:
No thinking required- the meal plan takes all of the guess work and decision making away. We have been a in a bit of a food rut so it has been nice to try new things that end up tasting good.
Meals are fast to prep- during our phone consultation, I explained to Melissa that we are time poor (or just want to spend our time doing other things) so she made sure to choose recipes that are quick and easy.
Fruit and veg are back- these were definitely lacking but are now key components of each and every meal. It is too early to tell for sure but I think I feel a bit more energized too. This is something I will be monitoring closely as I continue to work with Melissa.
Drinking lots more water- Although this isn’t a part of her plan, I am reaching for water more often than not. The warmer weather may have something to do with it too, or the fact that I am slowly increasing my activity levels. Whatever the reason, I am glad to be hydrating the proper way.
Of course, I am still facing challenges:
Using all perishable goods before they rot- Minor fail on this one. While a portion of what we ordered we used in the provided recipes, we were able to use ingredients in other ways, such as for dipping in hummus, adding to yogurt for breakfast, and grilling on the BBQ.
I am still snacking and stress eating- This will take time to change my bad habits. I have many triggers that cause me to reach for cookies, cookie dough, and chocolate. Some of these I can control by not having poor snack choices on-hand. My plan recommends Brasil nuts as a snack so these are now in my lunch bag.
Finding time to stick to the plan- Ironic? I thought so. We have been travelling and now I am on a course for work. Hopefully I can start Week 2 properly next week (after I return from another trip to Cornwall).
As I already have my Week 2 shopping list and plan, I wil start this next week when I am back from a surf and yoga weekend. This week, I will continue to refer to Week 1 meal and snack suggestions, wrapping my brain around healthy choices rather than my old bad habits. Have you ever worked with a nutritionist or followed meal plan? If so, let me know if you have any suggestions on things I should be trying. Or tell me your favorite easy meal to prepare.
Goat cheese and tomato scramble with avocado and prosciutto
From when I was young until 2014 when I did my first Whole30. I was a vegetarian/pescatarian. The only meat I ate was tinned tuna. This slowly faded out after I ride a TIME article explaining how the fish was going to be extinct within the next 50 years. The no-meat-thing stemmed from me being a picky eater rather that a righteous drive. I was opposed to swordfish for over-fishing reasons and veal for animal welfare perspective, but seemed to be in the minority for both.
Typical Whole30 breakfast
When I started eating meat three times a day, it was a big change. I had no idea how to cook it or how to season it. My husband has been flexitarian since we lived in USA so it caused a few problems at meal time when we wanted different things. Although I no longer follow the Whole30, I work with a nutritionist, Shannon who has me eating 100+g protein/day. As much as I love protein shakes and bars, they tend to be expensive when you have multiple servings a day and seem to be full of chemicals and/or sugar. They are handy to satisfy my sweet tooth though because of this.
Sweet tooth, say what?
My husband and I still disagree about how much meat I eat and what kind. Normally I have chicken for lunch, which I season and grill. However, this gets old quickly. I will mix it up with sustainable wild salmon, Heck sausages, and the occasional ground beef or lamb. If we eat out, I will usually get a cheeseburger (with bacon, avocado, and sweet potato fries if possible). In a recent article, the environmental impact of eating meat is highlighted. There are movements for Meat Free Monday and generally eating less meat. I no longer have meat at every meal, but I do need to hit my protein targets.
The one source of protein we agree on is chocolate milk (one of the many reasons I think we knew we were suited for each other).
When I saw a tweet offering a new protein-packed chocolate for review I immediately responded for the following reasons:
I love chocolate
I need more protein
I like to support female entrepreneurs and small businesses
I treated myself to a hot chocolate after being timekeeper at parkrun not too long ago and it was delicious. I added two scoops of the pistols to 160ml of slowly microwaved semi-skimmed milk and stirred for a while to get it to melt (I don’t think the milk was hot enough and I was being too lazy to heat properly on the stove top). I have also tried Apple Pie and Funky Monkey. My usual preference is for dark chocolate and they were all yummy. On average, 100g of dark chocolate offers 4.9 grams protein but, as shared above, 80 Noir Ultra offers more. When you add this to milk (3.6g protein per 100ml), it is a pretty powerful punch.
Simply put, I loved each and every sample I was given of 80 Ultra Noir. I haven’t been able to use it for a proper recovery drink as I have been injured for eight weeks but I will be happy to give it a go as soon as possible.
So it looks like, I need to be supplementing my protein intake with hot chocolate, dark chocolate, and chocolate milk instead of mass produced farm animals. That is one diet I can get on board with!
Thanks to Carole Armitage for the complimentary samples. All opinions are honest and my own.
From when I was young until 2014 when I did my first Whole30. I was a vegetarian/pescatarian. The only meat I ate was tinned tuna. This slowly faded out after I ride a TIME article explaining how the fish was going to be extinct within the next 50 years. The no-meat-thing stemmed from me being a picky eater rather that a righteous drive. I was opposed to swordfish for over-fishing reasons and veal for animal welfare perspective, but seemed to be in the minority for both.
Typical Whole30 breakfast
When I started eating meat three times a day, it was a big change. I had no idea how to cook it or how to season it. My husband has been flexitarian since we lived in USA so it caused a few problems at meal time when we wanted different things. Although I no longer follow the Whole30, I work with a nutritionist, Shannon who has me eating 100+g protein/day. As much as I love protein shakes and bars, they tend to be expensive when you have multiple servings a day and seem to be full of chemicals and/or sugar. They are handy to satisfy my sweet tooth though because of this.
Sweet tooth, say what?
My husband and I still disagree about how much meat I eat and what kind. Normally I have chicken for lunch, which I season and grill. However, this gets old quickly. I will mix it up with sustainable wild salmon, Heck sausages, and the occasional ground beef or lamb. If we eat out, I will usually get a cheeseburger (with bacon, avocado, and sweet potato fries if possible). In a recent article, the environmental impact of eating meat is highlighted. There are movements for Meat Free Monday and generally eating less meat. I no longer have meat at every meal, but I do need to hit my protein targets.
The one source of protein we agree on is chocolate milk (one of the many reasons I think we knew we were suited for each other).
When I saw a tweet offering a new protein-packed chocolate for review I immediately responded for the following reasons:
I love chocolate
I need more protein
I like to support female entrepreneurs and small businesses
I treated myself to a hot chocolate after being timekeeper at parkrun not too long ago and it was delicious. I added two scoops of the pistols to 160ml of slowly microwaved semi-skimmed milk and stirred for a while to get it to melt (I don’t think the milk was hot enough and I was being too lazy to heat properly on the stove top). I have also tried Apple Pie and Funky Monkey. My usual preference is for dark chocolate and they were all yummy. On average, 100g of dark chocolate offers 4.9 grams protein but, as shared above, 80 Noir Ultra offers more. When you add this to milk (3.6g protein per 100ml), it is a pretty powerful punch.
Simply put, I loved each and every sample I was given of 80 Ultra Noir. I haven’t been able to use it for a proper recovery drink as I have been injured for eight weeks but I will be happy to give it a go as soon as possible.
So it looks like, I need to be supplementing my protein intake with hot chocolate, dark chocolate, and chocolate milk instead of mass produced farm animals. That is one diet I can get on board with!
Thanks to Carole Armitage for the complimentary samples. All opinions are honest and my own.
Spring skiing season is here and many people are headed out for one more epic session on the slopes over Easter break. It can be hard to know what to pack and how to maximize your luggage space, so I though I would share my tips on how and what to pack for a ski and/or snowboarding holiday.
Check airline regulations for baggage. I learned this the hard way on our recent trip to Switzerland. Some airlines consider ski boots and skis to be one item, while others count them as two bags. Be sure to read the ‘sports equipment’ policy of the airline you are flying with. Snowboard bags can usually hold boots too so you just need to check your bag fall within the allowed oversized luggage dimensions. I would also recommend checking how much an extra luggage bag is when booking flights, just in case it is cheaper to pay for a “more expensive” flight that includes one luggage bag.
Use clothes to pad equipment in luggage. When I went on my trips this year, I was able to put all of my clothes (long underwear, ski socks, snow pants, change of clothes, and swim suit) into my ski bag. My toiletries and sneakers went into my boot bag so I didn’t need to check any bags at an additional cost. By wrapping the clothes around my skis and poles, I knew my kit would be protected from being damaged in the hold.
Wear snow boots and helmet (read my tips on how to choose one here) on plane. You probably know this, but wear your bulky clothes on the plane to save room in your luggage. This means if you have big boots for the snow, you should wear these on the plane. Also, it is best practice to carry your helmet on the plane with you. Checking it in the hold puts it at risk for damage from being crushed or banged up from other bags which means it will be less effective or need to be replaced earlier.
WED’ZE jacket and trousers
Dress for the weather. My ski jacket is a WED’ZE AM580 All Mountain from Decathlon* (now on offer) and my snow pants (also from Decathlon) are the WED’ZE Piste Skiing 580 Slim trousers*. The jacket I have been wearing all winter in London and it has always kept me warm. On both my ski trips this year, the weather was warm and my jacket kept me at the right temperature on and off the slopes. The trousers fit well while allowing me a good range of motion even with a layer of long underwear underneath. I would have liked them to be a little warmer though after I got covered in snow after a fall. But when I was able to stand standing on my way down, they were perfect insulation.
Icebreaker Bodyfit
As I am always cold, I was excited to test the Ice Breaker Bodyfit zone 200 leggings and long sleeve top base layers. I am probably merino wool’s #1 fan. It keeps your body temperature in check, doesn’t smell (which means you don’t have to wash it after every use), and it is super soft. The Bodyfit line also has mesh panels to help you release heat from key areas, while other panels help keep the heat in. I wore my set in Italy and Switzerland this year, as well as a few chilly nights here in London and have never been disappointed. Icebreaker merino wool comes in different thicknesses which you can mix and match based on your destination and activity.
Snacks and packed lunch. We make GORP (equal parts peanuts, raisins, M&Ms and granola) to eat on the mountain and pack protein bars too. Food and drinks on the mountain can be very expensive and take a long time to queue for. I prefer having portable snacks I can eat on the chair lift to maximize my time on the slopes. A big breakfast and proper dinner balance me out. The trails and lift lines tend to be empty while everyone is getting lunch, so try to plan your day around that. What you pack for snacks is up to you and your budget constraints.
Invest in a Trixski* to carry your kit. This simple strap is really handy if you have small kids and need to carry their kit. Or if you are clumsy like me and can’t carry your skis without them falling out of your arms. You can also get an additional strap to carry a snowboard. It is easy to store off the slopes and fits into your jacket pocket while you on piste.
Little things you should not forget. Don’t forget tissues, sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, a water bottle that doesn’t leak, hand and/or foot warmers, and sunglasses. I also like to wear a small rucksack to hold these things, and my snacks. It is also handy to hold your hat, gloves, and goggles when walking to and from lift.
These are my top seven tips for packing for a ski trip. If your accommodation has a washing machine, you can do laundry and pack even less. I prefer to bring two changes of long underwear and regular clothes in case something gets wet.
Did I forget anything? What do you always pack when you are headed towards the slopes?
Items marked with a * were given to me for review. All opinions are honest and my own.
As you saw from my post earlier this month, I have had a reoccurring injury with my Achilles (yup, both of them) and have tried various therapies to get better. I have seen osteopaths, physiotherapists, sports rehabilitation specialists, and doctors and all of them have had different ideas on how to get better. With these appointments, I would usually see the specialist and then come back a few weeks later to check in. It was up to me to do my homework (strengthening exercises to sort out imbalances) or rest until my next appointment. I might not see the same person at each appointment, which would make it hard to have a continuity of care.
When I heard about Restore and Reform’s (R&R) concept, their program immediately appealed to me. R&R is a medically accredited retreat offered in the UK, Portugal, and France. Founded by Michelle Lewis and Lucy Nifontova, R&R offers three or six day programs while include reformer Pilates classes, soft tissue therapy, mat Pilates classes and physiotherapy assessments. The holidays can offer treatment themes based on your needs- such as back pain, recovery, post natal, and more.
In January, I was invited to their first retreat at Fair Oak Farm, just outside London. My primary interest was sorting out my Achilles. My injury wasn’t as severe one as some of the others who were recovering from back injuries or hip replacements. Former clients were at the retreat too and gave testimonials about how their week long experience in Portugal enabled them to touch their toes or sleep without pain. I had high hopes that the weekend retreat might provide some relief for me too.
With only three days at Fair Oak Farm, I was able to fit in a 60 minute soft tissue therapy, a 60 minute assessment with Michelle, and six mat classes. R&R offer their uniquely designed Stretch and Restore mat classes, which are used to educate clients on how they can continue to care for their bodies at home. Both classes were relaxing and small. With a maximum of nine people per class, each recipient received individual attention throughout the class. We learned about foam rolling, pressure points and stretching to release tension and stiffness.
During our weekend, Lucy’s mom prepared wonderful breakfast and lunches which clients would attend around their morning classes and sessions. Dinners were catered by and included free-flowing wine and amazing cheese. It was wonderful to enjoy a delicious meal with everyone around a large farm table. The conversation never dulled and I think if the retreat has been longer, we would have had even more time to connect. The week long programs have much more free time to spend with the others or relax on your own.
Fair Oak Farm offered a variety of accommodation, with many different outbuildings. I stayed in the Cow Shed, which has a large double bed and bath. It was also close to the farm house (which is where the kitchen and dining room are) and the Barn where the classes are held. The farm was so beautiful and quiet, and even has peacocks walking around. Michelle had her physiotherapy assessments in the Beauty Bar, Abi gave her soft tissue therapy treatments in the Cinema Barn, and Lucy lead Reformer Pilates classes in the Hay Barn with the doors wide open to allow in the fresh air and sunshine.
The three day weekend program is a little intense. In order to fit everything in, you have a mat-based class just before or after breakfast, then some free time before having a Reformer class. There is a window to eat lunch before having another mat class in the afternoon. Dinner was served around 7pm. Also included in there are soft tissue therapy appointments and physiotherapy assessment. I enjoyed the down time to nap, take a hot bath, read my book, work on my blog, and explore the farm.
Meeting with Michelle on Sunday for my physiotherapy assessment, she took me through a few different physical tests to look for imbalances, weaknesses, and possible causes for my Achilles inflammation. Before the retreat, she obtained my medical records from Function360 to see what they had observed in the past and what my current treatment regime was. Michelle also had feedback from Abi who gave me soft tissue therapy on Saturday. The R&R team share their notes on each client every evening during the retreat to make sure the team is aware of any symptoms that need extra attention and/or any improvements.
Although the retreat didn’t solve my Achilles issues, I did leave feeling stronger and stretched out. Having time to relax and switch off was exactly what I needed. Michelle sent notes back to Function360 about what R&R observed during my classes and treatments, as well as recommendations on further treatments I may need to treat my Achilles. In my particular case, both R&R and Function360 agreed on my condition and future treatment plans. For previous clients, the intense treatment for a week’s time allows R&R to tailor daily treatment plans to see significant improvements. This gives attendees hope and motivation to keep working hard after the retreat.
While I am very lucky not to have an injury that impacts my life on a daily basis, many of the clients R&R treat do. On the weekend of my retreat, several surgeons and nurses who have referred their own patients to the retreat spoke about the improvements made by their patients in the retreat’s short time frame compared to care given by the NHS and private insurance. The R&R team truly care about their clients and enjoy the challenge of getting their clients well enough to not need major corrective surgery.
If you have an injury that limits your movement or ability to live pain free, I highly recommend looking into R&R as an investment in your health and well-being. It is a way to receive a second opinion on your condition, a personalized rehabilitation program, and a time away from life to focus on your own health. If you want to give the weekend retreat a try, their 12-15th April retreat at Fair Oak Farm in East Sussex is now on offer from £550.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Recent Comments