Equipment

THIS PAGE IS STILL BEING DEVELOPED

Without a written list I never remember to pack everything I need for a race or an event.  I am in the process of creating a checklist that I will refer back to when I am packing.  Some of the items I have listed I will only need for events of certain types, distances, or in certain whether conditions, but I find it better to have a list that contains more than I need, and not pack things I don’t need, than to get to a race and find that I forgot something.

So, on this page I have listed the equipment and products that I have use during my race-walking.

Some of the items have links to purchase them on Amazon.  If you do need to purchase any of these items I would really appreciate it if you clicked on the images below as, in some cases, I earn a small commission from Amazon when anyone clicks on my link and purchases, and it doesn’t cost you any extra.  Thanks.

 

And so here is my list:

GPS watch and USB charger:

 
 Garmin Fenix 5  Garmin Fenix 5
I only wear my Garmin when training/racing.  The Fenix has a 20+ hour battery life.  Longer if you use Ultra Trac mode, which I don’t has I prefer to get 1km split times to keep track of my pace.
 Portable USB Charger  Portable USB Charger
When doing really long races I need to charge my Garmin, phone, etc, while on the move.  I have a number of these portable USB chargers that I use.  For a multi-day race I will have one in my bag for each checkpoint so that I am always carrying a fully charged charger when I need it.  Also, this model enables me to charge both my phone and watch at the same time.
   

Clothing:

   
Ultimate Direction running jacket  Ultimate Direction Jacket
A few years ago I was sponsored by Ultimate Direction and they gave me this lightweight running jacket which I still wear.  It is available on Amazon for about £100.
Gore-tex running jacket Gore-tex Jacket
A heavier jacket that I wear in very heavy rain .
Amazon have these from £125
Injinji Toe Socks  Injinji Toe Socks
Cost on Amazon ranges from £6.00 to £20.00
depending on size, style, etc.
I discussed the use of these in my 2015 Roubaix
28 hour race report
Sealskin waterproof socks  Sealskinz waterproof socks
I’ve tried a few different pairs of waterproof socks and find that the best ones are mid-calf length (but that may be personal preference).  My preference is Sealskinz brand which are available of Amazon for £25 to £45.
In trail races I will wear these at night if the grass is likely to be damp, and obviously I wear them when it is raining.
 
   

Injury prevention/First Aid:

   
 
Preventing blisters when walking and running 2Toms Anti-Blister Powder
Cost on Amazon – about £13.00
See my product review here
 
Kinesiology Tape When I walked around the M25 I started with a knee injury.  I used Kinesiology Tape to reduce the discomfort – and it worked!
You can buy the tape on Amazon.
And this video shows how to apply the tape.
   

Other:

   
 
 
 I used to be a runner, and in 2013 I published
‘You Know You Are A Runner’ which is for sale
on Amazon.
Makes a great gift for yourself or a friend.