12 plenty of competitors DNF due to them. I get my kit together 2-3 days before an event. I know the terrain, the parking, the start time and start line. Are there water stations, toilets, chip timing, compulsory kit etc. It not only gives me physiological space to concentrate on the race but it helps me race. I include first aid, gloves, spare clothing and something warm for before and after. I will not DNF due to bad kit preparation. Diet. I know we are all very different and that our food and fluid intake will vary but we all need to manage it. Running out of energy or being dehydrated are very common reasons for not finishing an event. Apart from 4 multi day races, I have never been hungry during an event. That includes 100k and 100 mile races. With the multi day races I made a mistake on two separate occasions but I was able to learn from both and correct for the next time. Depending on the event I will eat 2.5 hours prior to an event. I have also taught myself to eat while moving (for the ultradistances). The mixture of my diet gives me the protein, carbs and enjoyment I need. I won’t drink any water up to an hour prior to an event as I always need to pee, however I fully hydrate, using salt supplements days before and on race morning. Nothing too strong just a Dioralyte or salt tablet (dependent on humidity). Being aware of what food and hydration is available at the events that you compete at is also a simple but important task. How many aid stations are there and where are they situated? It would be very easy to write pages and pages about training for events and how the right training will not only give the best chance of finishing the race in a great time but will also give you a better chance of crossing that finish arch but I won’t. I won’t because there are enough articles much wider and more dedicated to training, instead I will offer some experience I have that has enabled me to keep going when stopping seemed my best option. The physiological angle is perhaps the most important area to help avoid a DNF. One trick I use is to play a memory game. For example, once during a long race when I approached the moment of dark thoughts, I attempted to remember the names of all my school mates from my junior school and the teachers, the design and layout of the buildings. I had planned this like I plan similar exercises for similar races. When I start down this path I lose myself enough to eat up lots of distance. It offers me time by getting my head focused somewhere else and it enables me to reset my thinking. Before I know it 5k is behind me and I am back in the game. I also write notes to myself so when I am struggling I can read them and get back on track. Some examples; ‘make yourself proud’ ‘you are stronger than this’ ‘remember this moment.’ A few years ago my wife and children wrote some notes and dropped them into my pocket without me knowing. When I found them I received an emotional energy boost like no other. By far the most effective trick I have isn’t a trick at all, it is just basic experience. I know that I will have dark moments, I have had them before, I know that I will get past them as I have done before. I embrace them and I look forward to them as no matter how difficult they can seem I know that I have the ability to overcome them. To date I have not DNF’d due to anything but an injury. I will continue to work hard to make sure that is always the case. Everyone can reduce the odds of a DNF if they prepare, plan and stay positive. Good luck out there and happy running. #Keepyourkittogether Adam KitBrix Sales and partnership team KIT : BE PREPARED
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