The use of drop bags is one of the many advantages during a race, and arguably one of the major differences between a competitive event and a solo adventure. The comprehensive theory for drop bags is the idea that you can plan for your needs in advance and mitigate any issues that might arise. This is especially true for situations when you might not have a crew to provide support. However, drop bags can be a key supplement even when a crew is present. Many races allow drop bags at locations where crew does not have access, providing a bridge between crewed aid stations. Most races longer than 50k, or timed events lasting longer than approximately 8 hours, allow racers to have one or more drop bags. Below are a few tips to help you take full advantage of drop bags.
Pre-Mix Liquid Calories
Ultrarunners can often experience GI distress during a race, resulting in a DNF (did not finish). Therefore, one of the biggest advantages of drop bags is the ability to rely on nutrition that has been practiced in training, without needing to carry all nutrition from the start. While GI distress tends to be multi-factorial, using the same nutritional strategy on race day that you have (hopefully) practiced in training may decrease the severity of fueling limitations and eliminate it altogether. Having electrolyte or liquid calories pre-mixed so that bottles can be quickly swapped out at drop bag locations can save time and energy. Beyond liquid calories and pre-mixed bottles, having familiar sources of energy in each drop bag allows you to adhere to the old adage, “Don’t try anything new on race day.”
Pack Gear for Later Miles
It’s common to use gear at the beginning of a race, and then transition to different gear throughout the remainder of the event. This could include headlamps and extra layers as temperatures change throughout the day, or warm layers as you head into nighttime and move to higher altitudes. Regarding footcare, moisture is one of the precursors to blisters, so many runners prefer a change of socks and shoes, especially following a section that may include water crossings. Having the opportunity to keep feet dry is an important proactive strategy, so a pair of socks and shoes in one or more drop bags could help prevent blisters from forming. Placing other gear in a drop bag that you don’t want to carry from the beginning such as trekking poles, or a secondary GPS device, could come in handy. In certain situations, some runners may prefer to cover portions of a course carrying very little weight. Wearing a waistbelt or handhelds rather than a running vest provides the advantage of greater body heat dissipation more so than wearing a vest and weighs slightly less. Having the option to gather a fully loaded vest during a race or leaving a vest in a drop bag as you begin the last several miles is also an option. Just be confident that you can forego the extra carrying capacity that a running vest provides before leaving it in a drop bag. Note that some events require a minimal amount of gear be carried, so this option doesn’t apply to all situations. Also, not only can you have extra gear for yourself, but you can also include extra gear for a pacer.
Plan For the Finish
Last but not least is the finish line drop bag when you should consider the your gear you’ll need after a race. There may be a post-race shuttle and if you are without crew, having comfortable shoes and clean clothes to change into as well as toiletries for showering and brushing teeth can leave you feeling (sort of) human again. Many runners can experience thermoregulation challenges following an ultramarathon, so having layers that will help you maintain a more normal core temperature at the finish line is important. You may want your glasses if you’ve worn contacts for many hours, your cell phone if you opted to not carry it with you and food that may help settle an upset stomach.
Drop bags are a perk that can and should be taken advantage of for a greater chance of success on race day. Be strategic and think through the imaginable scenarios you could encounter. Try to mitigate problems by preparing yourself with gear, clothing, nutrition and other useful items, and while it’s not realistic to have everything you could dream of needing, with experience and thoughtfulness you can pack essential items that will make the day more enjoyable and increase your chance of reaching the finish line.