The things they carry are mostly based on the
fact that they run. Among the most important items are spikes, rollers,
sticks, watches, gauze, headphones, chargers, trainers, race jerseys, water,
gum, bibs, healthy snacks, and more water. Combined, these items weighed about
10-15 pounds, varied by each individual’s mental state and hunger level. Matt
Pienta, the biggest guy on our team, carries double the food of anyone else to
make sure he ran a good race. Jack Gearig, who is annoyed by anyone not as
smart as him, carries noise-cancelling headphones and a phone charger to make
sure he never has to listen to any of the others. Mo Vogel carries full bottles
of Ibuprofen, to ease the pain she experiences after running. By necessity, and because their coach
requires it, they all carry warm-ups, even if it is 95 and sunny out. They carry
the normal amount of grass stains and calluses. Very few of the boys wear
compressions. On their feet they carry running shoes, all bought from Hanson’s
and Michael Bell carries extra protein powder and shoe inserts as a precaution against
his calves. Until his shin fractured, Andy Olson carried prescription steroids
for his Crohn’s. Mike Messina, the assistant coach, carries a clipboard with
all the personal records and race times. Harsh Patel carries cards. Andrew
Dingwall carries chocolate milk. Zuhl, a devout country lover, carries pictures
of her riding horses. Necessity dictated. Because the course was full of mud
and holes, it was vital to carry extra socks and dry clothes.
No comments:
Post a Comment