Travel Tips for Larapinta Multi Day Race

For those people lucky enough to do this great race here some tips for travelling and being ready for every day on this great course.

FIRSTLY — FORGET ABOUT PACE

Pace is very hard to predict on this course. The terrain, elevation and accumulated fatigue will all play a part, so don’t get caught up worrying about your normal running pace.

Do the best you can each day, run when you can, walk the hills when you need to, and enjoy where you are.

Most importantly — look around and take photos! You’re running through an incredible part of the world.

TRAVELLING

Start thinking about hydration at least the day before you fly and continue drinking regularly throughout the flight.

Keep all your essential race gear in your hand luggage. If your checked bag doesn't arrive, you still want to be able to race. This includes:

• Running shoes
• Race pack
• Race clothing
• Watch and charger
• Gels/nutrition
• Hydration/electrolyte powder
• Any other essential or difficult-to-replace gear

I’d also consider wearing compression gear on the flight, particularly if you find your legs swell or feel heavy after flying.

If possible, take some of your own familiar food rather than relying entirely on airline food.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

Once you've settled in, find the local shops and stock up on everything you'll need — familiar food, snacks, water, electrolytes and anything else for the week.

If you feel comfortable and safe doing so, go for a very easy jog or walk to loosen the legs after travelling. This isn't a training session — you're just getting the body moving again.

CHECK-IN DAY

Double-check the compulsory gear list and take everything required with you.

And if they aren't giving you jumpers this year, I highly recommend buying one. They're great!

DAY ONE — EVENING RACE

Because this is an evening race, think carefully about your food and hydration throughout the day.

You want to arrive at the start fuelled and hydrated without feeling overly full. Stick with foods you know work for you and don't experiment with anything new.

Remember your headlamp.

The start is a lot of fun and you can race this stage a little more if you're feeling good. From memory, the trails are enjoyable and not overly technical.

That said, remember there are several days ahead. Getting back to the hotel at a reasonable time, eating, recovering and preparing for tomorrow is more important than squeezing every possible minute out of Day One.

YOUR POST-RACE ROUTINE — EVERY DAY

This is probably one of my biggest tips.

As soon as you return each day, prepare everything for the following morning.

You don't want to be tired, sore and trying to organise equipment at 5am when you could have had more sleep.

Before bed:

• Pack your race pack
• Fill and prepare bottles
• Lay out all your clothing
• Charge your watch/headlamp if required
• Prepare your race nutrition
• Cut tape ready for your toes
• Check your feet and deal with any hot spots or blisters
• Prepare any tape you need for your body/pack rubbing
• Put some pre-cut tape in your pack for emergency blister/knee/body taping
• Make sure you have anti-chafe in your pack

I would tape your toes from Day Two onwards. It can make a big difference and may save a few toenails!

When I raced, the combination of my pack and sweat rubbed the sides of my body and along my spine, so I ended up taping those areas each day. Pay attention to any rubbing early rather than waiting for it to become a problem.

RECOVERY EACH NIGHT

Keep it simple and consistent:

• Rehydrate and replace electrolytes
• Eat plenty of carbohydrates and get a good meal in
• Gentle stretching/mobility
• Roll out anything that needs it
• Deal with blisters and feet
• Compression gear if you find it helps you
• SLEEP!

If you have fluid in your legs lay with your legs up the wall for ten minutes

You don't need an elaborate recovery routine. Food, fluids and sleep are the priorities.

DAY TWO

This is a beautiful day with plenty of elevation, particularly in the second half, but the views are amazing.

You finish at a lovely spot with a café — treat yourself! You've earned it.

There's also some rock scrambling/climbing, so take your time and be careful.

The start can be spectacularly cold. Wear your compulsory gear and layers, then remove what you don't need as the day warms up.

DAY THREE

I didn't find this quite as technical as Day Two, although running through the dry riverbeds was tough going and hard on the knees, so take care through those sections.

When I raced it, the beginning was quite slow because the trail narrowed and you were essentially stuck wherever you started in the group. Don't stress about this, although I wouldn't position yourself right at the back if you can avoid it.

That may have changed since I did the event four years ago, so just see how they've organised it this year.

There are plenty of switchbacks, which I found made some of the climbing a little easier than Day Two.

And again — amazing views when you get to the top. Stop for a second and appreciate where you are!

DAY FOUR

By now you're going to be tired and sore.

That's expected.

The course is different from the one I raced, so I can't give you as much specific advice for this day.

At this point, keep moving forward, look after each other and soak up that final day.

And the swim at the end is chilly... but absolutely amazing!

MOST IMPORTANTLY

Enjoy it.

You've both done the training. You're prepared.

Don't spend four days staring at your watch or worrying about pace.

Run when you can. Walk those hills. Eat. Drink. Look after your feet. Keep moving forward.

Talk to people. Help other runners. Take photos. Look around.

It's an amazing event and you'll meet some fantastic people along the way.

Enjoy every minute — even the hard bits!