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Mandatory Marmite

Love them or Hate Them, Minimum Mandatory Kit Lists are here to stay.  But that's just the start...

'Gearing Up for Big Ultras' is a practical and informative seminar demonstrating the clothing. gear, skills and techniques for longer ultras, multi day or non-stop expedition style events.  From single stage race, multi-day or non-stop expedition epic, we will discuss gear, skills, mindset and strategy for best practice and performance.

This course has evolved from our original excellent #GuBu Open Evening, where so much was covered and discussed, and people asked for more. There is so much confusion and mis-information out there with 'Mandatory Kit' becoming a  buzz word just like hydration and nutrition, and a box ticking exercise. Whether you are new to ultras or signing up for a ultra epic, this afternoon session will be a great investment.

 

Cutting through the Layers of ...

Very little time is spent digesting and understanding what is really involved, but 'Gearing Up for Big Ultras' explores typical Minimum Mandatory Kit Lists, and why Event organisers have them and why the often differ.  

What is a base layer? What is a mid-layer? What constitutes an Insulated layer? Wicking, waterproof and breathable? Why bother with a windproof.  Why carry a map; I can't read one? 

Moving on from the 'Minimum Mandatory', we take a deeper dive at the gear for the longer, bigger, more remote and Summer ultras.

We'll discuss how to 'layer up' and utilise layers effectively to stay warm and comfortable, in changeable and challenging conditions. 

Whether you are focused on our own Lakes Mountain 40, Pennine 39 or looking at doing epics such as the Northern Traverse or Cape Wrath, Spine Races or even the Dragons Back this session will be invaluable. 

 

Yes, 'Bagmin' Yes, It is a Real Thing!

How do you get all you need in the required size and weight limit? It takes skill and experience; such topics as packing your drop bag or overnight bag is a skill itself.  

Moving outdoors, and just into our local area, we'll demo real skills and techniques, ranging from why, how and where to stop on the trail, to dealing with blisters outdoors, adjust layers or fixing breakages.  #BeBothered is our mantra.

Further expedition skills will include river crossing techniques, 'sleep strategy' with sleep strategy kit being a learning curve and key to success in non-stop exped style events. The often not talked about 'how to pooh on the trail' (not literally) needs to be discussed, and ultimately, we'll actually demo the emergency kit, if it all goes wrong.

 

Venue and Programme

The session runs from 2pm - 5pm, based at our excellent regular venue at Askham Community Centre. There is ample free parking, and campervans are welcome.  There will be free-flowing brews and biscuits, and probably an opportunity to acquire some unusual but key items of ultra / exped kit at bargain prices.

We will be primarily based indoors and possibly outdoors.   

The cost is £50 and places limited to just ten people 

 

 

Course Lead

The session is hosted by Joe Faulkner, NAV4 founder and director who has a vast amount of experience both personally as a participant and as a race founder, organiser and event safety consultant.

As a competitor, Joe has completed the Dragons Back Race four times, The Spine Race, Cheviot Goat three times, dozens of 100 milers and mountain marathons, decades of fell races, triathlons as well as MTB and road events and epic muliti-day Expedition Adventure Races. 

As an event professional, he founded the Great Lakeland Three Day event, has worked right across the board of all the major races in the UK, such as The Spine, LiAD, Northern Traverse, Cape Wrath. He has worked in outdoor retail and distribution as well equipment design and testing.

When he's not got his pro-Event hat on he is often seen quietly marshalling on a few local ultras and mountain races and his latest big gig is as Technical Safety Consultant overseeing The Hill Safety Teams on the new 13V Ultra events.  Read about Joe and NAV4 ....

Why Not Make a Weekend of it ...

Sunday 8th March sees one of our regular 'Mountain Skills for Runners' courses, so this is an ideal opportunity to make a weekend of it and boost your all round skills.  

View the Course Cancellation / Refund Policy.

This event offers the option to purchase XCover, so that applicants may be able to get a refund if they are unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.

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