Equipment for a solo attempt for Run Across America 2007

A number of runners have successfully completed a solo transcontinental run and used various devices and equipment to support their journeys. Don Shepherd arrived from South Africa carrying only a light canvas rucksack, completing his crossing in only 73 days relying on the hospitality and charity of his American hosts along the way. More recently Paul Staso, John Williams III and Rune Larsson have pushed strollers or baby joggers carrying water, clothes, shoes and supplies strapped into the buggy. Having used a baby jogger with 20” wheels for many years, I have chosen to use the original jogger for the run. They are light, sturdy and designed with the serious runner in mind. A full list of the equipment I plan to push across the USA includes:

1.Baby jogger Pro, with 20” wheels, sun and rain covers, cool bag (6 water bottles) and water carrier attached to handlebars. Puncture repair kit and “tube goo” to reduce the number of flat tyres.

2.Bicycle lights, cycle compute to measure distances, MACE spray fro unwanted attention

3.Cool bag (Durasoft, 15 qt) and two fold away 10 litre plastic containers. These coolbags have heat reflective mylar lining and closed cell-foam insulation.

4.35 litre rucksack.

5.3 pairs of Nike Structure Triax. These will be rotated on a daily basis and replaced every 500 miles per shoe. A shoe designed for pronators with both support and cushioning, and is hoppefully adequate for both to minimise the risk of injury during the run.

6.Running tops, shorts, tracksters, goretex rain jacket, 6 pairs of socks (one waterproof), sun hat, sun glasses, neckerchief, gloves, thermal top and light clothing for evenings. All clothing chosen is bright for visibility. An additional floursecent vest will be worn over clothing at dusk and during the early hours of the morning.

7.Route directions and road maps of relevant areas

8.Mobile phone and phone card

9.Digital camera, watch and iPod

10.Thermarest mattress and compact sleeping bag for mid-day naps and overnight stops, where accommodation is unavailable

11.Medical kit: antibiotics, NSAIDs, prednisolone, Vaseline, sun cream, various blister treatments, scissors, plasters, hibiscrub (50 ml), massage oil, lip balm, ice pack and strap.

12 Washbag and personal items

13. Emergency contact numbers

14. bungee straps