You need to be prepared folks....

[Vixchile]

So set off for my run a half an hour earlier than usual to avoid the heat. Thought right today i am going to continue to prepare for my race in dec and run further along the route.

Started off - another lovely day for running in Santiago. Armed with my energy drink to help with the incline and put on my tunes. All was going well until i realised i need the loo - never ever leave home without going to the toilet twice!!

Don't worry i told myself when you get on the race route there is a toilet -after 4.17km and a 2km climb up hill finally researched the public toilet. It is semi open air (which is good and not good!) got in and no loo paper- well i just had to forget i needed the loo and had to continue on my route . Managed to get to 5km and thought time to head back and not push my luck today - luckily my body co-operated.

It was a pity as i was finally enjoying this route and it was so lovely, very leafy and shady with great views over Santiago and after the 2km uphill i was finally reaching a stretch that flatten out - so i felt a bit more optimistic about the race. I did however pick the wrong fork in the road so will run the right way next week and see how far i get.

What i have learnt - On runs i will always have the following items

1) Tissues as many as you can store in your running gear

2) Water

3) Money in case you need water or if you need to use a paying toilet

4) your house keys

On long runs - if i take my belt

5) Plasters

6) ibuprofen - the handy ones where you can tear of 2 tablets

7) hand gel

8) even more tissues

Happy running everyone.

[AncientMum Graduate]

Great minds think alike Vix! Always go twice before you go, to avoid having to go once you've gone out. I'm loving your race preparations

[Vixchile Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

I just don't know what happened today - i must never make this same mistake again!! It was actually not too bad today (apart from the whole loo thing) - just a nice 5km jog left to do this week and that is me done. How is your knee? Hope your having some good runs too.

[MarlyParly Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

I always drink loads of water then go twice too! I would add a phone to the 'kit list'

[Irishprincess Graduate]

What a paIaver! Where are you going to put all this stuff Vixchile?! I do need tissues at the minute because my nose drips constantly in the cold!

[Vixchile Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Luckily i have a few pockets in my running shorts and capris

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate]

I wish I had to avoid the heat. There was a complete absence of it in my corner of Essex this morning. Ice on the path!!

[Vixchile Graduate in reply to Rob_and_his_westie]

The forecast for next week is between 29-30 degrees, so it early morning runs from now on. Plus its only springtime so i don't know what temperature will be in the summertime.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

wow...proper scout style. I have never been that prepared, when my kids were young I always forgot nappies and tissues!!! Thanks for the tips

[Vixchile Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

I am not usually that prepared but yesterday was a wake up call

[pinkangel16 Graduate]

I often struggle with 'toilet troubles'.. have had some unpleasant experiences.. so I also make sure I'm fully empty before setting off!

Think I'll use your tip about bringing tissues though

Your run sounds lovely. Just back from a blowy almost 5k run.

Have a great weekend

xx

[Vixchile Graduate in reply to pinkangel16]

Yeah i need to make sure - its not a good experience. It was a nice run so feeling a bit better, will see what next week holds. Even though i am tempted to run there tomorrow.

Well its sunny everyday now in Santiago - 29-30degrees everyday now.

I found the wind the worse condition to run in - its a battle!! Happy weekend too

[pinkangel16 Graduate in reply to Vixchile]

What I would give for 29-30 degrees.. currently sat on a coach on way from Bristol to Liverpool - it's VERY grey and wet here!