Can
anyone join the run?
Yes. We ask that you contact a team member
sponsor you and bring you to the circle or contact one of the leaders who can explain the ritual entries.
What level of fitness do I need to be in?
You can
be an entry level or elite runner. You will mature as a distance runner - our goal is to produce distance runners.
Does it cost money to participate?
No,
but we use a blanket to raise funds for food, gas etc. We share the costs, so any contribution is welcome.
Where do we meet?
We normally
meet in the back parking lot of the Westminster Presbyterian Church at 1100 Shasta St. (corner of The Alameda) in San Jose.
Turn onto Shasta from The Alameda to reach the parking lot.
What do
I need to bring to a training event?
For day runs all you need is
running clothes and a perhaps a change of clothes. Food and drink are provided. For overnight or longer events
like the 500 Mile Run, see the attached suggested equipment list.
Clothing/Equipment list
Dear Team Members,
As we prepare and train for the 500 mile
Native American Spiritual Marathon, we want you to know we must take care of each other! Also, you must learn to care
for yourself; with this in mind,we send you this sheet to advise you on clothing and equipment.
Remember, in the past, we ran in temperatures as high as 110° and as low as 29°. We ran in sun
for 14 hours without shade; and in a snow/rain storm.
I. For
cold weather (i.e., Mt. Tam; overnights, etc.)
1. A wool knit cap or at least a hat.
| -you lose 40% of heat through head... |
2. A bandanna | -if you wrap it around your neck, it will assist in retaining heat. |
3. Polyester or high tech undershirt; The lien or dual fold cool max T- shirt. *no cotton
in wet cold | -these all move moisture away from body;
dissipates heat; good on its skin. |
4. A webbed
T-shirt or shirts with tiny holes built in it. This can go under another shirt. | -keeps body warm with the air pockets but breathes, reduces moisture. |
5. A jacket shell or windbreaker polyurethane, nylon. Versatec is good to material.
Polartex 200/300 insulates well. (This is warmer than wool-insulates well, lighter and dries quickly when wet.) | -Breathable - water resistant, not waterproof. |
6. Vest, some people prefer this to a jacket. Polartex material best for
keeping core body heat.
| -frees your arms and heat can escape through arms. |
7. Socks. There are good running socks. DriMax and Ultimax are
very good. Ironman and wonder spun yarn are great.
| -wool is warmer, dries quicker, and less blisters. |
8. Wool gloves.
| -cheap, some prefer no fingers style. |
9. Long underwear leggings: some want to cover legs (some do not).
| -If you do, go hi-tech or light-weight, utilize polyester. |
Notes:
*R.E.I.
stores are a great shopping place; knowledgeable staff; many choices, price range... the bike clothing section is a good place
to look - so is the ski section...
*Hi-tech clothes have fabulous light weight,
long-lasting, comfortable water resistant, breathable, warm, wind/cold resistant qualities.
*R.E.I., Cascade, Polartec, Capilene, R.E.I. Zephyr brands are popular and good buys.
II. For hot weather
- 1.
A baseball cap to protect your head from the sun.
- 2. A bandanna you can soak with water
and put around her neck for cooling.
- 3. Sunglasses to protect eyes from constant sunrays
and possible high winds.
- 4. Chapstick for dry lips in warm conditions.
- 5. A water bottle (plastic) to carry as you run the long stretches and in event of no support team assistance.
- 6. Fruit (apricot, plum, etc.) pits to carry and to generate moisture and prevent cotton mouth - eases breathing.
Ginger root serves the same purpose.
- 7. A net shirt or tank top-nylon material best.
- 8. Running shorts-a material that dries fast (cotton dries slow and rubs against skin causing rashes). Nylon
is good or some light weight material.
- 9. Sunscreen.
When we're on the ROAD traveling for days are doing an OVERNIGHT, remember this list...
- Sleeping bag-no cotton or down the material-if it gets wet, it will fail to retain heat.
- Poncho or rain gear.
- Plastic tarp to go under sleeping bag-prevents moisture
from ground.
- An air mattress or insulates pad (for comfort).
- Tent-optional.
- Blanket.
- Pillow-optional.
- Personal
items-comb, toothpaste/brush, soap, female personal products, shampoo...
- Flashlight.
- Money.
- Bug repellent.
- Hair ties.
- Washcloth/towel.
- Journal/pen-optional.
- Sandals,
extra shoes.
- Sweat shirts and pants.
- Jacket.
- Socks, T-shirts, shorts.
- Beanie.
- Water
bottle (bring your own refillable bottle)
- Camera-optional.
- Snacks,
power bars, etc.
- Dish/Bowl/Plate/Cup/Utensils
For sweatlodge ceremony:
Men - shorts
Women - long dress
Both men and women: large towel, sandals for afterward
