Trail Runner’s Gear – Leor Pantilat

Last Saturday Leor Pantilat surprised everyone at the Way Too Cool 50K and took the victory over an impressive field of athletes. The ultra runner from San Carlos, CA, shared over an email a few questions on the gear he used for the race. Congrats Leor!

TrailrunningSoul – From your race report, I see you used bottles. Anything special about them?
Leor Pantilat – No, the bottles were standard Ultimate Direction FastDraw Plus hand holders. 

What was in the bottles? What were your source of calories for the race?
I drink water in the bottles. The source of calories was Clif Shot Bloks that I carried and Gu gel packets received at aid stations. Over the course of the run, I had two Shot Blok packets and two Gu Gels which totaled 600 calories. The new Shot Blok packet is convenient to carry in your hand and allows for consumption on a regular basis. Race nutrition has been an issue in the past and I still need to be more diligent about calorie consumption, particularly in the early stages.

Did you had any special pre-race meals to tackle this 50K?
Noting special, I usually eat fruit (bananas, apples) and Powerbars.

At some point in the race you took SlatStick. Is it a usual companion during races?
Yes, I have a SaltStick Mini dispenser attached to my water bottle and take a SaltStick capsule every hour. SaltStick caps are the only electrolyte capsule to closely resemble the electrolyte profile lost during exercise, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

What about the apparel, something special to mention about your tee, shorts, etc?
My apparel is the racing uniform of the La Sportiva Mountain Running team made by Sugoi.

What La Sportiva shoes did you pick for WTC ?
The Fireblade, which is an excellent lightweight, low-profile shoe for longer trail runs.

And finally, anything you would have brought that you didn’t? Anything you wouldn’t bring again?
Nothing I can think of.

Thanks for the insight Leor!

Trail Runner's Gear - Leor Pantilat10.0102