Running Kit You Never Leave Without | Essential Ultra Running Gear Advice

What running kit should you NEVER leave home without?

In this episode of Experts Help the Idiots, we ask some of the most experienced endurance runners in the world one simple question:

What is the one piece of running kit you always carry — no matter the distance?

Featuring:

• Nick — the running coach

• Jo — the Greek ultra runner

• Sammy — the elite pathfinder

• Gerry — the Irish coastal runner

• Ashley — MS Runs The US creator

• Isaac — ultra marathon runner

• Derek — the corn-on-the-cob ultra runner

• Ben — Tough Mudder Ben

• Alex — Stonehenge 300 mile ultra runner

From 5Ks to 100 milers… from mountains to backyard ultras… this episode dives into essential running gear, safety equipment, fuelling tools, mindset anchors, and the small items that make a massive difference when things get tough.

We talk:

• Mandatory kit vs personal comfort items

• Safety essentials for long-distance running

• Ultra marathon race-day must-haves

• What experienced runners always pack

• Mistakes beginners make with gear

• How to think smarter about preparation

If you’re training for a marathon, ultra marathon, trail race, or multi-day endurance challenge — this one is packed with practical advice from runners who have learned the hard way.

Experts Help the Idiots is the spin-off series from Idiots Go Running, where we stop guessing… and start asking the people who actually know.

🎧 Listen anywhere you get your podcasts

🌍 Follow our journey: idiotsgorunning.com

📲 Instagram: @IdiotsGoRunning

#ultrarunning #runningpodcast #marathontraining #trailrunning #backyardultra #endurancerunning #runninggear #ultramarathon #mindset #runners

Harvey Lewis | Backyard Ultra World Record, Western States & Pushing Human Limits

What does it take to keep going… when everyone else stops?

In this episode of Idiots Go Running, we sit down with one of the most respected endurance athletes in the world — Harvey Lewis.

From winning and podium-finishing at the legendary Western States Endurance Run, to conquering the brutal Badwater 135, to setting records at Big’s Backyard Ultra — Harvey has consistently pushed the boundaries of human endurance.

But this episode isn’t just about miles. We talk about:

• The mindset required for extreme ultramarathons

• Sleep deprivation and backyard ultra strategy

• Pain, resilience, and mental toughness

• Teaching full-time while competing at world-class level

• What drives him to keep coming back

• Lessons everyday runners can apply to their own training

Harvey is proof that extraordinary performances are built on consistency, humility, and belief.

Whether you’re training for your first 5K, your next marathon, or dreaming of a 100-miler — this conversation will change how you think about your limits.

🎧 Listen anywhere you get your podcasts

🌍 Follow our journey as we prepare to run 350 miles across Ireland to raise £100,000 for MS charities: idiotsgorunning.com

📲 Instagram: @IdiotsGoRunning

#ultrarunning #backyardultra #westernstates #badwater135 #marathontraining #runningpodcast #endurancerunning #100miles #mindset #trailrunning

Expert Help the Idiots — Jet Lag

How do endurance runners survive jet lag?

In this episode of Expert Help the Idiots, we ask one simple question to a line-up of battle-hardened ultra runners and coaches:

How do you beat jet lag without breaking yourself?

The answers range from tactical sleep schedules to "powering through" with sheer grit. Whether it's a 5-hour shift from the US to Ireland or a massive 10-hour jump from California to Greece, these experts prove that sometimes the best plan is just having the stomach to endure it.

From "front-loading" sleep weeks in advance to the controversial strategy of relying on caffeine and a "cold turkey" adjustment, we dive into how the pros handle the disorientation of international racing.

• The "Front-Loading" Strategy: Why your sleep quality a month before the race matters.

• The 30-Minute Shift: Gradually adjusting your body clock before you even leave home.

• The "Cold Turkey" Approach: Why some runners suggest just landing and acting like you’re already on local time.

• Hydration vs. Hallucinations: The vital role of water when your body doesn’t know what day it is.

• The Running State: Why your body might actually forget it's tired once the race begins.

• Nick Weston — The Running Coach

• Alex Bance — Stonehenge 300 Mile Ultra Runner

• Ben Taylor — Tough Mudder Ben

• Derek Stefureac — The Corn-on-the-Cob Ultra Runner

• Ashley Schneider — MS Runs the US Creator

• Jo Manta — The Greek Ultra Runner

• Sammy Lupari — The Elite Pathfinder

Produced by: [Your Name/Company Name Here]

🎧 Next episode: Favorite piece of running kit?

Follow Idiots Go Running for honest conversations, expert insight, and proof that endurance athletes are just as confused by time zones as the rest of us.

📍 Website: www.idiotsgorunning.com📲 Socials: @IdiotsGoRunning (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube)

What we learned about racing across time zones:The Experts: