Preparing for a 100-miler isn’t just about logging endless mileage. It is an all-encompassing puzzle of physical conditioning, mental stamina, gear testing, and logistics. A strategic adventure.

Here is a look inside how I planned for running the Wolverine State 100.

Crew Bins & Aid Station Logistics

From Trail Weekend 50K and Summer Trail Fest Ultra 50M, I had a clear idea of how my aid station system needed to function. The goal was to stop only at aid stations with crew and spend no more than 5 to 10 minutes per stop.

To do so, I needed to first calculate how much gear and fuel I wanted to carry and how often I wanted to see my crew, assuming everything went according to plan.

Once I finalized our target aid stations and schedule, I created self-contained kits for each meeting point. I used Ziploc bags that were pre-filled with gels, hydration, and additional nutritional items. These bags were then loaded into a designated crew bin for instant access.

This removed the guesswork for my crew chief. He could simply grab the pre-labeled bag for that aid station, refill my vest, swap out gear, and get me back on the trail without wasting time.

Lighting & Electronics

With a large of the race taking place in darkness and with some long stretches along open roads, visibility and safety were top priorities. My lighting strategy (including the required gear) focused on having multiple light sources available if I needed them.

Petzl IKO Core Headlamp was my primary trail light. It delivers 500 lumens at just 79 grams. It has a rechargeable battery pack but can also run on standard AAAs.

OLIGHT Oclip 2 Pro is a new addition to my gear. It served as my backup light. I could clip it onto my hat or vest.

I used my UltrAspire Waist Light as my main light source in the morning. It provides 400 lumens of steady 3D lighting, casting shadows over uneven terrain for a natural field of vision. I’ve used this a few times and really like it.

Finally, the Noxgear Trace Vest, which is a 260-degree illuminated LED chest harness that offers maximum visibility. You can choose your color and have it either be steady or blinking. It also fulfilled a gear requirement.

My crew vehicle had a charging station set up to charge all of my devices during the day or for quick charges

Fueling Strategy

The goal for the first 80 miles is to take in 220 calories per hour. In the final 20 miles, I’m hoping to increase that to 240 calories per hour. My coach recommended increasing the calorie intake in those last miles to try to continue to push my body.

Here’s what I packed:

• Science In Sports Gels (Orange and Strawberry Lime flavors)
• Gnarly Fuel 2.0 (Salted Orange and Limeade)
• Potato Chips
• Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
• Pickles
• Olives
• Instant Mashed Potatoes
• Sour Patch Kids
• York Peppermint Patties
• Peanut Butter M&Ms
• Coke
• Bone Broth
• Honeystinger Chews

I planned on eating Pierogies and Noodles at the aid stations. To help remind myself that I needed to eat Pierogies, I included a sandwich ziploc bag in each aid station bag where I would be able to get Pierogies.

First Aid & Foot Care

I’m not someone who typically gets blisters or has problems with my feet. But I always prepare for it. I saw a video where Killian Korth talked about how he uses KT tape to type his toes that are more likely to swell because KT tape has more give and won’t cut off of the circulation. Since then, I’ve been using KT tape to pre-tape my big toes and Leukotape to tape my pinky toes.

In addition to taping, I also use Tom BlisterShield powder in each of my socks. At Summer Trail Feast Ultra, I had forgotten to do this, and I did end up with some blisters. I won’t forget again.

Along with these supplies, my first aid kit includes:

• Biofreeze
• Alka-Seltzer (for migraine only)
• Alchohol wipes
• Band Aids
• Safety pins
• Tums
• Ginger Chews
• Vaseline

Clothing

My original plan for what I was going to wear for this race completely changed a few days out. I originally thought temperatures would be in the mid-60s during the day and mid-40s at night. This year, however, we reached temperatures of 80 during the day and mid-50s at night.

Here’s what I packed:

• Salomon ADV Skin 5 Vest
• 3 Pairs of Constantly Varied Gear Shorts, Sports Bras, and Long Pants (just in case)
• 2 Pairs of XOSkin Compression Sleeves
• 4 Pairs of XOSkin Socks
• 3 Outdoor Vitals Altitude Sun Hoodie
• 2 Tank Tops
• 1 Tech T-Shirt
• 2 Pairs of Baleaf Hiking Pants
• 2 Hats
• 1 Beanie
• Pair of Gloves
• Outdoor Vitals Ventus Hoodie
• Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket

Specialty Items

Again, my original plan for what items I would need on the race shifted in the days before. I planned on lots of hot broth, warming blankets, light winter gear to help deal with the chill of the night, etc.

What I ended up adding to the truck last minute was more along the lines of what I needed for Summer Trail Fest Ultra earlier in the year.

• Ice Cubes
• Otter Popsicles
• Cold mats
• Portable USB Rechargeable Fans
• Jetboil
• Ice water

Race Documents

Along with all of the items above, I also put together a handful of race documents for my crew and each pacer.

For my pacers, I included details of where they were going to start and finish, the course map, rules, what to expect from their segment, what my average pace or miles per hour should be, what I needed them to do, and tips for troubleshooting any problems that might arise.

For my crew chief, he had the course map, the driving map, rules, which aid stations I wanted him to meet me at, what action items I needed at each aid station, what tasks needed to be done between each aid station, my goal schedule and a slower pace schedule, troubleshooting, pacer information, and road conditions. Pretty much everything you could possibly think of.

To Wolverine State 100

Running the miles and doing the strength workouts was the easy part. Setting myself up for success through planning, packing, and logistics is completely another challenge. However, I’m feeling confident in the plan I put together. And of course, with ultras, you never know what might happen. You go into them with a plan, but also knowing full well that you’ll need to adapt and likely re-strategize.

Nine months of training and planning. And now it is time for Wolverine State 100.