What’s in my race bag: Reid Coolsaet

Reid Coolsaet has been a favourite on the Canadian racing scene for quite some time. This year, the elite runner from Hamilton, has been racing quite well. He won the Chilly Half in the winter and in April, he headed to Rotterdam where he ran a strong race placing seventh in a tough field of runners. There, he ran a 2:11:23 marathon. Most recently, he won the Vancouver Half-Marathon with a time of 65:40. He’s certainly racking up the impressive results in his races. Since many look at this runner with admiration, we asked him to share with us what he keeps inside his race bag to help him run so well.

Here’s what he packs for race day:

Stretching rope: Active isolated stretching is part of my warm-up.

Ciele hat: This is a must, especially when racing on a sunny day.

New Balance kit: This includes light weight, comfortable race gear as well as my bib number. I like to pin my number on my singlet the night before.

CEP calf sleeves: I use these for racing, recovery or both.

New Balance 1400s: These are lightweight race shoes yet they still have enough cushion for the marathon.

Powerbar Ironman Perform: Drink before and during your race.

28 Black: This energy drink is perfect for a refreshing wake-up because I don’t drink coffee.

Endurance Tap:  I take a gel 15 minutes before a race.

Body Glide: Chafing is uncomfortable but it’s easily avoidable with a quick application of Body Glide.

Nuun: Perfect for the extra dose of electrolytes.

iPod and Yurbuds: I don’t listen to music when I run but I always do right before a race. You don’t need to worry about ear buds falling out with Yurbuds either.

Military Energy Gum: This chewing gum has an extra kick of caffeine.