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* '''Ice'''. Using ice helped reduce the impact of the heat. I used two [http://www.zombierunner.com/store/product152.html 'Cool Off Bandanas'], swapping the one I was wearing with the other when I met my crew.
* '''Clothes'''. The [[Under Armor Heat Gear Top]] helped reflect the sun and keep me cool. I wore [[Race Ready Shorts and Tights|Race Ready Shorts]] and 2XU white compression socks. I'm not sure if the compression socks help performance, but they do feel good. I'm not sure if the compression socks increase swelling in the feet however. A 'Legionnaires style' cap helped protect my head and neck, though not my face as the sun set - [http://www.rei.com/product/721671 Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap].
* '''Pre-race [[Massage]]'''. I had a very deep, painful massage a few days before the race, which eased the muscles. (For those in Charlotte, I went to Roseanne at University Neuromuscular [[Massage]], 704-405-4270 - highly recommended).
* '''Relay teams '''. The Keys 100 is a relay race as well as an ultra. I found that the relay teams provided great company and support for a good chunk of the race. Being cheered on raises your spirits, and being cheered on by other runners is even better.
* '''[[Modified Nike Free]]'''. As always, the MNF did a great job.
* '''Maceration'''. When skin is soaked in water for an extended period, it becomes white, wrinkled and softened. This is what happened in the race; 17 hours of continuous soaking took its toll on my skin. A blister formed just behind the ball of my left foot (see 'taping feet' below for the cause) and when I removed my shoes and socks to burst it, my feet were such a mess I could not work out where the blister was. I used [http://www.zombierunner.com/store/brands/hydropel/ Hydropel] on my toes and they were fine. Had I realized how bad the maceration would be, I would have used Hydropel more liberally and probably been fine.
* '''Chafing'''. With my skin condition, I am always careful to avoid chafing, and this is the first race I have ever had a problem. Luckily, I did not find out about the chafing until after the race, so it did not impact my performance. I wore my Race Ready compression shorts, but the weight of the water tended to pull them down slightly. I did not realize at the time, but this was enough to cause the shorts to ruck up between my thighs and chafe. I spoke to one runner who did not wear compression shorts and had to drop out at mile 50 with his shorts red with blood.
* '''[[Taping ]] feet'''. I taped one spot on my heel that frequently blisters. I used a good adhesive promoter ([http://www.zombierunner.com/store/categories/foot_care/adhesives/product1026.html Matisol]), but it was not up to 17 hours of soaking. The tape I used came loose, and bunched up just behind the ball of my foot, causing a blister.
* '''Radiation Burns'''. I was mostly covered up from the sun, but the bits that were exposed burnt. The backs of my hands burnt but did not cause a problem. My face and my knees became sunburned and this was uncomfortable in the afternoon sun. I tried applying sunscreen, but the level of sweating washed it away in a few minutes.
* '''iPod'''. In spite of [[Fixing iPod remote headphones]] I had two sets of iPod headphones fail on me during the run. This would not have been so bad if one of the failures had no occurred at the beginning of 7 mile bridge ;{