So what does a pressure bandage have to do with a blog post about endurance multi-sports?  While you might think that I have sustained an injury, that is not the reason for choosing today’s photograph.

The reason I have pictured a pressure bandage, is because it is a piece of mandatory equipment for my swimrun race this weekend. The organizers of SwimRun NC are super focused on the safety of the athletes racing.  This is because, like all race directors, safety is their number one priority.  It is also because of the unique situation presented by a swimrun event.

SwimRun NC involves running on trails through a State Park.  The trails are very technical, with lots of rocks and roots.  The potential for athletes to trip and fall is quite high, and when this happens, there is a chance of someone cutting themselves.  Self sufficiency is part of the swimrun philosophy, so by carrying a pressure bandage, teams are able to bandage up nasty cuts while waiting for, or going for, help.

There are two other pieces of mandatory safety equipment needed for Sunday.  Each participant must wear a wetsuit and must also carry a whistle.  The wetsuit is mandatory because the water temperature will likely be very cold (high 50’s – low 60’s ‘F).  The whistle is carried to call for help in emergency situations.

Like all multi-sport racing, swimrun events do carry some risk for participants.  However, I know that the organizers of SwimRun NC are doing everything in their power, to make sure we all have a safe and fun race.  That is all an athlete can ask for.