Oh Meu Deus Serra da Estrela – final briefing
The moment I unzipped my duffel bag and began assembling my trail race gear checklist, I knew I was about to face one of the most demanding races of my life—Oh Meu Deus Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s granite crown of grit and beauty.
The calm before the chaos
Even though my body felt rested, my mind buzzed with anticipation. I had gone through dozens of ultras before, but there’s something utterly humbling about a mountain with a name like Serra da Estrela—”Mountain of the Star”. And trust me, it shines just as bright as its name suggests—both in beauty and in pain.
Before each race, especially one as remote and unpredictable as this, I rely religiously on a thorough trail race gear checklist. It’s not about perfection—it’s about preparation. And believe me, even one forgotten item can quickly become the difference between finishing with pride or being pulled off the trail in a foil blanket.
Footwear: The foundation of survival
Let’s get one thing straight: shoes are not negotiable. I selected a pair with aggressive lugs, solid toe protection, and, most importantly, ones that had already been broken in during training. No experiments. That’s rule number one on my trail race gear checklist.
To that, I added anti-blister socks, two pairs. One for the race, one just in case hell opened its floodgates mid-run. And yes, that happened. At kilometer 37, I had to switch socks after stepping into a deceptively deep river crossing. Had I not packed that extra pair, I’d be writing this with a limp.
Layering like a mountain nomad
Serra da Estrela plays with weather like a jazz musician plays with rhythm—unpredictable, complex, and full of improvisation. A 10°C morning can quickly turn into 25°C mid-day heat, only to drop back to freezing at dusk.
This meant smart layering was absolutely essential. My trail race gear checklist included:
- A base layer that wicked sweat like a charm.
- A breathable yet insulated mid-layer.
- A waterproof jacket with taped seams—because in the mountains, “chance of rain” always means “it will rain.”
Additionally, I packed gloves and a buff. Both items might sound minor, but at 1,993 meters, when a cold wind rips through your bones, those “extras” feel like miracles.
Hydration strategy: Not just bottles
I ran with a 12L hydration vest loaded with two soft flasks up front and a 1.5L bladder in the back. Although aid stations were reasonably spaced, Serra da Estrela’s climbs and exposed ridgelines often made every kilometer feel like ten.
On my trail race gear checklist, I added:
- Water purification tablets (used twice!)
- Electrolyte tablets to drop in the flasks
- Emergency hydration gel with caffeine
The tablets saved me when I filled up from a mountain spring and wasn’t 100% sure about the water. Spoiler: I didn’t get sick. But that’s only because I planned for the worst while hoping for the best.
Fueling the beast
Never underestimate how much fuel you’ll need. My checklist included:
- 12 energy gels
- 4 bars (salty, not sweet)
- Dried mango and salted nuts
- A peanut butter sandwich (wrapped in foil for texture preservation)
I also added a 100-calorie shot of espresso in a travel-safe container, which I consumed right before a brutal 800-meter climb. Instant morale boost, and it made my heart feel alive in a different kind of way.
Navigation tools: Trust, but verify
Though the course was marked, fog and fatigue can play tricks on your mind. I downloaded the GPX route to my GPS watch and carried a laminated map. I also stashed a mini compass just in case.
This part of the trail race gear checklist often gets overlooked by newer runners, but ask anyone who’s taken a wrong turn and added 8 bonus kilometers—navigation is survival.
Medical and safety kit: Not glamorous, but vital
I don’t care how minimalist you are—if you’re running a high-altitude mountain ultra, your trail race gear checklist needs a solid medical kit.
Mine included:
- Compeed patches
- Kinesiology tape
- Electrolyte salt caps
- Ibuprofen (emergency only)
- Space blanket
- A mini whistle
- Headlamp with fresh batteries + spare batteries
On the final descent, two runners slipped on scree. One limped his way down, the other had to wait for a medic. Both situations reminded me how safety items aren’t “extras”—they’re essentials.
Poles, sunglasses, and other unsung heroes
Poles helped me survive the relentless climbs, especially during the later stages when every step felt like a battle. Sunglasses with UV protection were essential too—not just for comfort, but for navigating glare on wet rocks.
Other runners mocked my mini sunblock stick… until the sun came out swinging.
Again, every item on my trail race gear checklist was there for a reason. Experience teaches you that it’s not the sexy gear that saves you—it’s the smart gear.
Mental toolkit: The most important checklist
If you’ve never cried during an ultra, you haven’t run far enough. Or high enough. Or for long enough.
Mental preparation is half the race. My strategy included:
- Breaking the race into 10K chunks
- Visualizing success on tough climbs
- Repeating mantras like “Just the next step”
- Smiling at every aid station (even when it hurt)
You can’t pack grit in your backpack, but you can rehearse it. You can’t list courage on a spreadsheet, but it should be on your trail race gear checklist nonetheless.
Post-race reflection
Crossing the finish line at Covilhã wasn’t just a relief—it was a release. My gear held up. My strategy worked. But more than anything, my preparation gave me the mental freedom to enjoy the pain, the effort, the views, and the incredible spirit of the trail community.
As I sat on a stone wall eating hot soup from a paper cup, I reviewed my gear list and felt a quiet sense of satisfaction. Not because everything went perfectly, but because I had respected the mountain enough to come prepared.
Final words for fellow runners
If you’re planning to tackle Serra da Estrela or any mountain ultra, start with your trail race gear checklist. Build it with intention. Review it twice. Then trust it when the trail tests you.
Because the mountains don’t care about excuses—but they do reward preparation.
