Have you gone on a Run-cation? A vacation where you go run a race. Yeah, i’m sure that may sound crazy to some people but if you are into running it can be fun! I have done a couple and have a few more destination races on my dream list of half and full marathons that I want to do. If it just wasn’t for that whole money thing (why must things be so expensive!) Destination races are a ton of fun but they do take some extra planning. Since you aren’t going to be at home you need to plan ahead and pack what you are going to need in advance for your race. It sucks when you get to your destination to find out that you are missing something. When it is an extra important item like say your running shoes you could be in a bind. Most larger races have expos but when they do not or do not have what you are looking for you could be left driving in a strange town looking for a running store and hoping for the best. Making a run-cation packing list for your race day necessities is a must! After all, “A ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Take a few moments and plan for your next runcation. It may help you more than you think to go into your run-cation organized.
Here is my Run-cation packing list:
- ID and/or medical id
- Cash and/or credit card
- Any medicines
- Flight info
- Hotel info (if going to Disney- Magic Bands)
- Race waiver
- Running clothes (Dress for the weather, bring alternate weather running clothes- just in case)
- Costume (sparkle skirt, 1970’s tux, clown wig.. dressing up can be fun!)
- Costume fixers – in case your costume falls apart mid-run, its helpful to have extra tape, safety pins,scissors or even a hot glue gun on you to fix costume emergencies!
- Compression sleeves
- Sports bra (it’s amazing how many ladies forget this!)
- Running underwear
- Socks
- Running shoes (they might be important!)
- Throwaways- sweatshirts/ sweatpants or blankets for prerace. Garbage bags work too!
- Hat/ visor
- Cold weather gear (hat’s and gloves)
- Rain Poncho
- Sunglasses
- Flip flops or alternate pair of shoes for after race
- Postrace clothes
- Simple cinch bag (if not provided) for gear check
- Group identifiers – if you’re in a group like team rundisney, or another meetup, wear identifying pieces, like a pin or badge, so other group members can find you
- Food – It is helpful to bring foods you usually eat so something new does not upset your stomach.
- Race fuel-gels, wafers, sports beans,chews etc.
- Electrolyte replacement- ex. Nuun
- Extra water/sports drinks
- Fuel belt/ camel back/ handheld water bottle
- Running belt/flipbelt/ spibelt
- Phone and charger
- Ipod and charger
- Headphones
- Armband for phone/ipod
- Gps and charger
- Heart rate monitor
- Camera
- Batteries
- SD card for camera
- Chapstick
- Body glide / chaffing prevention
- Vaseline/ chaffing/blister prevention
- Kleenex or wet wipes in case porta potties are out
- Hand sanitizer
- Motrin/tylenol
- Band aids, mole skin etc.
- KT tape and medical wrap
- Biofreeze/tiger balm, neosporin
- Hair things, headbands, hair ties, bobby pins, clips, etc.
- Ziploc bags (for if it rains)
- Laptop/ iPad/ tablet
- Chargers (Don’t forget your chargers for all of your electronics!)
- Powerstrip (esp. if sharing a room)
*If flying Carry On race day items (running clothes and shoes)*
I hope my list helps you out! If I forgot something please let me know so I can add it to the list!