So, it’s Saturday and I am packing for our trip to Phoenix. Where we will visit family, enjoy some sun shine, and I will take on race #2 of 13! The IMS Arizona Half Marathon. This will be my second out-of-state race in a row, and I feel like I am running in to a pretty common theme: STRESS!!!! Something about packing up my running gear and leaving town, to take on 13.1 sends me in to a low-grade state of panic for the whole week before I leave. This time is a little easier because it is not a runDisney race so I am not frantically sewing the final details on costumes, but still I am stressed and I really want to be training stress free this close to a race. So here it goes, come along with me as I pack my gear, and tell me what I am doing WRONG, or maybe even a little bit right.
First off, I can’t bring myself to check my running gear, so I carry it all on. I have a long history with bad air travel juju, and I don’t think checking my running shoes is a good way to try living on the edge. I will stick to drinking milk that is three-days-expired for that kind of rush.
Here is the pile:
Do I really need all this stuff or am I just calming my irrational fear of forgetting stuff by over packing? Is this an early sign I will be on hoarders in 5 years? You be the judge.
Ok let’s make mole hills out of this mountain.
CLOTHES: I need them, because I am not THAT kind of runner. Also, the emergency kit, containing things like nail clippers, extra head phones and those little springy things that hold my number on my belt, that I always seem to lose.
(yes I did just post a picture of my bra on the internet. See that, I am commitment to accuracy on this blog… lol)
TOP: Sleevy thingies to keep warm, arm band and phone (for keeping tract of my pace, rocking my tunes, and calling 911 when i have fallen and can’t get up)
MY BELT (and the junk i keep in it) from right to left it goes like this:
-Empty water thingy I put my sleeves in when I warm up
-Pouch 1: foldy sun glasses, hand sanitizer (because many port a poties don’t have any GROSS), Kleenex, chap stick (because us pail folk shrivel up and dry out faster than a slug covered in salt, in the sun), chafing balm, Breathe Right (I don’t live in the desert who knows what i might be allergic to out there) and mole skin for blisters
-Drugs: I am old and clumsy and allergic to everything.
-Camera: wouldn’t want to miss anything I want to tell you about later!
-Gels: I only ever really use one, but I can’t ever decide what flavor I want before I leave.
CHECKED BAG: a plastic bag, comfy shoes and socks to wear as soon as I am done (don’t dis the socks they are amazing), a snack and some stuff so I don’t offend the nose of anyone who has to ride in a car with me.
Is this craziness? Have I gone to far? Am I just slowing myself down? Do I need all this stuff? If I do need it, how do I organize it so I don’t spend so much time thinking about it when I should be training? HELP!!!!
<3 k
You are SO funny! Seriously, this blog is hilarious. I am staying with my aunt & uncle who do marathons and they said your belt is awesomely thought out and practical.
and don’t forget my really gay slipper socks… practical right?
I always pack more. It’s very expensive to buy what you need the day of a race!
It looks like you’re packing for a 100 miler. I’ve never seen anybody pack even half of that for a half marathon. Wow.
Ok, so what dont i need? Help me out here
My gym bag, my backpack and every suitcase i have ever packed like this. It is either my inner girl scout screaming “be prepared” or just because I am a mom.