Not pictured: your finish line smile and endorphin rush

If you're mixing athleticism with travel and doing a destination race, we've thought of everything you need. We raced around the office and polled the marathoners on site. Here's your checklist for the road ahead.

for the journey

A duffel bag or backpack Pack light in something with functional pockets for all your gear.

Passport and plane tickets A must! Don't forget. We repeat - don't forget.

Breakfast Only if you have a routine to stick to.

Reading material We love magazine apps! (Did you know the Runner's World app is free?)

A comfortable, breathable travel outfit Wear layers to keep your cool when the temperatures change.

for the race

Shoes Not new ones - your old faithfuls. Use the ones you've been training in.

Athletic socks Again, pack what you've been training in.

Two or three race outfits The weather could misbehave so be prepared. Whatever you do, remember this: Now is not the time to break in that great new gear.

Hydration How you choose to hydrate is your call. Pack a belt or a hand-held bottle or simply rely on those friendly water station volunteers.

Fuel You won't make that goal time if your energy tank runs too low. All our running bottoms have pockets for gels so you can carry fuel hands free.

Disposable layers Keep muscles warm before the starting line and wear layers you don't mind parting with. Typically once the race begins, volunteers collect them and donate them to charity.

Race belt Spare your running gear and pin your bib to a race belt.

Lubrication Say no to chafing! Put it anywhere there's a risk of getting seriously uncomfortable. (May I personally suggest you put some between your thighs? If you're shaped like me, you'll thank me.)

Tunes, comfortable headphones & a charger Music will be your lifeline. Make sure your player is charged and ready to rock. (Don't forget an adapter if you're travelling far, far away.)

Enough tunes to keep you motivated You don't want to hit that last leg of the race and realize all you've got left is your bedtime playlist. We suggest the following...

Extra hair elastics Before you pack some, see if you've got an extra one on a zipper pull. Our designers may already have you covered.

Deodorant If there was ever a time to need it, it will be when you're sweating buckets at the finish line.

Sunscreen Make sure it's sweatproof.

A credit or debit card If nothing else, you'll deserve a cab ride to your hotel room.

A running hat Our accessories designer suggests a colorful one so your cheering squad can pick you out in the pack.

Sunglasses You don't want to be squinting the whole way.

A heart rate monitor Our Community Relations Manager Tracy suggests the Garmin 110.

A big smile for your finish line photo shoot.

The ultimate souvenir: an imported marathon bib (Thanks for the photo, Jen!)

after the race

Your "I-love-my-body" kit Think stretch cords, foam rollers, tennis balls, pain relievers, band-aids and epsom salts. They will love you back.

A yoga mat We dare you to do more than savasana after the marathon.

A cozy post-race outfit Whatever you choose, make sure it includes slippers. Fuzzy ones.

A celebratory outfit Commemorate in style but keep in mind your feet may not be up for stilettos.

Compression socks to keep your muscles comfortable for the plane ride home.

before you get packing

• Still looking for a destination race? We've listed our favourite marathons.
• Looking to break in some running gear before the race? See our latest offerings for men and women.
• Need something to pack in? We've got functional bags to get you there, yoga mat and all.
• Get inspired by Jen's story She blogged about her NYC Marathon experience.

We suggest making packing part of the event. Print this list, pour a nice glass of wine and rest assured knowing you've got it all together in advance. (Ok, maybe not a realistic pursuit but as long as you can get it done with half an hour to spare, you're golden.)

In my pre-race blog last week, I said that you learn a lot about yourself when you train for a marathon. After running the New York City Marathon, I realized that you also learn a lot about other people too.

Marathon week was a roller coaster ride. The pre-race buzz emanating from the city energized me. But, I didn't feel great during my runs – my Achilles and IT band on my right leg were still bothering me, leaving me deflated: “If I feel this way during a 3 miler, how I am going to make it to mile 26?” Panic set in. Should I even run the race?

Jen ready to run at 5 a.m. the morning of the race.

While visiting the race expo, I perused a large poster board displaying the images of all 343 firefighters that died on 9/11. As I wiped my tears, the fireman behind the table asked, “You running the marathon on Sunday?” I nodded my head. “You’re gonna love it – you’re going to do great!” he said warmly. I thought to myself – here’s this man who puts his life on the line on a daily basis, who survived 9/11 – a hero, talking to me like I’m the hero for what I’m going to be doing on Sunday. I felt a shift taking place.

Later, I watched coverage of Edison Pena, the incredible Chilean miner who was also running on Sunday. Not only was this man was going to run the marathon with an injured knee, the longest training run he’d completed was 10 km (my longest was 23 miles, so I had nothing to complain about). My amazing friends Erin and Lindsay then stopped by my room, aware of my fears. “Stop focusing on what you’re afraid might happen,” they encouraged. “You have to at least try. That is why you are here.” And with those words, my fears disappeared in a New York minute.

It’s amazing what happens when you change your mind set – the world around you changes too. On Sunday morning as I stepped on the bus headed to Staten Island, Kathleen Jobes – an elite runner who competed in the 2008 US Olympic Marathon trials, whispered in my ear, “Jen – I promise you, running New York, you will not feel your Achilles at all.” On the bus I sat next to Dana Casanave. This marked her 44th marathon of 2010 (she is running 52 marathons in 52 weeks to raise money for South African orphans). I was so inspired, I wanted to jump off the bus right then and start running.

Jen at the lululemon Mile 23 cheer station.

As the race began over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, I realized that Kathleen was right – I did not feel my Achilles at all, nor did I feel it for the entire race. Entering Brooklyn, I was motivated like never before. Both sides of the race route were crammed with people cheering passionately…and it didn’t stop for all 26.2 miles. As I ran, I thought, this is what Sidney Crosby must have felt scoring the gold medal winning goal. But I think I felt even more elated than that.

Everyone asked what my favorite part of the race was. I was so inspired by every single spectator; I slapped every outstretched hand, I waved at every fireman and policeman; I smiled at every face. At mile 23 I was in pain; my legs felt like lead, my feet ached tremendously. I passed the lululemon cheer station in Harlem, and what a boost they provided. Then, about half a mile after that, I had the honor to share a few strides next to the Chilean miner. That was all the inspiration that I needed to gut out the final 2 miles. Running through Central Park was a bit of a blur, but crossing the finish line wasn’t. I felt overwhelming joy that has yet to cease.

So, while many people are inspired by those who run marathons, I am declaring that I am inspired by all of those amazing people who supported me – family, friends and all of those spectators who cheered, and made me feel like a champion. What a wonderful world. Thank you!

View more photos of the lululemon community at the NY marathon