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.)
