By far the most popular question I find in my inbox (next to the ones enquiring about my calf size, not kidding, maybe I’ll have a ‘guess Marcia’s calf size’ contest some day) is what to bring to a race/race day tips etc.
Today I’ll give you some physical stuff to think about before you toe the starting line. Tomorrow we’ll go over the mental stuff.
Rule of thumb: Do as much as possible before race day. I don’t mean workout stuff, I mean get your race stuff together.
Put your outift together. Work from the top down and ‘build a runner’ with it. Don’t wait until race morning to start a frantic search for your cheetah headband. I speak from experience.
Clothes
- Hat/visor/headband/ponytail holders or other hair restraints
- Top/bra (Depending on conditions, you may want to bring more than one option)
- Bottoms: underwear/Shorts/Capris/Leggings/Skirt
- Socks/Shoes
- Bib already on singlet if possible
- Chip/timing device already installed in shoe
Accessories
- Jacket/Gloves
- Sunglasses/Sweat bands/Arm sleeves/Calf sleeves
- Pre-race/post-race or throwaway sweats
- Fuel belt/handheld/hydration pack/bib number belt
- Spibelt/ iFitness/or other type of utility belt
Electronics: Charge up everything you plan to bring
- Watch
- Tunes and earbuds
- Phone
- Camera
Make your playlist if you’re running with music
Fuel: Lay it out so you’re not fumbling on race day
- Fuel you will eat early
- Fuel you will take with and eat just before the race
- Fuel you will consume along the course
- Fuel you’ll want for recovery
- Supplements/salt caps/electrolytes/other lotions and potions
Toiletries/Personal Items
- Body Glide/bandaids/nip guards
- Sunscreen. You ARE going to use some right?
- Toilet paper/wet wipes
- Chapstick
- Emery Board
Gear Check Stuff
- Gear check bag. A duffle works great.
- Perhaps a change of clothes.
- Plastic bag for sweaty clothes after the race.
- Maybe flip flops for after as well.
- If you really love schlepping stuff or have an excellent sherpa, a yoga mat and The stick are nice.
Logistics
- Directions to the race/parking complete with start time, corral number
- Phone numbers of people you’re meeting, etc.
- Know where you’re going and allow enough time to get there so you’re not rushed. Traffic around a race is often brutal. Again I speak from experience.
- Park legally and remember where you parked.
- If you have family/friends spectating, know where they’ll be on the course or at least tell them what side of the street you’ll be running on.
- Agree on a reunion area beforehand.
There are so many more course tips but I just did my last run before The Wisconsin Half on Saturday. It’s a billion degrees out there and my brain is cooked! Loyal, helpful readers, please help me out with more race day tips or stuff to bring that I missed!
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Great list! I need to print this out to put in my race suitcase.
Great list! Check, check and check. I think I’m ready! See you Saturday!
Thank you! I need this for Sunday! Best of luck!
I feel like you more than covered all your bases. Good luck on Saturday! 🙂
This is a great list. I always get everything ready the night before, even if my race is close to home. But often times it’s not, so this list is a great way to make sure everything is in the correct bag before leaving on your journey!
I think you covered it all! I have my checklists all made up too because the last thing that I want to be is stressed out on the morning of a race.
The only thing I would add is money for a coffee afterwards and I only add that because I’m a coffee addict.
Good list!
Nice tips! It is always good to be as prepared as possible before a race!
Great list. I have to have everything organized the night before. Down to the fork or spoon i will eat with in the morning. Makes life so much easier.
YES to all of this! And like Char, I like a little cash, and also I pack snack size ziplocks, which are great for electronics, etc if it rains…
Peter always remembers the sunscreen for me. It is a secret way for him to show how much he cares abotu me 🙂
Great tips, Marcia! And now I need to measure my calves 🙂
Great list! I so agree, getting ready the night before is the most important thing to do. That and obsess about the weather!
Read, Understood, Bookmarked.
Thanks so much for this list!
How did you get the nerve to sign up for your first race? I’m scared I’m going to make a fool of myself…
I think you got everything on the list. One tricky thing is when running alone (not meeting friends or having a party there to cheer for you). You have to make triple-sure you have everything you’ll need!
I always forget a plastic bag… so I have to deal with my clothes stinking up my car for the whole drive home post-race!
Excellent list!!! They key is definitely doing as much as possible the day before. Keeps race morning so much less hectic!
Great post. The list is great. I am racing today and I have almost everything laid out but I forgot the toilet paper and tissues. Thanks for the reminder!
Great List! I would add umbrella, spare shoes if it’s raining, cooler for cold drinks after, lawn chairs and snacks for any family members spectating.
Another useful post.
I agree, all the things must be ready the day before.
I always add to the list: cash and health card.
Great list!