Put it in Your Pocket for Princess: Items that are helpful on race day

After running the Goofy Challenge at Disney world, I realized there were a few things that were helpful to have and other things that I wish I would have brought with me during the race. When I run longer distance, I like to wear skirts that have pockets in them or I wear a running belt, like the flip belt.

I continue to be amazed at how much I can fit in my pockets of my running skirts. Not only would I carry my GU's, Honeystingers, and phone but here are a few other items I'll consider.
half marathon essentials


1. The trash bag. I talked about this once before but since I wrote the previous post on it, I have since discovered a new use for it. Not only will it be useful to sit on before you head to your corral, or to cover up with if you get a chill, but if you fold it back up and put it back in your pocket you can use it at the end of the race when you gather up all your goodies. At the end of the race you will be getting water bottles, bananas, snack boxes, etc. We used our trash bag to stash all this stuff in after the Disney World Half Marathon and we didn't have to worry about holding all those items once it was time to get some pictures done.

2. A Flash Light.  If you can bring a mini key chain flash light that will be super helpful when you want to use the port-o-potties before you get into your corral in the morning. It will be dark in there.

3. Pack a few tissues in your pocket as well. Port-o-potties have been known to run out of TP.

4. Pocket size hand sanitizer. Yup, the port-o-potties run out of this too. If the pocket size squeeze containers of sanitizers are too bulky, bring one of those packs of Wet Naps, (you know the ones that you would get with a To Go meal at a fast food restaurant).

5. Another thing that might be helpful is if you bring those really thin disposable plastic gloves, like the ones people use for food service. This way you can just slip the gloves on and off and you won't have to even worry about washing your hands. This is great for all those runners who are going for a PR but find themselves having to stop along the course to use he restroom!

6.  Bring Cash: At the end of the race there will be a massage tent. Massages are $1 per minute and generally can be bought in increments of ten minutes. In years past we would get a 20 minute massage for $20. During marathon weekend last month they were so busy that the maximum time we could get was only 10 minutes! They only accept CASH. No credit cards or magic bands will be accepted.

                                What is something you also put in your pocket during a race?

Don't forget these tips can also apply to the Tinkerbell half marathon as well.

22 comments:

  1. I love the idea of massages you can buy in 10 minute increments! Sounds perfect post-race!

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  2. Hand sanitizer is a must with all the porta potties on race day. I never thought about the trash bag though - that's a good idea!

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  3. Those big huge trash bags have saved me a few times when it's been pouring down rain at the start. Good tips!

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  4. The flashlight is a great idea! I carry small packets of "cream" ie ChamoisButr in case of chafing. And I always carry my phone.

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  5. Great list! I use a running belt at races but I've never tried the skirts with pockets. I'll have to check them out!

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  6. Great list of must haves! TP or Kleenex is essential. I hate feeling "dirty" down there.

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  7. That's a great idea of folding the trash bag back up to use at the end! I wouldn't have thought about that but it is difficult to juggle all that stuff otherwise.

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  8. I'm not sure I WANT to see inside the port-pottie! LOL! Great post. I always try to remember to bring the garbage bag and haven't done it yet but it's such a smart idea! Great post. Have I mentioned how sad I am to be missing this year?

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  9. Taking a trash bag is such a good idea - I never would have thought about that. Great way to sit on the floor :)

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  10. You are a race genius! I have never done a big race before so haven't needed things like this, but I'm saving this for when I do!

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  11. Great llst. Another item to consider is individually packaged wet wipes instead of the hand sanitizer gel. You can bring a couple and then toss once they have been used. They also are sealed so there will be no leakage!

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  12. In a BIG race...hotel key, drivers license, credit card, and money along with the more common GU, salt caps, and phone. Love the idea of disposable gloves!

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  13. Gloves - that's such a great idea!!!!
    I'm bad about not having cash - I need to do that more. I usually take enough for parking & then I have nothing.

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  14. Great tips! I always forget the garbage bag - that is until I get to the race and see so many smart people wearing them when it's freezing like at this year's WDW 5k. I have my phone in my pocket and if I have my hydration pack, I slip my HALO charger in it that my mom in law bought be for Christmas. Great to be able to charge on the go when you're taking pics, using gps apps, and connecting on social media.

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  15. Great post, thanks for sharing! <3 - www.domesticgeekgirl.com

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  16. I'm always juggling those post-race goodies; a baggie might just be the perfect solution!!

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  17. Love the plastic glove idea, I don't think I ever would of thought of that! Especially even if just a pair for the potty break before the race starts.
    This will sound funny, but at the beginning of a marathon everything about a port-o-pottie makes me cringe, I just look at them as germ buckets.
    But although rare, when it does happen and you hit one like more than half way into the race, they seem to get less gross, because my mind is elsewhere:) But I am loving the glove idea, I can pretty much guarantee this is a tip I will be using! Thanks for the ideas!!!

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  18. great tips! I love the flashlight idea= I had not thought of that one! The bad is a great idea as well! I have always just carried girlie stuff like chapstick and extra hair ties- I need to step up my game!

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  19. Great post!!! Also smart to have an ID handy (can also be in gear check bag) if you fancy yourself a mimosa after the race!

    xx Mal @ Bad Wolf Brunch
    badwolfbrunch.blogspot.com

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  20. ID with cash!!! In case you want to stop to buy a refreshing beverage ;)

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  21. chapstick or i made up some straws with vasoline in them. I cut them to about 3", piped in the vasoline, crimped the ends shut with a hot pliers, cut a slit in one end so it's easy to tear open.
    #donnakingdommagic

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