The Check List

Hello Readers! Did you all have a happy Valentines day weekend? It was cold here and it flurried. Did I mention it was cold?  I looked up the weather for Florida this week and gasped when I saw that it was going to be 54 degrees one day during our trip. This made me want to re-think some of the things I was going to pack.

Since I didn't go anywhere this weekend, I got a start on my packing for Disney. If you know me, you know that I thrive on organization and I love lists. I intend to carry-on my luggage so it is very important that everything is organized. I decided to put a list together to help me visually see what all I needed and how I would pack it.  Since I put the list together, I figured I'd share it in hopes it would help someone else who is packing for a race-cation.
what to pack for a race

I have to divide my stuff up in separate categories and then each category gets put in its own gallon ziplock bag.

1. Documents: This includes Race Waivers, Magic bands, airline boarding passes, resort reservation information, tickets, etc. (I actually forgot to pack my park ticket last month when I visited WDW)

2. Snack Bags: In this bag I pack my Honey Stingers and any other race fuel I need ( remember GU's are considered a liquid and need to be in a separate ziplock bag. I also pack packs of oatmeal and some Clif bars so I can eat them for breakfast before the race. Food courts will not be open at 3am.

3. Race Day outfits: I'm sure you've heard this one before, but I've packed each outfit for each race in its own ziplock bag. EVERYTHING that will go on for that race including the tank, shorts, skirt, sports bra, undies, socks, sweatyband, arm sleeves, compression sleeves, and hair ties. There is one bag for each race.

4. Running essentials. There are a few things I won't be able to get by without. Tiger balm and IBprofen  are two of them. You may need KT tape, biofreeze, or a few other things. Also my hand held water bottle will be packed in this bag. Be sure to check out this list of items to bring with you to the start of the race.

5.  Cosmetics and personal items.

6. Electronics. Runners have a LOT of stuff to plug in ( Garmin, Ipod, Phone, Camera, etc). I keep all my cords together in a ziplock bag so I can easily find them.

Of course I then throw in the rest of the clothes I plan to wear during the week.  Since this crazy weather has come into play, I'm still struggling on how many cold weather items I want to bring.

If you are unsure what you might need for a race-cation, check out this list of 7 things you might not think to bring but would be very helpful.

I Also wrote a post last year called "What I'm packing and NOT packing" which might be helpful if you are carrying on and trying to save some space too. There are a few things that you just wont need to bother bringing.

39 comments:

  1. A great list that covers all the basics. I especially like the snacks :)

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  2. I'm glad I'm not the only super organised packer! My comp isn't until Sunday but I've already written a list of all the things I need and plan on doing my preliminary pack tonight!

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    1. Preliminary packing is always good, lets me know how much room I have!

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  3. Your packing method is brilliant! Normally all my races are local or I drive to them, so I can just throw everything I need in my car. But if I ever have to fly to a race, I will have to remember the ziploc method!

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    1. It is always SO much easier when we drive to the races! Believe it or not, I actually prefer to drive to Disney!

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  4. This trip packing is a little tougher since it will be cold on Friday when we arrive. Guess I need to wear long pants and a jacket! We also have used the Ziplock bag trick for ages and I really love the compression bags made for travel!

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    1. I'm not liking the fact that it will be cool the first few days. I will be dressing in layers on the plane!

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  5. It's hard to jam everything in to a carry-on bag when you're a runner...that is, if you plan to wear street clothes, too. Looks like you've got a great handle on this - now I just hope the weather cooperates for you and doesn't get too cold!

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    1. I have some tricks to carrying on. You should see how many shirts I'm going to be wearing ON the plane!

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  6. This is really helpful! It's hard to pack for a destination race--especially if the weather is unpredictable!

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  7. Love the list! I'll be starting my packing today! So excited!!!

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  8. I always over-pack for races, but I would hate to get there and not have something that I need! I also like to start packing way in advance.

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    1. That's were it is helpful to travel with 2 other gals. if I forget something, hopefully they got it!

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  9. Great idea to put things into different categories and then put each of those categories into separate bags. And one bag for each race outfit is another great idea!

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  10. You have perfected packing! When I start race traveling again, I had used ziplocks for certain things before, but I really like your idea for using them to keep specific items together, great tip!!!

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    1. Thank you! That's how I organize things in my head, by category. So it works out in theory too!

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  11. I always start my packing list for big trips at least a week in advance, and add to it as I remember other items that need to go with me. It sounds like you're on the right track with that list!

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    1. I usually start packing for princess the first day of February..lol. This year it was a bit later because I felt like I was still unpacking from marathon weekend last month!

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  12. Great list. Some people have told me not to take ibuprofen for running because it's harmful, but I find tylenol does nothing for me. You seem to be okay with taking it? Do you take it during your run or after?

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    1. Oh no! I had no idea it was harmful. My dr actually recommended it. I take it before bed to eliminate leg cramps.

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  13. Great list! Wish I were heading down for race weekend this year!
    Karen @karenlovestorun

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  14. 54 degrees sounds like perfect running weather. We are getting tons of snow and its below zero. Not happy and very jealous of your Florida trip. Have a great time

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    1. I guess anything will be warmer than here at this point!

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  15. I am a terrible packer! When I went to Chicago for my marathon I brought GIANT GIANT bag because I wanted everything with me. Looks like you have it down! Thanks for the tips.
    Some of my favorite Disney days have actually been 50 degrees b/c the parks are less crowded!

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    1. That is definitely a plus. I will look forward to small crowds ( fingers crossed).

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  16. Having to pack for the weather is so difficult, because some days it's cool and others it's hot. I'm packing a lot of things that can be layered, hoping that helps me stay comfortable.

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  17. Great list! I've been lucky to drive for all my racecations. Never thought about how your packing would be affected by your flying!

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  18. We have had 2 beautiful weekends back to back here and I hope we have another one! I am volunteering at the expo on Thursday (don't know when you are coming in) I hope I see you! You are super organized and I will totally use the zip lock bag per outfit suggestion! I hope you have a blast and come on down!

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    1. We will be at the expo on Thursday. I will come see you for sure.

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  19. So organized!! I used to pack my GUs in my toiletry plastic bag for carry on and one time I forgot and I haven't done it since. I've gotten away with it so far! Lol!

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    1. I have my GUs right up front in my pouch. I hope I remember to take them out through security.

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  20. Hope you've dug your way out to go gets some bags! Hope the packing is going well.

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