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.

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.