There are a few tough things when you’re heading into taper. Transitioning the hard work from your muscles to your mind. Figuring out how to eat when you’re hangry but haven’t run the miles to justify non-stop snacking. Getting to bed early when you don’t have the exhaustion dragging you there—and your mind wants to run a marathon every night.
Then there’s the packing. Becaue your mind doesn’t need one more thing swirling around—and, as a rule, we like to avoid meltdowns from mother runners or their offspring—we pulled together a comprehensive marathon packing list, which will also work for a half-marathon.
Did we forget anything on the marathon packing list? And curious: Have you ever forgotten something essential before a big race? (I’ll go first: I—Dimity—forgot my bike helmet at a half-Ironman.)
Imodium and more Imodium
Excellent info!
ID for post race beer!
Excellent advice, especially the part about having a place to meet up after. I can add another…remember where you parked ;)
I have never forgotten anything, but my husband forgot his ski boots before a race. Now before we leave we think “skis, boots, poles” which translates to whatever necessary gear we need.
This was the third time I ran the Chicago Marathon and I believe it was the first time that I had a charged garmin with me (Uncharged once, forgotten the other). What I learned? I wasn’t missing anything. It was useful for knowing how long I’d been out there but whenever we were among tall buildings, it was wildly inaccurate (I was doing a 5 minute mile and then a 12. The truth lied pretty exactly in between.). I was also a good half mile ahead of the real markings and I suspect it was due to these inaccuracies, not just weaving or not hitting tangents b/c it all happened early on when we were downtown.
Could not have come at a better time. While not running a full, I leave Thurs for the south. First stop is Greenville, SC for my adult daughter to see Little Big Town Fri evening. We then head to Durham, NC for me to run my half on Sunday. Checking out the comprehensive list now.
Totally been there… I got everything squared away for my get-away race with the husband… and left my running hat behind on the bed. Thank goodness for stores like LLBean that are open 24hours.
I was just going to say Imodium and saw that Maureen already said that !!!!
Great list! Not sure all mother runners need these but I forgot my “poise pads” when packing for Boston….had to buy a package there then take the bulky package back home….
Holder for ipod or iphone; braces or other ortho gear for knees, IT bands, etc..; eyeglasses or extra contact lenses
I’m so psyched for my Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon half Sunday and the upcoming City of Oaks 1/2 Nov. 1. It will be my first race-cation so I’m nervous about taking a cab from the hotel to the start line alone. Thanks for the list.
Can someone add this to Pinterest, so I can Pin it to my Run Happy Board? PLEASE!!!!!!!! Thanks.
Yep, on it, Ann Marie. Thanks!
This list comes at a perfect time for me! Traveling for MCM next week.
I am getting better about coordinating the post-race meet up. I went from feeling elated at my first half to crying because my family couldn’t find me anywhere near the finish line.
Getting ready for MCM now…so many things to remember. Biggest item in my head is hotel to start. Sort of funny that all of the logistics put the fear of running on the back burner.
I also have to pack the camera, lenses & charged batteries for my race support crew (husband) & many snacks for that crew. :)
I always pack a dry sweatshirt and leggins or joggers so i strip off my wet clothes and go commando after the race! Best feeling ever!