Today’s Tuesdays on the Run topic is Racecation Prep. I’m sure you’re going to find tons of great info. on what to pack from my co-hosts and others linking up, but I’m going to give you a little twist and tell you my top things NOT to bring with you:
The stick. Let me clarify you can pack it if you’re driving or flying and checking a bag but don’t try to get it through airport security like I did unless you want it confiscated. Apparently the TSA has no consideration for tired muscles.
High-maintenance family and friends. Face it, us runners can get pretty self-absorbed when there’s a big race on the line. We need things a certain way: Our meals, our rest, our stuff, our schedule, it all has to be just right. Enter someone who has other ideas and is not so great in a supporting role (cough my MIL cough) and we get justifiably cranky.
Valuables. I loathe leaving jewelry and other valuables in hotel rooms. Yes there may be a safe, but race nerves and rummaging around in the wee hours of the morning increase the chances you’ll misplace or lose something entirely. Best bet? Leave valuables safely at home.
Your inner suck monkies. Yeah tell those inner critics to shut up and stay home. You’ve worked too hard to let self-doubt and negativity ruin your trip. Breathe, relax, run the race you trained for, and enjoy it!
Too much stuff. Of course you need to bring running gear for all weather possibilities, but keep your civilian wear to a minimum. I’ve been known to limit myself to a single pair of jeans when I’m traveling on a running junket and just spicing them up with a few easy-to-pack tops, scarves/accessories. I keep it super casual too so I don’t worry about things getting wrinkled. Of course it’s always good to have room in your bag for those expo finds and souvenirs.
What have you learned NOT to bring to a destination race?
Inner suck monkeys?! I KNEW there was a name for those!
Love the tips. I never would have thought about the stick.. but these days anything is a weapon.
I am notorious for packing too much.and need some lessons on lighter packing.
Good post. I agree on the stick or foam rollers. I have often brought them and all they did was take up space in the suitcase (unless you have a serious injury you’re managing). My other learning was no CO2 cartridges on airplanes for bike flat repair kits. Just have to buy them from the bike shop at the expo…
FOR SERIOUS with the high-maintenance’ness, haha! I’m almost getting the hang of packing for races, what to leave behind and what not to forget. I just have to pack beforehand, not when I’m rushing out the door.:P
Thanks for the tips! I am doing a destination race in December and I am already worrying about what to pack. 🙂 Gonna check out some of the posts about what I SHOULD bring.
Love this! Especially the suck monkeys — and high maintenance peeps – that should include runners. My NYC crew was no drama. It is the best. I did forget a bunch of essentials this time. Maybe 17 is the charm?
Great list. Bummer on The Stick! My husb couldn’t believe knitting needles are allowed.
Inner suck monkeys??? Lmao
Oh and the high maintenance people are the worse, esp when they are other runners. Ugh!!#
Haha, I will try to keep my inner suck monkeys home next time I pack for a race 😉
Inner Suck Monkey.
AWESOME
And wine. Don’t pack wine. The TSA likes to confiscate that as well!
Oh wow, it never even entered my mind that security would confiscate the stick if you carried it on. Mine is well traveled, but I don’t carry it on. Usually food get (and running shoes & outfit) get that priority.
My husband supports me, but then again he has trouble letting go of the control freak side. So yeah, after 11 halfs he still doesn’t get that I need to eat what I need to eat the night before a half and it’s IMPORTANT.
I do win that one, but not without grumbling and many sighs.
LOL to inner suck monkeys. I’ve never traveled very far for a race, but this looks like a good list! 🙂
Ain’t nobody got room for suck monkeys haha!
I mentioned the Stick too. I almost lost it at TSA in Dallas two years ago, but coming back through Portland, they didn’t bat an eye. I guess Portland is more used to runners than Dallas is 😛
Perfect timing for this weekend! I’ll leave those inner suck monkeys at home!
I’ve become a pretty good packer and pack light. Although I like the company, doing it alone is actually much easier and more relaxing.
I never thought about them confiscating a stick before. I got mine through when I went to Seattle but I won’t try that again now that I know.
I hate hotel safes as well! And who says the people working at the hotel can’t get into that safe? Or more likely, but I will remember to get my stuff OUT of the safe…
Love your list of what not to bring! I do struggle with the inner suck monkey’s. I need to remember to leave them at hone during my marathon this weekend!
Good to know about the stick. I always thought of bringing that bc it fits in luggage better than a foam roller. Guess I won’t be bringing that unless I drive to the race.
Oh my gosh— high maintence family and friends. FTW. Yep.
OMG they took your stick? They’re clearly not runners! This is why no matter how “quick” of a trip it is, I always check a bag so I can bring my foam roller and have enough room left for race souvenirs!
I never thought about the TSA issues with the stick! Good to know!!
HA! MILs!!! Totes!!!
Hahaha. I can just imagine you trying to get through security explaining that you’re not a terrorist. Tennis balls aren’t such a bad option after all.
I have been so crazed! The blog looks fantastic! Did you revamp it yourself?
Love this list! And, it’s so true. We all have our agenda don’t we! 🙂 great post
I usually go to my races alone. For many of the reasons above.
I’m so surprised that they took the stick! Not related to destination races, but once I was traveling somewhere for Christmas and had a plastic marshmallow shooter wrapped up as a gift for someone in my family. Didn’t think anything of it. All of the sudden a massive amount of TSA officers start huddling around the security area I’m in. I just sat there thinking “who the heck is the idiot causing security to get backed up.” Yea, I was the idiot. Didn’t realize it looked very much like a gun under xray.
TSA took your stick from you?!? What was their reasoning?
One of the reasons I don’t like taking my whole family aka kids to races is it would cause me a lot of stress and headache. I rethink this a lot then when we’re all together I remember quickly why they don’t go with us to races. Actually, it’s not even like they want to go. I’m just now getting the hubs on board with the whole system. I can’t imagine how long it would take to train a whole family….
Love your list! I got into a huge argument with a TSA agent over my stick – she tried to confiscate it! That was so not happening! LOL!
I love this list! I laughed out loud at your high maintenance people item. So true! Trying to go away for a race with people that don’t get it is the worst!! Thanks for co-hosting the linkup!
Hmmm… my stick made it through TSA in Charleston on New Orleans. Guess it just depends on where you fly.
I always leave my engagement ring home when I’m racing. I hate the way it feels on my hand when I’m running and I’m always afraid I’ll leave it in the hotel room.
And inner suck monkeys? I don’t let those out of my basement. ;o)
Great tips!! Can’t wait for my racecation next week! Remind me, are you taking the family or going alone?
My husband and I have had a lot of practice so packing is a science in our house. Great tips Marcia.
ha! my last racecation my suit case weighed 48 pounds ( sigh) I really over packed, it was silly. Lesson learned, the suck monkeys is cracking me up, so true!
The monkeys! LOL. Although I think they would provide more entertainment, and less drama, than other family members perhaps?
great tips! Very timely as I have a racecation coming up in a couple of weeks.