2 weeks! 14 day! OMG!
Deep breath.
In two weeks, I’ll be toeing the line at the first race of the Dust Bowl Series. I’ll be taking the first step to begin my highest mileage week ever – 65.5 miles. Holy crap!
My mind is all over the place. I have A LOT going on the next two weeks. I’m starting a packing list. I need to finish our taxes. I need to write a million and one notes for my parents about the kids. Jones has three rehearsals, three cello lessons, and the Honors Orchestra concert before we leave. I have two payrolls to run, four meetings with Nike for the half marathon, and umm, you know, to actually figure out what I’m going to wear while I run.
I’m not even sure which shoes will be in my suitcase! (I’m currently trying out the Brooks Pure Flow 2 and the Saucony Virratta. Reviews probably after I really put them through their paces at the races.)
Taking another deep breath.
Will TSA let me through with my foam roller? What about The Stick?
Just how much nuun does a girl need for five half marathons in five days?
How much beer should I buy in Denver before we head off to the the land of yellow beer an area that has no brewpubs?
Do I pack five complete outfits or plan on laundry? Or just plan to stink by the end? (I may have just bought a new skirt and skirt/capri at the Skirt Sports sale last night. Maybe.)
Oh, and I probably ought to run some the next two weeks. If I follow the “rules”, my longest run will be 7 miles. GAH! Not at all how I planned to train for this thing. (BTW, I had a really good run on Saturday -3.5 mile run followed by almost two miles of run walk. 5.2 miles in one hour, which gives me hope I can finish each day in under 3 hours. Not the speed I’d hoped for, but the one I’ll take, given my calf’s shenanigans.)
I’m sure I’ll panic about the running very soon. Right now I’m panicking about the preparation LOL.
Deep, cleansing, yoga breath.
OK, wise and wonderful readers, give me your best “race travel” tips and your best multi-day race tips.
no tips–just LOVE and CHEERS.
5 races in 5 days – pack every piece of running gear you own. It will be worth the extra fee in luggage if you have everything you need with you. Imagine getting to your hotel and the weather changing and you didn’t pack what you needed. Pack it all – all the weather possibilities, all the shoes. If you decide to wear the same thing over and over, don’t worry. In a race, you seldom can smell the person next to you anyway. 🙂
Normally I would say if you get there and want different running gear you could buy it, but in this case you aren’t going to have time for shopping!! Stay healthy in the next 2 weeks – don’t get run down!!!
I have never done something like that. Normally I’d bring two outfits and wash the alternate one in the sink. But I’m not even sure the weather will be the same at all locations. Maybe 3 outfits (check the weather closely before you go) and do some laundry in between.
Pack for every conceivable weather condition so you’re not caught off guard. TSA will not let you bring the Stick through carry-on (I learned this one the hard way) so plan to check it and save yourself the hassle! I’ve never done multiple races but I would think at this point getting rest/sleep would be more important than stressing about getting extra runs in.
umm i’m kind of freaking out for you. I really hope you keep feeling strong and are able to just enjoy the heck out of this!
First of all, take that deep breath and let out a huge sigh. YOU ARE GOING TO DO AWESOME. What helps keep me calm in preparation in making lists. Make a packing list, and pro/con list to bringing different outfits vs. doing laundry. Make a list of things you are going to do to make this a great trip. You have put in the hard work, and it will pay off, 2 weeks away and you’re doing great.
First, you CAN bring a foam roller, I brought my mini travel size one on the plane and they didn’t say anything. Although one security guard did ask me what it was and give me a quizzical look…. non-runners, they just don’t get it.
Secondly, here’s a link to a post I did last month on athletes packing list, this was not a race packing list (I specified this in the post), so you’re list will obviously be different for weather temps and for race gear, but it might give you a little guideline. You’ve got this down, you don’t need anyone to tell you what to do, you just need to breathe and take it one step at a time, make a few lists!
http://runningtocatchingmybreath.blogspot.com/2013/02/athletes-packing-list.html
I would say bring a separate outfit for each day (at least the basics, top, bottom, undergarments and socks, and a couple pairs of shoes to alternate between). You will be traveling a lot (I assume) so there might not be time to mess with laundry or hanging your clothes to dry thoroughly. Each night you can put out a set of clean, dry clothes and be good to go! Good luck and have fun!
Bring 5 outfits. you want to start the day feeling fresh if you can. Skip laundry it will be just any annoying task you wont want to do. I am so excited for you!!!
I have flown with a stick 😉 My travel advice pack everything for race day that you can’t replace in your carry-on, have food with or know where to shop when you get there and stay hydrated on the plane. Have fun 🙂
I have only driven to races, never flown but I would pack liberally. Bring as much as you can, and still plan to do laundry and/or stink. I can’t wait to read all about it!
I’m so excited to follow you on this journey/adventure/craziness!! You’re going to be amazing!
I’m thinking you’re going to need A LOT of nuun. But what do I know! I’d never be brave enough for all this!! Congrats for putting it together and committing!! It’s going to be great.
I can’t believe you’re less than two weeks out from Dust Bowl! That’s going to be epic!