It’s time! Here we go with another Ragnar – this time in Cape Cod. When I wrote my packing post last time, I was running a local race. No airlines were involved and I left my house Friday morning and returned Saturday afternoon. Things are a little different when you Ragnar away from home. To add some fun to the mix, Beer Geek and I decided to make it a vacation to celebrate our 20th anniversary. This meant packing not only for running and maybe a night on either end. Nope, I had to pack for running and a week’s worth of clothes. Yep, I was going to take a Ragnar vacation. Luckily, I don’t have to take that all in the van LOL.
1. Bring clothes that can double if you can. We were here for a full day before the race, so yesterday I wore my Aspen capris to walk around Plymouth (love the capris!). I have now packed them in my Ragnar bag for my relaxing pants during the race.
2. Wear a pair of running shoes on the plane and carry your most important stuff in your carry on. If you are traveling for a week, chances are that you will need to check luggage. I can replace many things at a Target or Walmart, but my skirts, my running shoes, and the safety stuff required for night runs came on the plane with me. Your irreplaceable things may be different than mine, but I know you have them.
3. Run first. We are staying in the Cape Cod area for several days after the race. I’m glad that I’ll be able to sleep in for the remainder of the trip and not have to worry about potentially over indulging in rich foods or beer. (OK, maybe I indulged a bit before the race…)
4. Have two packing lists. I have a spreadsheet with a sheet with my running stuff, a sheet for my regular stuff, and a sheet for Beer Geek’s stuff. There was some overlap, but it guaranteed I brought everything and I used the Ragnar sheet to pack my duffel bag for the race today.
5. Plastic bags are the answer. I have one bag for each outfit including everything from underwear to hat. I have a bag with my nighttime safety stuff (convenient for check in). I have a bag for food and a slightly bigger bag for a towel and my toiletries for when we have a chance to shower. It makes it so much easier to pack the duffel bag and simpler to find things during the race.
What tips would you add?
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Follow me on Instagram to see all the fun I’m having in Cape Cod this week.
Thanks to Cynthia, Mar, and Courtney for the Friday Five!
LOL! I have packing rules, too. Being a business traveler in my younger years really taught me some good packing lessons! Love Cape Cod! Enjoy!
Half-Crazed Runner recently posted…Oklahoma City Memorial Half Marathon
Plastic bags are definitely the answer!!! Best way to sort everything and keep the stench contained 😉
Annmarie recently posted…Foodie Friday: Crunchy Coconut Chia Cashew Energy Bars
I learned the hard way to have at least a full day after a race to walk around and recover. It may be difficult, but your muscles will thank you if you move around and try to get the lactic acid out. I got on a plane after my first half and I was SO sore the next day.
Lesley recently posted…The Vineyards
I think you’ve got everything covered.
Darlene recently posted…Albany Law Day 5K Race Recap
Erika, I’ve never participated in a Ragnar relay but I’ve certainly contemplated it and would love to do it some day; these are GREAT tips! Thank you! I love the plastic bag for each outfit idea; I’m going to hold on to this. Thanks so much and I hope you have a great weekend!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Share the Running Love
Sounds like a great combination of race time with frients and vacation with the husband 🙂 Hope you have a great time! And I agree that plastic bags are the key. And lists.
Chaitali recently posted…Pike’s Peek 10k
The plastic bags are a great idea. I agree with run first. I’ve done races where I’ve run last and it doesn’t seem to work nearly as well. Enjoy Ragnar and your trip!
HoHo Runs recently posted…A New Dream
These are great tips! I’ve never done a Ragnar, but LOVE the idea. Now I just need to talk my friends into it 😉
I hope you are having a fabulous time!! The weather looks amazing for you guys!!
Great tips. I try really hard to put everything in a carryon–I just don’t trust the airlines to get my bags to my destination!
I know you’re out running now, so enjoy! I’m looking forward to the recap!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Virtual races
Great list! I always wear my shoes on the plane, I cannot imagine loosing them!
jenn recently posted…Being a Fit Mama
hope you had a great time and are enjoying the anniversary part of your trip now 🙂
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…Five Ways to be an Awesome Running Buddy
I WILL NEVER EVER RELAY (I dont think?) but I adored loved and SCOURED your posts on social media this weekend.
CARLA recently posted…Blogging is dead. Long live the blog!