Race Day "Preflight Checklist"

Several weeks ago, I posted a series of articles, describing things that you want to have and do as you prep for a race. As I plan for my third out-of-town half-marathon in three weeks (Kansas Half-Marathon in Lawrence, KS this Sunday), I'm reminded of the importance of proper preparation as well as having a "punchlist" and preflight "checklist" to help prepare for travel the day before a race.

I've pulled together a list that - although complete for me - may require some tweaking to be correct for you.

My list includes:

• Racing shoes (Have been tested on a long run and have been worn for at least three weeks.)
• Race socks (Two pairs that have been washed and used in long races before.)
• Race singlet & shorts or appropriate race outfits (no cotton, but a dry weave, wicking fabric)(I pack several, in case of last minute weather change and usually include some type of pullover)
• Safety pins to put on your race number or on your bag with your number.
• Racing bib
• Gels or carb supplement (such as fig bars, granola bars, sports beans, etc)
• Gum (I can't run without it)
• Gloves (if any chance that weather at start will be below 35 degrees)
• Sunscreen
• Body Glide (I never use it - I make sure my clothes don't require it - but added because alot of folks do)
• Your analgesic of choice (I like ibuprofen or naprosen)
• Fuel belt (if you use one)
• Safety pins or bib belt
• Race watch/GPS
• Heart rate monitor & shoe pod/GPS
• Rain gear
• Sweat and head bands
• Sunglasses (don't run without, even on overcast days)
• Towel(s) (both for toweling off and for ride back if I don't have luxury of a shower)
• Change of Clothes
• Sandals or Crocs for after the race
• Bandana, knit cap or racing hat
• Tape
• Bandages
• Breathe right strips (I don't, but know alot of folks who do)
• Orthotics
• Cell Phone
• Small container with ice to use for an injuries after the race.
• Map of the course
• Map to/from course (start & finish) as well as maps to/from hotel/home.
• Charity or Tent Band
• Running Chip
• Vaseline
• Nip Guards
• Throw Away Clothes (for cold start) or large trash bag for rain cover
• Plastic Bag for Wet Clothes
• Chap Stick
• Toilet Paper and Kleenex
• Instant Antibacterial Soap
• Place to store your keys like a necklace, key clip (I tie mine into the drawstring of my running shorts)
• RoadID or some kind of emergency medical information/device

Other considerations:

1. Put all of your clothing and supplies in one place the night is before so that you can jump into your outfit and do a quick check of all your supplies. A list works well. Also, plan for a thirty degree change. There is nothing wrong with having two or three good outfits for a change in the weather. This is essential for a fall or spring marathon.
2. Bring an outfit you can throw away at the start if you are standing in the cold for a long time. A thrift store is a great place to pick up your outfit and after you get rid of it goes back to sell to someone else.
3. Get to bed two days early before the race. It is important that you get a good night?s sleep.
4. Keep track of the weather. It is easy to see what the weather will be like daily by clicking on the website and seeing the current and race day conditions.
5. Wake up early and wake up slowly. Have two alarms set.
6. If the race is close try to do a short warm up and if the race requires you to walk you have already done a warm-up.
7. Stay relaxed. Stay positive and don’t stress about details. Visualize your success and mentally prepare for walls and mental roadblocks during the race.
8. Smile a lot. A good attitude helps you during a long run or race and encourages others around you. You will get more smiles than you give.
9. Have a plan for those watching you during the race. Make sure that they have a map, a sign and know what outfit or outfits you may be wearing. Ask them what they will be wearing and keep an eye out for them.
10. Make sure you well hydrated during the final week.
11. Pray. Pray for the race, the runners, the volunteers and the medical teams that will be treating the injured and critically ill. No matter what is the outcome of the race is thankful for the opportunity to compete and what a gift it is to run!

What did I miss?