PUBLISHED 05/17/2002
Every runner has done it. Unpacking the night before a big race, in a hotel far from home, you discover that you've forgotten something. Maybe you left behind socks, gels, safety pins, or something that can be replaced. But maybe you forgot those shoes you've been training in all season. Or that lucky pair of shorts. Avoid the pitfalls of the forgetful runner by planning ahead. Print out one of our three checklists, found below, and double-check it before you walk out that door. Whether you're running a local race or traveling hundreds of miles to an exotic locale, we've got you covered.
Local Race
Think of this as your neighborhood 5K, where you'll walk out the door wearing
most of your gear.
| Pre-race: |
| | Race confirmation | | | Vaseline or other anti-chafing lotion | | | Sunscreen | | | Lip balm with sunscreen | | | Hat or visor | | | Safety pins | | | Water bottle | | | | |
| Race: |
| | Sunglasses | | | Gels or sports drink if you've been training with them | | | Band-Aids or NipGuards if necessary | | | | |
| Post-race: |
| | Extra socks | | | Extra shirt and shorts/pants | | | Waterproof jacket | | | Food if you won't be fed at the post-race festivities | | | Towel | | | | |
Regional Race
For this race, you'll be in the car for an hour or longer, but won't be staying overnight. You may not be wearing your race gear for the trip.
| Pre-race: |
| | Race confirmation | | | Directions to race and number pick-up (www.mapquest.com) | | | Vaseline or other anti-chafing lotion | | | Sunscreen | | | Lip balm with sunscreen | | | Hat or visor | | | Safety pins | | | Water bottle/hot beverage travel mug for the drive | | | Toilet paper | | | | |
| Race: |
| | Shoes, orthotics if necessary | | | Singlet/short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirt for race, as weather dictates | | | Sports bra | | | Shorts/tights for race, as weather dictates | | | Socks | | | Sports watch | | | Sunglasses | | | Gels or sports drink if you've been training with them | | | Band-Aids or NipGuards if necessary | | | | |
| Post-race: |
| | Extra socks | | | Extra shirt and shorts/pants | | | Waterproof jacket | | | Food if you won't be fed at the post-race festivities | | | Towel | | | | |
