Did someone say Racecation? One of the most fun parts of running races is having the opportunity to run them while on vacation and thus the “Racecation” was created. Races can be stressful without the added variable of travel. So, how does one plan and pack for an epic Racecation?
How to plan and pack for an epic Racecation
“Racecation…All I ever wanted…Racecation…Had to get away…” Hope the GoGo’s forgive me for that one.
Logistics
In the “notes” section of my phone, I add all of the important logistics for the weekend. That way, I am not scrolling through my in box trying to find everything I need. It’s all in one place.
-Flight info
-Hotel Info
-Expo/packet pickup/Gear check location and times
-Start line location
-Restaurant reservations
Packing
I admit, I am a notorious over packer. What can I say, I like options. Whenever possible I prefer to do carry on for trips involving flying. No one wants to have their running shoes get lost!
Race Gear
I put all of my actual race gear into a ziploc together so I know exactly where it is and can easily access it.
-Run Watch/charger
-sunglasses
-hydration belt/race belt
-fuel
-Headphones
-visor/hat
-sunscreen/lip balm
Race Day Flat Mama
I find it extremely helpful to lay out my whole race day outfit “Flat Me” style so I don’t forget anything. If there is any chance of rain, I throw in a light rain jacket. I have not decided yet what I am wearing this weekend. Still stalking the weather.
Post Race Gear
If I can fit it in my bag, it’s super helpful to have a travel sized foam roller along. Not all hotel gyms stock them and sometimes I like to stretch in my pj’s. That’s just how “I Roll”.
Post Race Fun
Celebrate your accomplishments with fun finish line photos. Go ahead, you earned it!
Meeting up with friends at Race Destinations has to be the best part of the day. In case you haven’t heard, a whole slew of us are meeting up in Chicago this weekend for the Rock N Roll Race Weekend events. Cannot wait to meet all these fabulous runners and bloggers in person. #EpicBloggerMeetUp #ChicagoRnR
What tips do you have to pack and plan for an epic Racecation weekend?
Linking up
Marcia’s Healthy Slice, MCM Mama Runs
Coach Debbie, Running on Happy, Train with Marc
very good. thank you
I think you got it covered.
Wish I was going to Chicago.
Have fun.
Me too we will miss you!
Enjoy Chicago and have a great race!! I’ve never done a racecation but I always do the flat runner when I’m getting my race gear together at home.
The flat runner is super helpful to make sure you don’t forget anything.
Great tips! The good thing is if you forget anything, you’re in Chicago and you’ll be able to buy it! Excited to get together with you and all of the other bloggers. What a fun weekend ahead!
Yes definitely! See you all soon
I am so jealous that you all are going to race together! Have a fabulous time!
These are great tips. I have traveled to Honolulu, Paris, and St. George, Utah for marathons and it’s the logistics that drive me a little crazy. One thing my hubby and I always try to do is to bring our race gear in our carry on. That way if our luggage gets lost we’re not in a panic.
Yes logistics can be a pain especially for longer trips. We will miss you this weekend
So jelly! I hope you have so much fun!!!
It’s going to be a blast!
I have never been on a racecation before, so I can’t comment any helpful tips 🙂 But I am thinking about doing the Disney princess half marathon next year, and I will definitely be bookmarking this post for that trip!!
Well everyone seems to love the princess race. Hope you get a chance to head there next year!
These are really great tips. One thing I use is a racecation packing list. This helps me make sure that I don’t overpack, lol
Love the photo grid and I’m so excited to meet you in 2 days!
I am a terrible over packer because I really like options! See you soon
All good tips! I’ve started taking that same foam roller on trips with me I just roll up some shirts and place them inside the roller, and it fits perfectly in my carry-on bag! I just checked the Chicago weather for the weekend and it says a.m. thunderstorms on Sunday. UGH!!!
Yeah I saw that! Hoping that’s not the case although I would rather run in the rain than the heat
I love the tip about putting everything in the memo section of your phone …great idea! I sure hate I’m going to miss out on this blogger meet up! Have so much fun and I can’t wait to hear all about it!
I do like to have everything in one place to find it quicker. We will miss you this weekend for sure
Good luck in Chicago this weekend. Wish I was going!
I often travel to races with a friend whose motto is “No checked luggage.” Argh!!! So difficult to pare down so that all my stuff fits in a carry-on. Thanks for the tips.
That is my husband’s travel motto as well. It works fine for a weekend but then I need more stuff!
sooooooooooo jealous. dang it. I wish I could be there this weekend with you guys!!
I would add a couple of sanitary pads in my bag just in case. and for those who wear contact lenses (I do) bring an extra pair, just in case! I’m not used to running with my glasses on and I’m not about to start doing so with running a race!
I pretty much travel any and everywhere for a race. I think my favorite long weekends have been for Liverpool, but I had a blast in Paris, Lisbon, Berlin (LOVE Berlin) and Gothenburg. Those are top of my list 🙂
have the BEST time and give each other a hug from me too xx
Wow you’ve had a lot of race travel! We will miss you this weekend for sure
The notes tip is a good idea! I’ll be going to Chicago for the marathon in October so I’ll definitely do that! I plan to carry on all my race needs and check the others. I figure if my luggage gets delayed and I have my race day stuff I can just buy tourist-y shirts to swap out until then, lol.
Yes exactly!
They have a travel size foam roller? I may look into that. My mom and I are headed to WDW in February and having a travel size foam roller would be nice.
Yes there are smaller foam rollers about 12 inches long that are great for travel. Some people also like the sticks that roll
I’m so jealous you’re going to get to be with all those awesome ladies!
I am beyond excited!
I LOVE that watch…Is it a Garmin? I’m always all about packing snacks to keep me fueled. My favorites are NuttZo, Rise Bar, and The Perfect Bar.
Yes it’s the Garmin Fenix I love it!
Even though i don’t do races I have to say a racecation sounds super awesome. I am an under packer myself.
Under packing is probably a better way to go!
GAH this gave me SERIOUS FOMO. I’m so bummed I can’t come this weekend!!!
I know me too! We will definitely get together when you come in October. I will host you all for dinner you know I love to cook!
I love your idea of putting the individual run outfits in separate bags! I always have my outfits packed “in sets” but after digging for one thing, everything becomes a mess in the travel bag. I love the collage you made of all of us <3
Yes my bag is a mess too if I do not do that. See you soon!
Really loving these tips! Have an awesome time in Chicago and good luck!
Thanks so much!
Have so much fun!! Can’t wait to see all the pics!! xoxo
I am so excited!
These are such great tips! I’ve never done a racecation, but I know who to ask when I do 😉
ha they are tons of fun hope you have the chance sometime
Why did I never think of putting my info in my notes for vacation!!! Sometimes the most tedious thing that causes us the most grief has such a simple solution! I hope you have a blast in Chicago!!! Good luck!
Yes exactly! Thanks
With that outfit, I say you’re a winner already. Can’t go wrong!
Ha thanks!
I’m a notorious over-packer too – must have options 😉 I like your idea of laying out a flat runner in advance.
See you in a couple of days!
Must have options! See you soon 🙂
Yay! Race weekend is just about here and I can’t wait! They need to back off the rain in the forecast for this weekend. If you forget something just holler and I’ll bring it Saturday am before the 5k.
Thanks! Will do-I would rather have a little rain than extreme heat anyday
I think for me, the hardest would be PACKING. I hate packing. I really never know what exactly I am going to need – and tend to overpack. However these days, when I go away for like 2 day trips, I am pretty good at telling myself that I can wear the same thing twice, LOL
Packing is so hard I like options 🙂