It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.
The Topic for today is: Oldie But Goodie (Re-Purpose an old Friday Five Post)
So here’s an old one for you:
- Plan early.
Pick out a race and register. Decide how you are going to get there (drive or fly?) Arrange lodging (hotel or friends’ place?) Even decide how you get to the race start (walk, drive, subway, taxi, friend?)
It is less stressful to know all the details of your race-cation way in advance.
trained for this race together and/or roomed together.
2. Start packing early but prepared for last minute changes in weather.
I start a few weeks in advance. I use a bed in my spare bedroom. Sometimes, I use an extra laundry basket. And everything I think of something to bring, I put in the pile. You can’t do it all in advance because as we know, the weather forecasts will change. And the forecast is not always accurate. So bring a shirt for a warmer forecast and one for a cooler one. Bring a rain poncho & an umbrella. Of course, bring throw away clothes.
I thought that it didn’t rain in southern California.
3. Bring your race morning breakfast and any special food that you require.
I never count on that a friend or hotel will have what I usually eat. I bring packets of oatmeal/cream of wheat and coffee/tea. (Don’t forget a cup, bowl & spoon.) I also pack energy bars in case I need a snack the day before.
4. Plan to arrive at least 2 days before the race.
Of course, you’ll have time to relax. And if you car breaks down or your flight is cancelled, you won’t miss your race. (Yes, it happened to me twice.) And you will have time to get used to the weather or altitude by doing a test run.
From winter in the NE to winter in Fla. What a difference!
5. Have fun! Plan things to do in addition to running a race.
Do some sightseeing. Visiting a new place is one of the perks of a destination race!!
Ignore the hair but got to climb to the top of a lighthouse after a Florida race.
and why should you??
Happy Running! Any other tips for taking race-vacations? Please Share.
My First 5K and More... 
Racecations are always a challenge for me–I usually forget something! For my last race, Mercedes, I forgot my spibelt! Good thing those Inknburn skirts have pockets.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have too. Like thinking sarasota would be warm and having only a tank.
LikeLike
Booking ahead is so key. I hate getting stuck at a bad (far away) hotel or paying $$$$ for a flight if I don’t have to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. I think you learned that the hard way. Lol
LikeLike
I do the same thing as you…I throw all the things in a designated pile and sort through them when it comes time to actually put them in a suitcase. I have been known to bring things in a laundry basket if it’s an event I’m driving to because it’s easier to find what I’m looking for LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha. Great idea.
LikeLike
It’s been a while since I’ve been on a race-cation! One tip would be not doing too much the day before your race – staying off your feet and less walking around.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Omg. That is so important. Twice I overdid the day before a half. And as a result had a tough race. How quickly we forget.
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are great tips. I totally pack my own food! You can’t trust what’s going to be there!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely
LikeLike
My least favorite part of traveling is packing! And I usually wait the last minute too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hate packing. I want to keep it light but be prepared. It’s tough.
LikeLike
I try to bring my own breakfast and snacks whenever possible bc you just never know if you can find familiar food. Now I want to go on a racecation!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Go go.
LikeLike
I could never imagine getting things together or packing so far in advance! I usually put things out the night before and then actually pack the DAY OF travel!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not always. I’m leaving Wed and haven’t started except for my race outfit.
LikeLike
One of my racecation tips is to CARRY ON your sneakers if you fly! You can replace almost everything if your luggage is lost, but no runner wants to break in a new pair of shoes DURING the race! Great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always wear them. They take up room in my suitcase. I also use a carryon so I don’t have to worry about lost luggage.
LikeLike
Great tips; I’d add bring medicine with you just in case you get sick…we all have added Zofran to our travel bags after the unfortunate incident in Houston.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great idea. I always bring ibuprofen and bandaids but that’s it
LikeLike
Great list! I need to add to my racecation list- Add an extra day after the race. I typically fly home the evening of the race if it is a Sunday, and that has made for some interesting adventures.
LikeLike
I agree. That is my preference. And I did this time. But sometimes I need to get back for work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Planning ahead is key for me, especially since my leave as a teacher is extremely limited. I have to plan my racecations well in advance in order to maximize the ability to take leave, and can also only do 1-2 racecations per year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. I get that. I was a teacher for many years. But I wasn’t a runner then.
I plan mine way in advance too.
LikeLike