It’s Friday so I’m linking up with  Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

My topic for today is: Five Tips for Taking a Stress-free Race-cation

If you follow my blog, you know that right now, I am on a Race-cation – in Florida!!!

You may also know that I love to travel and when I do, I make sure that a race is included. I am fortunate to able to fit one into my schedule at least twice a year.

So here are some tips to avoid the stress:

1. Plan early.

Pick out a race and register. Decide how you are going to get there (drive or fly?) Arrange lodging (hotel or friends/family’s place?) Even decide how you get to the race start (walk, drive, subway, taxi, Uber, friend?)

It is less stressful to know all the details of your race-cation way in advance.

I actually booked my flight for my current race-cation way back in October so I could use my FF miles. My sister-in-law lives about 30 minutes from the start so I am staying with her the night before and after the race. I rented a car so I don’t have to depend on anyone to drive me to the race start that early in the morning.

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 every time I think of something to bring, I put it 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 for race day.

I am hoping that it won’t rain but it may and in Florida this time of year, it can be cold and it can be hot.  This vacation was not tough to pack for… since I plan to be only running or hanging out at the pool or beach.  (though often I have over-packed but still not have had the right clothes.)

3. Bring your race morning breakfast and any special food that you require.

I never count on that a friend/relative or hotel will have what I usually eat. I bring packets of oatmeal/cream of wheat and coffee. (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.

I planned to arrive Thursday afternoon (if everything goes as planned), rent a car and drive south to Delray Beach to visit with friends. Then I’ll drive north to Hobe Sound Friday night and visit with other friends.  Saturday, I’ll head further north to get my race packet in Melbourne and then back south to Sebastien to stay overnight with my sister-in-law.  My race is on Sunday and I fly home on Monday.

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!!

During a recent race-cation in Florida, I went to a NY Mets spring training game, visited a bird sanctuary and met up of with different friends for various lunches and dinners.

For this trip, I’m sure I’ll explore and find something different to do and see.

Happy Running! Any other tips for taking race-vacations?