What to bring to a race?

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Jaclyn
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What to bring to a race?

Postby Jaclyn » Wed May 07, 2008 2:36 pm

I am running the Mississauga Half Marathon on Sunday and I have no idea what to bring, or even when to get to the race??

It might be raining, and it starts at 7:30. It is my first big race and I am having nightmares about being late, or forgetting stuff, but really I have no idea what I am doing!! :oops:

I know someone here has a laminated list for races, I am wondering if you all could share what you bring and why. Thanks.
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MINITEE
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Postby MINITEE » Wed May 07, 2008 2:41 pm

I'm the retentive one with the laminated card.. :oops:

Basically - it's an excel spreadsheet with a checkbox beside each item. It's got the following items on it:

Shoes
socks
timing chip
body glide
shorts/tights/skirt
jacket/vest dependant on weather
running bra
shirt (2)
throw-away shirt/garbage bag if wet/windy
water belt/gel flask/water bottle
race bib belt
gels and drink powder or mix
hat
sunglasses
sunscreen
directions to kit pick up/expo
directions to start line

flip-flops
wind pants
jacket/sweatshirt/fleece
cel phone
$$
camera

Extras for Triathlon
wetsuit
tri suit/or tri shorts & top
goggles/swim cap
bike
helmet
shoes
water bottle for bike
extra socks
gloves (only for a long ride)
towels
change of clothes for after race

I have a shoe bag that most of the smaller stuff for post-race fits into, then I can check it & have those things when I'm finished. If you are lucky enough to be able to park closer to the start/finish a lot of the stuff can stay in your car.. Yes - I do leave my cell & camera in my checked bag. Not the smartest thing to do, but I like to have them handy for afterwards.

I've given a talk at the RR on travelling to races and I always tell people to pack, check, unpack, check & pack again. Better to have extra items & be safe, rather than miss something important & be sorry. :wink:
Last edited by MINITEE on Wed May 07, 2008 2:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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CAW
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Postby CAW » Wed May 07, 2008 2:42 pm

Running shoes...

I hear they take about three minutes of your time compaired to running in heels. :wink:
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JacSprat
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Postby JacSprat » Wed May 07, 2008 3:01 pm

Great list and words :!: Thanks for that Mini-T :D
Jacqui

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Sandra
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Postby Sandra » Wed May 07, 2008 3:11 pm

If you are driving to Mississauga, I would suggest you leave early. Traffic can be brutal getting to Square One especially coming off the 401. There is basically only one entrance to Square One and it can get really busy. There are cars coming off the 401, off of Hwy 10 (north and south).

The last year I ran Mississauga I booked a room at a nearby hotel in Mississauga and was able to walk to the start line - a lot less stress.

Good luck on Sunday! It's a great course.
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Run26.2
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Postby Run26.2 » Wed May 07, 2008 3:24 pm

Bring the hammer......always bring the hammer to a race! :wink:
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Postby Irongirl » Wed May 07, 2008 3:45 pm

Tracy - is your list for a "local" race as well though....that seems like a lot!

Jaclyn - you want to bring what you are wearing for the race (nothing NEW on race day!)...and a bag to check your warm clothes in (if they have a bag check).

As for getting there, I usually plan to arrive at the race start for 1 hour before the race starts.....that gives me enough leeway in case something happens (like you forget your HR monitor at home and have to go back and get it!!)
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Postby pts » Wed May 07, 2008 3:48 pm

I just want to re-emphasize the ARRIVE EARLY aspect. I did Mississauga a few years ago, and it took me about 35 minutes to get from the off-ramp of the 401 into the parking lot at square one (about 2k away!).

Enjoy your first 1/2!!
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Postby MINITEE » Wed May 07, 2008 4:02 pm

Irongirl wrote:Tracy - is your list for a "local" race as well though....that seems like a lot!


Sorry, I should have noted that I travel for most of my races..

To race at home for me is a real luxury.. :wink:
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Postby Irongirl » Wed May 07, 2008 4:03 pm

oh, don't forget your SMILE! :)
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Postby q » Wed May 07, 2008 4:48 pm

get your printer ready....


http://www.nike.com/nikerunning/usa/v3/ ... cklist.pdf


you're welcome....
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Postby Samantha » Wed May 07, 2008 4:51 pm

What about wet wipes?
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Postby turd ferguson » Wed May 07, 2008 4:54 pm

What to leave behind:

- your inhibitions
- your self-consciousness
- your doubts
- your inner critic
- your limits
"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so." - Douglas Adams
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Postby turd ferguson » Wed May 07, 2008 4:55 pm

Samantha wrote:What about wet wipes?


I'm bringing 2 kids in a race next weekend so there may be diapering involved. What else are wet wipes used for in a race?
"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so." - Douglas Adams
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Postby MINITEE » Wed May 07, 2008 5:06 pm

Mike Runs wrote:
Samantha wrote:What about wet wipes?


I'm bringing 2 kids in a race next weekend so there may be diapering involved. What else are wet wipes used for in a race?


I keep them in my car for after a race/ride... If you've been handling gels etc, your hands can be sticky. I also like to wipe the salt/sweat off my face. Also, they're a good "interim" shower option if you have to go somewhere shortly after your race..
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Ed Fizz
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Postby Ed Fizz » Wed May 07, 2008 5:23 pm

I also carry extra laces off of old shoes and some extra zip ties for the chip; also 1001 safety pins I've collected over the years.
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Postby klc » Wed May 07, 2008 5:40 pm

prats wrote:I just want to re-emphasize the ARRIVE EARLY aspect. I did Mississauga a few years ago, and it took me about 35 minutes to get from the off-ramp of the 401 into the parking lot at square one (about 2k away!).

Enjoy your first 1/2!!


Ditto what Erin said. Leave plenty of time for the trek from the off ramp to the parking lot, which can take longer than the actual drive and cause a lot of stress if you're not prepared for it.

Also, don't give your fuel belt to your running partner to hold in the port-a-potty line and then lose that person when you come out. For me, that was 10 minutes thinking that I would be running a half marathon "naked" without any of my personal "stuff." :oops: It was a complete freak-out that I did not need just before my first half. Always have a "meeting place" plan if you are running with a buddy.
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Postby turd ferguson » Wed May 07, 2008 5:50 pm

MINI-T wrote:
Mike Runs wrote:
Samantha wrote:What about wet wipes?


I'm bringing 2 kids in a race next weekend so there may be diapering involved. What else are wet wipes used for in a race?


I keep them in my car for after a race/ride... If you've been handling gels etc, your hands can be sticky. I also like to wipe the salt/sweat off my face. Also, they're a good "interim" shower option if you have to go somewhere shortly after your race..


you = clean, nice-smelling girl
me = grossening ape-like boy
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Jo-Jo
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Postby Jo-Jo » Wed May 07, 2008 6:14 pm

Mike Runs wrote:What to leave behind:

- your inhibitions
- your self-consciousness
- your doubts
- your inner critic
- your limits


You've been given some great list ideas...but I must say I love this one.
Must remember that for myself.
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Jaclyn
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Postby Jaclyn » Wed May 07, 2008 9:00 pm

Q wrote:get your printer ready....


http://www.nike.com/nikerunning/usa/v3/ ... cklist.pdf


you're welcome....


Thanks.
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Jaclyn
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Postby Jaclyn » Wed May 07, 2008 9:02 pm

Thanks to everyone. This defiantly helps to ease my mind...I was going crazy. Now if only I were sure about the weather.
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SusanD
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Postby SusanD » Wed May 07, 2008 9:03 pm

Jo-Jo wrote:
Mike Runs wrote:What to leave behind:

- your inhibitions
- your self-consciousness
- your doubts
- your inner critic
- your limits


You've been given some great list ideas...but I must say I love this one.
Must remember that for myself.

I like that too.
Done: Full 2, 30k 2, 25k 1, Half 11, 13k 2, 10k 2, 8k 1, 5k 20 ...
Hmmm... this needs an update!
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SusanD
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Postby SusanD » Wed May 07, 2008 9:06 pm

kc wrote:
prats wrote:I just want to re-emphasize the ARRIVE EARLY aspect. I did Mississauga a few years ago, and it took me about 35 minutes to get from the off-ramp of the 401 into the parking lot at square one (about 2k away!).

Enjoy your first 1/2!!


Ditto what Erin said. Leave plenty of time for the trek from the off ramp to the parking lot, which can take longer than the actual drive and cause a lot of stress if you're not prepared for it.


Agreed! Take that advice to heart. I've run Miss Full twice ... and both times could've done w/out stress building sitting in clogged traffic. I found parking (once there) fantastic though.
Done: Full 2, 30k 2, 25k 1, Half 11, 13k 2, 10k 2, 8k 1, 5k 20 ...
Hmmm... this needs an update!
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Nicholas
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Postby Nicholas » Wed May 07, 2008 9:57 pm

Most important thing, more important than anything else.....Remember to get your mental on.
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seuss
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Postby seuss » Wed May 07, 2008 9:58 pm

Nick wrote:Most important thing, more important than anything else.....Remember to get your mental on.


i could really use a checklist for this! anyone?
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