Tips for Planning a Destination Race
Danielle shares 7 tips to help you make the most of a destination race.
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If there are two things I love, they are travel and running. When combined, it’s my absolute favorite thing! So far I’ve run marathons in 36 states and 2 countries (and counting!) while on my quest to run a marathon in all 50 states. Although many of the trips have been short weekend visits, I’ve also learned a thing or two about planning a vacation around a race, like the time I ran the Dublin Marathon in Ireland!
- If you’re traveling internationally, or even coast to coast, give yourself ample time to adjust to the time change and jet lag, especially if you are trying to PR! I recommend at least a few days.
- Find out what beverage is being served on the course. If you are traveling to another country, it may not be Gatorade. Bring your own if you have a sensitive stomach!
- Plan your sightseeing accordingly so that you are not walking around too much in the days immediately preceding the race. Walking around after will help loosen up your legs!
- Meet up with your family at a designated location, and make sure everyone knows how to get there. Practice walking to the location ahead of time. Your phone may not work in other countries, and data charges are expensive!
- Save the new foods for after the race! Enough said.
- Pick a hotel that is close to the start or finish area and is easy to find. Cabs may not be readily available after the race. If you’re in a new place, you don’t want to get lost on tired legs!
- Bring your camera. Especially if you’re going to another country! These are once in a lifetime opportunities. The international presence at races is something you’ll want to remember forever.