Editor's Corner: Packing for Race Day

When you pack for a race, what you do stash in your duffel bag? I’ve been asking myself this question all week as I gear up to head to Ohio for the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon.

I’m not much of a list maker, but when it comes to the marathon, you shouldn’t leave much to chance. In a race where so much it out of your control (the weather, your stomach’s temperament, the tightness of your muscles, etc.), it feels satisfying to concentrate on what you can control.

There’s a lot that can go wrong before you see this sign.

In the past, however, I’ve been less than successful at completing this task. The night before I ran my first marathon, I was laying my race-day outfit out on the bed when I realized I’d forgotten a watch of any kind. Luckily, I found a friend with a spare, but the frantic search kicked my pre-race jitters into high gear. In my last marathon, I forgot tape to laminate my pace-cuff (it was raining), and had to make a pit stop at a Walgreen’s that happened to be open at 7 a.m.

Getting to the starting line 100 percent prepared seems nearly impossible (for me at least). But I’m going to give it a shot this time around.

 Here’s my race-day list:

In a carry-on, naturally.

• Hair Elastics
• Sunscreen
• Body Glide
• Deodorant
• Handheld Water Bottle
• Sports Bra
• Tank Top
• Running Shorts
• Running Shoes
• Socks
• Throwaway Sweatshirt
• Throwaway Pants
• Watch
• Medical Tape (to tape my toes)
• Pace Bracelet (laminated)
• Safety Pins
• -Bib/Chip
• Gu Packets
• Salt Packet
• Flip Flops (for post-race feet)
• Jacket (for post-race chills)

Written out, it’s a little nutty how much stuff we actually take with us during a marathon—especially considering that during the race, we want to be carrying as little as possible.

I want to know, what makes your must-have list for race-day packing. Also, is there anything I’m missing?!

Let me know here or Tweet me at @JessieSebor.

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1 pair NEW BALANCE Minimus 3090

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Yesterday’s winner. . .

Congratulations to Dominique@CraftfullyCooks who won a Title Nine Running Outfit. Please email Jessica@womensrunning.com with your mailing address to claim your prize!