Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Calling All You Experienced Travelers…

Yes, it’s true. You ramp up too fast for a last minute marathon and your body rebels. After my 16 miler last week things hurt. I wasn’t aware that they hurt until I tried to run a couple days later. My right ass cheek ached. My left knee was wonky.

This can only mean one thing.

I am back to swimming laps. I hadn’t swam one lap since my Ironman 7 months ago. Oh, how I’ve missed the stray band aids at the bottom of the pool and the random hairs (pubes?) in the shower drains. And, I cannot leave out the gorgeous raccoon eyes I get from my goggles.

IMG_2789

You may think I’m 78 years old, but I’m only 48! Joke’s on you. I don’t think there is enough concealer in Walgreens to cover up that mess.

So, what shall I do about these aches and pains? Take the week off from running and try to do a slow longish run on Saturday (12 miles).

The Jerusalem Marathon is in (gulp) 10 days. The Israeli week goes from Sunday to Thursday. The race is on Friday the 13th (appropriate given how frightening/scary my body will react to a hilly marathon). Friday evening until Saturday evening is the Sabbath and things basically come to a standstill.

I am excited to go into the this event incredibly undertrained (sarcasm). I leave Monday!! Luckily there are only a few sharp turns on this route (sarcasm). What do you think isotonic drink means? And food! Does that equal falafel? Not sure I can eat that and run without crapping myself.

image

Confession: I have not been on an overseas flight in about 20 years.

Confession: I have never been away from my husband and kids for more than 3 days (I will be gone for a week).

Confession: I have traveled for marathons, but never to another country.

So, here are my questions for you – the most experienced of travelers:

What are some tips for taking a long (12-14 hour) flight? I am thinking lots of Kindle books, eye mask, headphones, Xanax.

How do you keep in close touch with family while you’re in another country (I don’t think I’ll have text/cell service, but I’ll have Wifi). Face Time? What else?

If you’ve run a marathon in another country any recommendations for how to prepare? Should I carry my own water (I usually don’t in races)? How much effect will jet lag have (Israel is 8 hours ahead of CO. I’ll run the marathon 3 days after I get there).

Thanks in advance for your expertise (not sarcasm).

SUAR

68 comments:

  1. You and your family can get WhatsApp on your phone for free texting using Wifi.
    All of the best for this marathon. Looking forward to reading about it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with Alta. Sending photos via Whatsapp makes me feel closer to my peeps too. rache

      Delete
  2. bring a nalgene on the flight. fill it before you board, then be the annoying person who walks to the back of the plane and asks the flight attendant to refill it. this fall i did a 17 miler two hours before a flight to madagascar and i was shameless about hydration in the air. download whats app for staying in contact. you'll be jet lagged but that should work to your advantage. since you'll be waking up really early from jet lag you should have no problem feeling wide awake before the marathon start. please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Compression socks! That is a long flight and you want to,prevent blood clots. Make,sure to move your legs every hour even if it is just pumping your calves. Not a bad idea to take an aspirin every day starting now until you get back. If you have wifi, iMessage will also work assuming everyone in the family has an iPhone or iPad

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I second this! Compression socks!

      Delete
    2. I third the compression socks and walking around! Even healthy, active people can develop life-threatening blood clots (I did at age 40!)

      Delete
  4. Heck yeah compression socks!!! Would rather not bring a clot home as a souvenir.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I second compression socks & hydration! Also, get up every now and again and move. There's usually lots of space by the bathrooms at the back of the plane - perfect for yoga stretches. You'll feel like an idiot, but heck who cares really. Try not to stay awake the whole time watching movies - I use Gravol to help me sleep on long flights. Any anti-sea sickness pills should work as long as you don't get the non-drowsy kind. They'll help you get a bit of sleep but don't give you the groggy hangover feeling you'd get from sleeping pills.

    Good luck with the marathon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Never heard of gravoli. Where do I get that?

      Delete
    2. Gravol is the same as Dramamine. The generic name is dimenhydrinate. Benadryl would work too.

      Delete
    3. Request bulk head seating for extra leg room

      Delete
  6. Register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. That way if there is any emergency information that is put out by the U.S. Embassy, you will be notified.

    I love trying new drinks at overseas marathons, but if you have a finicky stomach, you may want to take fuels that you familiar with. Aid stations overseas tend to be less frequent, so if you think that will be the case, it can't hurt to bring a handheld water bottle with you. That being said, at the Athens marathon, they handed out actual bottles of water at the aid stations, so I was able to just carry that along with me.

    Good luck and have fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And here's the link for STEP: https://step.state.gov/step/

      Delete
  7. Things to take on the plane: compression socks, lots of water, things to read/listen to for a variety of moods, something to help you sleep, a toothbrush & toothpaste (you'll feel so much better at the end of the flight if you can brush your teeth!), snacks (just in case), chapstick and lotion (the air is so dry on planes), a jacket/sweater.

    Staying in touch: facebook messenger if whatsapp and imessage aren't ideal for whatever reason. I don't know if you're taking a laptop, but I'd download and experiment with skype and google hangout video before you go. It might seem redundant with FaceTime, but in my experience, one often works works better than the others with no rhyme or reason. It isn't always the same one. Sometimes you just have to experiment.

    General packing advice: I'd take all your own toiletries and medications. I know you can get whatever you might want over there, but there is nothing worse than getting off a long flight and being all brain dead and having to figure out how to buy contact solution/deodorant/advil/etc. before you can go find your hotel and sleep. Along the same lines, I always pack a substantial "just in case" snack so that if there are any delays I won't get hangry.

    I haven't run a marathon abroad, but generally the rule of thumb is that you adjust by about an hour a day. Usually on an international flight I'll set my watch to the local time of the destination and then I'll try to spend the flight doing appropriate things for that time. So, when 10pm local time rolls around, I'll try to start getting ready for sleep, even if I think it's 3pm. If that means cutting my sleep short, I'll do it and just wake up and drink coffee and "get ready" for the day. It seems to help me adjust a little quicker.

    Have fun!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with a lot of this. I would only add maybe bringing some blueberries as a healthy snack that doesn't completely die during long flights. Bring a pair of flip flops or slippers for the long flight so that you don't have to keep taking off and putting back on your shoes. And SKYPE is amazing. It's free and you can get it on your phone. My fiancé and I were long distance for three years and this free video app was a god send. Usually international flights have videos and TV and music for the individuals with a multitude of things to choose. You can find that information on the flight website.

      Delete
  8. Ditto the compression socks! I even fly with full-leg prescription compression stockings that go to my thighs. They will save your legs--both before and after the race. Also for flight: pillow, eye-cover, ear plugs, sleep aid. WhatsApp for msgs and Viber for phone calls are great when you've got wifi. As for the race, there was enough water for me on course last year, but they gave out mini-plastic bottles instead of cups. If you like A LOT of water, I might bring your own. Yup, you'll feel the jet-lag but don't sweat it. Not much you can do than just try to get on their time zone starting with your flight. Enjoy it!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'd carry my own water at the race. Heck, I'd use Tailwind Nutrition. It's ultramarathon fuel and I used it for Chicago with NO, ok minimal GI issues (compared to my usual maximal GI issues). And no wall. I drank 1 packet in 24 ounces water/hour. It was worth carrying the handheld.

    Good luck and have fun! You'll be in the Holy Land. What can go wrong?

    ReplyDelete
  10. As a scientist, I can tell you that an isotonic drink should have electrolytes and other goodies like glucose at the same concentration as in your cells. My guess is that they're going with some generic Gatorade. Hopefully it's drinkable. :) Hope you can find some good things to read on your Kindle on that long flight! And I totally agree with all of the previous commenters on the compression socks. :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. My comment went away...
    ...Noise cancelling headphones rock on the plane. Bring any headphones in case there are inflight movies.
    ...I wore compression socks to London and did not like them. My lower legs felt puffy. Pretty sure my husband does not wear them on flights now.
    ...Turn the data off your phone. Data outside of the US is very expensive. Your provider can give you an idea of price if you really want it.
    ...Again on the London trip, we arrived at 6:30 AM, napped quick and then up and out. Ate on London schedule, got outside and walked around. Still woke up at 2AM but that went away after a day or so.
    Good luck with your trip. Sorry about the knee. That sucks.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I’ve done dozens of longs flights! Here’s my advice:

    As tempting as the alcohol on the plane is, avoid it. Drink water. And then drink more water. The flight attendants will always give you water (and you can ask them for 2 water bottles when they’re passing them out).

    Figure out what time you’ll land and try to adjust your sleep schedule on the flight accordingly. Use that 12-14 to prepare to fight jetlag! For example, if your flight lands at 6pm, try not to sleep for the whole flight so that you can go to bed soon after arrival. If your flight lands in the morning, stay awake for the first few hours, and then try to sleep.

    On that note, get your body prepared for meals. If you think you’ll get a meal right after you land, don’t eat the final meal that they serve on the plane so that you’ll be hungry and your body will be prepared to eat. If you think you’ll have to wait several hours, you should definitely eat (you need to be able to make it through customs/immigration without being exhausted from hunger). Having a good eating schedule also helps with jetlag.

    Noise-cancelling headphones. If you don’t have a pair, borrow (or buy) one. They’re a true lifesaver. I didn’t realize how much of a difference they made until I used them for the first time.

    Try to only bring one carry-on bag that you can put in the overhead compartment so you have as much room as possible to stretch out your legs under the seat in front of you.

    Borrow or buy a neck pillow - the real kind, not inflatable. Some airlines give out eye masks now, but if yours won’t, it’s nice to have.

    Also - it's nice to have toothbrush/toothpaste, face wipes, lotion, chapstick, deodorant, and a small hairbrush to freshen up a little on the plane.

    Enjoy :) international travel is awesome and you can meet all kinds of interesting people!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Find out about customs in Israel in regards to bathing. I just got back from Costa Rica (1st time I have ever traveled outside the country by myself) and I made many mistakes but learned quickly, For example, the sinks in many 3rd World Countries have no Hot Water, only the showers. Washcloths were not provided in Hotels, so if you use one every day, you might consider taking your own. Find out before you before you leave if the area you are traveling to prefer American Dollars over their currency before you convert your dollars. In Costa Rica, the Touristy areas wanted my Dollars, not their currency. Go figure. Find out if the Water is good to drink. Take a larger Water bottle such as Contigo to carry with you everywhere and refill as you need. I met a gal from Israel in Costa Rica and her English was impeccable, so I believe most people speak English which is helpful. Take snacks with you, especially for the plane and your first day there as you will need a day to acclimate yourself to what is available. Ask where the closest Grocery store in case you forgot something you can't live without for a week. Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate some more. Be friendly, look confident and most of all...HAVE A TON OF FUN!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Some more items, it is very expensive to publish pictures to Facebook from your phone (Data usage adds up quickly) from outside the US so wait until you get home. Call your phone provider and see if they have an International Phone Plan that reduces your per minute charge if you do call home. My plan cost me $5 for the week I was gone and paid for itself .Take clothes you can throw away to make room for any gifts or souvenirs you chose to purchase. The head pillow is a must. Don't wait to buy one until you get to the airport...it will cost you double what you should be paying. Safe travels!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm a firm believer of compression socks when flying, but wearing them the whole time on a long haul can get really uncomfortable (and my physio recommends against the whole time). So bring some regular socks along and take a break for part of the flight. If you switch back to the compression socks, please make sure your seat neighbor videos you trying to pull them on in the tiny seat! :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. You can get a Google Voice number and use Google hang-out dialer to call home for free overseas.

    ReplyDelete
  17. As a veteran of more than 50 transoceanic flights, I must say that your readers are giving you a lot of very good advice.

    DO wear compression stockings, pump your ankles regularly, walk up and down the aisle at least once an hour when you are awake, and stay current on your aspirin dosing. I had a DVT after surgery for an Achilles tendon rupture and I could have died had I not caught it in time. According to the Surgeon General, DVTs afflict as many as 650,000 Americans a year, resulting in more than 100,000 deaths.

    DO drink lots of water while on the plane. Long flights are very dehydrating. Personally, I think some wine or beer is okay, but in moderation.

    DO ask your doctor to provide you a prescription for a sleeping pill for both of your flights. Halcion is very effective and has the shortest half-life of all sleeping pills. It works for me.

    DO buy or borrow noise-cancelling headphones. I NEVER fly without them, even on short flights.

    DO get as much sleep as you can after you arrive and before the race. Under normal circumstances, it would take about a week to overcome the effects of jet lag after a flight that long. Try to get out in natural sunlight as soon as you arrive. It will help reset your circadian rhythm.

    DO call your cell phone provider and inquire about provisioning your phone for international roaming. If you do not do this, you may end up being billed THOUSANDS of dollars in roaming and data charges. Even WhatsApp says on their website that you "may" not be charged for data if you use WiFi. This has become an international scam. Do not get scammed!

    DO take some basic toiletries on your person when you board the plane, especially a toothbrush.

    DO remember to take your ATM card. Nobody in their right mind exchanges American dollars for cash before a trip, uses Travelers Cheques, or exchanges money at a currency exchange business of any kind anywhere, even if it is run by a reputable bank. Hotels are the biggest bandits. Get your cash from an ATM. Also, check to see if you have a credit card that does not charge a foreign transaction fee, which is usually 3%.

    DO rest your incipient injuries between now and then. You should have the muscle memory and past experience to get you through the distance, as long as you take it slow and listen to your body.

    DO have a great time!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I DO thank you immensely for taking the time to write this. Awesome, awesome advice! I will DO it all. Now who is going to loan me some noise cancelling headphones?

      Delete
    2. Fantastic advice. The only thing I'd add is to have blow-up neck pillow - great if you don't get a window seat and need to sleep - which you should try to do, if you can. Travelling east, I do my best to stay awake until a reasonable bedtime - even if I've exhausted and have flown overnight - so that I reset my biological clock asap. Last piece of advice: Don't obsess about how much sleep you do or don't get. Instead, just focus on the excitement of being there. There'll be plenty of time to rest up on the flight home. :-) Have a great trip!

      Delete
  18. All I have ever run is European events. Isotonic drinks are Powerade and Gatorade. They might sometimes have an overseas "brand" of it but usually it's Powerade. Food is usually bananas and oranges and power bars and such. I only carry my own water if the water stations looks sparse or too far apart on the route map; usually they are fine though. I've only had to do it for 2 half marathons (Paris and German wine road).

    For long flights, yes on the kindle, noise canceling headphones, and eye mask. If your flight arrives in Israel in the morning their local time, then I would definitely take a sleeping pill on the flight so you can sleep as much as possible and be closer to being on local time when you arrive. Conversely if your flight arrives in the evening their time, I'd try to only catnap on the plane and stay awake as much as possible so you're tired and stand a better chance of sleeping during that night in Israel.

    You definitely want to check with your cell phone provider about international phone and data use. You might be able to buy a prepaid SIM card once you arrive in Israel to use but it will depend on whether that SIM card will work with your phone (when we moved to Europe our American iphones, locked to American networks, would not work with local European SIM cards).

    Even the smallest of the races I've run in Europe had at least some English-speaking support/signage/etc. I'm sure in an event of this size language barrier won't be much of an issue.

    Have fun!!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. A couple of thoughts:

    I prefer to have a little local currency with me when I arrive. Then I know I can buy a Coke or some food or whatever, when I arrive without having to find an ATM first thing. Yea, the exchange rate you get won't be great beforehand, but it's a hassle thing.

    I've never really solved long flights. I usually bring my diary, and update this. Then an engaging book or two - it has to be easy reading (I read Chris Froome's book on my last big flight - it was terrific). When I get too tired to read, and after eating, I watch a movie. Late in the flight, I might stand for a while at the back of the plane, and chat with whoever is there if they are friendly. This is a good way to find out about good restaurants, or recommended things to do at your destination.

    I'd also bring any eye mask. If you can sleep, this can help. I usually have a fleece or something that I can use as a pillow if I have a window seat.

    I think you just have to accept the you will be tired when you arrive, and for the next few days, and roll with it. For me, eating at the same time as the destination (even on the plane) seems to help my body get in sync with the new time zone.

    All the best!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh girl I would love to answer all these questions and more - probably via email or maybe I should do a post about it. I moved to Geneva from NYC 18 months ago and have therefore dealt with all these things.

    1) Use WhatsApp. It's AMAZING! Download it in advance and learn hwo to ask for wifi in the language where you are. Almost every small cafe/shop has wifi over here, unlike the US. No shame in the asking game.

    2) You'll not have altitude so that will help you but jet lag has definitely affected me when I went back for US races. Wear compression pants/socks on fligth and after landing, give your body more rest than you typically would, DONT TOUR ALL OF THE CITY THE DAY BEFORE, and drink ALL the water. Do your best to get on schedule before you leave/via flight. Change your watch the day before to the local time and be a weirdo and sleep to that schedule. Bring ALL your own food for the flight.

    3) What is isotonic. Oh lord isotonic is a nasty powerade/gatorade drink that I can't stand. I would plan to carry water and all your own fuel. Fuel is way different over here and it varies in each country. It also isn't easy to find your favorite gels/etc in Europe so in Jerusalem it will be even more different.

    Be careful what you eat the day before as this along with the flight can affect your stomach. Running with the runs in a foreign country - no bueno.

    Email me any other questions (healthyhappierbear at gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great call on bringing my own fuel. My stomach is cranky anyway, don't want to give it something else to bitch about!! Geneva, WOW!

      Delete
  21. Bring throwaway socks (even better if they are thick) to wear on the plane. This way you can remove your shoes, sleep better, and make it to the toilet without putting back your shoes.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I know many comments encourage you to drink water on the plane, but I read somewhere that water on planes are gross and full of bacteria etc. So it's better you drink something opened from a can or bottle. But then the argument of that is that fizzy drinks or alcohol could dehydrate you. Just something to keep in mind :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Yahoo messenger worked extremely well for us when I traveled to London. It has video capability so as long as you have internet access, you can use it. We put it on our phones and downloaded it to our computers without any fuss and it worked well.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I went to Israel about three summers ago and had an amazing experience. I rented an international cell phone for the 10 days I was there and had service just about everyone, there was also a decent amount of places with Wifi.
    I left NYC late on a Monday morning and arrived in Tel Aviv mid morning on Tuesday, stayed up all of Tuesday, and slept like a rock Tuesday night when I went to sleep. I highly recommend this if it will work with the race schedule. Bring some dramamine or something just in case, I ended up getting antsy on the flight home and was glad that I had some to take.

    I would definitely bring your own bottle or hydration pack and fill it with purchased water. I drank bottled water the whole trip.

    Also, I don't know if this is normal or I just have bad luck - but a lot of the public restrooms don't have TP or soap, so I stocked up on a lot of Purell and mini-Kleenex packs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great advice. I will likely be doing the same kind of flight - leave Monday mid day, arrive Tuesday. Also thanks for the tip on the Purell and Kleenex.

      Delete
  25. WhatsApp has been recommended by several people here and it really is a really great for staying in touch! Can only be used with wifi though.

    I'd recommend bringing your own water on the race as you will be dehydrated from the travel and may need to replenish more often than usual.

    Bring your race gear as carry on in case your checked bag goes missing.

    Try to limit the amount of site seeing and walking around on the day before the race. Stay in your room and rest your legs.

    Eat eggs instead of falafel. I beat you remember how great Israeli breakfasts are!

    Have a great time without your family! It'll be good for all of you. Best of luck with the race.

    ReplyDelete
  26. My brother swears by the Viber app for making free calls anywhere - the catch is that the other person has to have Viber too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We used Viber when my friend was in Vietnam last year. We both downloaded the app and she could send pictures, texts, and call at no charge. It was great!

      Delete
  27. I would also focos on rest before the big day. It's easy to get carried away with all the sights and sounds and find yourself tired out later. I have been guily of doing this. There will be loads of time for - albeit shuffling? - checking the city out once yo're done running. I'm looking forward to your recap already !! :) Rache

    ReplyDelete
  28. I would drink bottled water during travel and for the duration of your trip. Also if you have a sensitive stomach avoid ice, fruits and veggies that are mostly water for the first few days of your trip. As for jet lag: I set my watch to the local time when I board the plane and I try to follow that time zone from that point on. Pack extra meal replacement bars because your stomach won't fall for that trick and you might be hungry at strange times. Good luck and have fun.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Definitely try to sleep on the plane as much as possible. Then, get on the local time as quickly as you can. Make yourself sleep. BRING EARPLUGS for sleeping on the plane. I can do without the mask, but I need earplugs for the long overseas flights. Some people also like to take melatonin. I haven't tried that yet though.

    I would bring my own water for the race. But that's a lot of water to carry for a marathon. You've had issues with water at races before… I'm sure they are looking after the utmost safety of the participants but I would try to carry as much water as you can.

    And FaceTime and Skype are my go to for getting in touch with family and friends when I'm overseas.

    Good luck! I'll be thinking good thoughts for you! You got this. And afterwards, you have crossed it off your list and you never, ever have to do it again! (That's how I got myself through the half marathon last weekend that was run IN THE COLDEST DAY OF THE WINTER, it was -47!!). Cray.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I've run this race (the half) before -- don't worry too much about it! You don't have to carry your own water, there was plenty. Isotonic drink is the equivalent of Gatorade. And I didn't do the full, but I did notice the food table when our course intersected theirs -- it looked like mostly fruit (oranges and bananas).

    It's an awesome race and a great experience, savor every second of it!! I'm jealous.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I have traveled much around Asia and Whatsapp is the way to go. I don't know why Americans have not caught on to its use. Turn your data roaming off. I have never been charged for Whatsapp on wifi.

    I have not seen advice on race day routine. Bring your own gel and energy bar. If you drink a certain coffee or tea when you wake up race day, bring that. I even bring my own sugar! You want race day routine to remain intact even though you are not in same country.

    As for isotonic drinks, I live in Singapore and isotonic drinks means sports drinks. I don't know what brands are available in Isarael but if you see Pocari Sweat or 100 Plus, they are yummy. Stay away from the fizzy isotonic drinks if you are not used to it, You could go the local stores and try a few before race day and see what you like.

    Don't forget to pack a light bag for your baggage check in on race day. I just checked the weather and it looks like humidity is almost to 90%. Bring pair of flip flops to wear after the race. I sweat so much in high humidity that I can't wait to take my shoes and socks off after a race.

    Best of luck and enjoy!!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Most advice is already given. Her is mine. Take extra vitamins and iron and take your own sport gels. If prefer to run in a cycling shirt as it has pockets on the back so it is easy to carry things. Take some water or fluid with you so that you are not depended on the water supplies from the race. You know when you are thirsty. If you do not like the sport drinks you can mix them with cold tea as it tastes than less sweet. Good luck and a lot of fun.

    ReplyDelete
  33. WhatsApp is how I talk to people who live in other countries. It's a texting app that uses wifi to transmit messages. Fun fact: it's also the most secure messaging service out there, at least to my knowledge. Take that, NSA! iMessage works the same way, but you'll miss some texts and won't receive website links via text.

    Good luck! Can't wait for the recap.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Use Viber, you can phone for free when on wifi, my sister was able to phone home to the UK for free from China & Pakistan

    ReplyDelete
  35. Get some Diazipan or a muscle relaxant for the right cheek and airplane. I find standing is easier on my cronic ass pain--sitting makes mine worse. Take an aisle seat on the plane so you can get up and move around. Go to your phone company and get the international package added to your phone. For Verizon, its 50cents per text to send and a nickel to receive plus a monthly fee that you have to cancel once you get back. I've also tried the jetpack mobile wifi that works once in awhile. Exchange money at the airport (at least in Italy, they had a better rate than exchanging money here). Call your credit card company and tell them where you are going so they don't cut you off thinking the card is stolen. I also have a international credit card--United Chase and AMEX that don't charge any international exhange fees when using the cards. Also Europe, I don't know about the middle east, but sometimes they require you to have an EMV credit card--one with a chip. Although I didn't have any problems using mine that didn't have one. Take extra camera cards and maybe a portable charger. Have fun and Good Luck!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Adjust to the time zone by having your meals at the appropriate local time.

    When going east I like to stay up late and go to bed at the local bedtime as well. While going west I do the opposite. This may not be the best strategy for you: depends on how much sleep you normally require / how cranky you get when tired.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Forgot this: put any gels you bring with your other liquids for airport security. If you want big waters or Gatorades, buy them at the airport after you have been screened.

      Delete
  37. There is a free app called "Viber" I think; that is free international texting as long as you are connected to wifi....good luck and have a great trip.
    Paria www.momontherunsanity.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Okay, here's mine.
    I never ever fly without a blanket of some sort. And they make some really thin ones you can roll up super tiny. I get incredibly cold on flights. That's a long flight if you're going to be cold, I don't care where you're ending up. The flight for me is always freezing and sometimes they don't offer blankets. I carry my own.
    And two: I work in a bank. Please notify your bank where you are traveling. You don't want your cards frozen at the moment of emergency because you didn't tell them where you were going.

    I'm so excited for you! Jealous. Excited. Can't wait to read about it.What an awesome experience.

    ReplyDelete
  39. In care no one mentioned it, wear your compression socks got your flights! :) An eye mask and ear plugs will help make your flight more peaceful too. Good luck and have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I don't really have any good advice but I am soooo excited for you and stoked to hear all about your adventure! What an amazing opportunity. Have fun and good luck. I'll be waiting patiently for your next posts. :D

    ReplyDelete
  41. I'm assuming everyone probably covered the list, but I didn't read the whole thing so I'm going to pretend like I have something new to add. My go to's for travelling, especially on long flights:
    --neck pillow (my head always flops over and my neck and shoulders get tight. I am, without a doubt, the ugliest sleeper in the world so I pretend this gives me a little bit of dignity back)
    --eyedrops and chapstick (because the air is so freaking dry on the plane you can practically see the moisture getting leeched from your body)
    --hair tie/bobby pins (because I can't stand having dry, staticky hair stuck to my face)
    --cozy sweatshirt and socks (the paparazzi aren't chasing me, so damnit I'm gonna be comfortable)
    --headphones (even if I'm not listening to music. I'm kind of antisocial and don't like to talk to the people next to me so headphones are a great deterrent)
    --empty water bottle/Nalgene (fill it up after you get through security. I don't know what the point is to the tiny cups the airlines serve you in flight...I have to have at least 1 liter of water with me at all times)
    --snacks (because heaven forbid I go more than a few hours without eating)
    --entertainment, usually a book (just in case it makes me more than 5 minutes to fall asleep after sitting down...)

    I'm so excited to hear how the race goes! I'm sure you will do well!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. Everyone has pretty much said what I was going to say--
    --Notify your banks, and yes I would get a small amount of the local currency before traveling. Even though I had done all sorts of bank notification before I traveled overseas last fall, I still had trouble with my ATM card(!) and was glad that I had enough cash on hand and it wasn't an emergency to get that settled.
    --We used What's App with great success---just don't forget to tell your family members to download it too (and make sure they do it!)
    --Make a copy of the front page of your passport and keep a copy of the address of the closest US Embassy in the folder with all of your travel documents.
    --In flight entertainment has gotten pretty damn good over the past few years. I usually find tons to stay occupied, but when traveling east I do try as hard as possible to get on the new time zone right away to minimize the zombie feeling when I land. I might be tired, but at least I'll be functional.

    Have a WONDERFUL time! What an amazing, amazing experience :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great reminder - I had forgotten about making a photo copy of my passport!!

      Delete
    2. Super smart. Yes. And don't keep it in the same place. LOL
      I NEVER go anywhere without at least two ways to pay for something. i.e.: two credit cards. So yep...I would definitely have the cash but I would also have two cards, if one of them is your local bank, I would try to make the other your major credit card. Notify both. You never know. Our major credit card blocked my husband from getting gas in Nebraska. My local credit union allowed purchases I made in the Virgin Islands an I forgot to notify them. So you never know who is going to work.

      Delete
  43. OMG, I'm so glad you posted this! I'm going to read through all the comments and take notes. You & I are in the same boat. I've never been away from my husband and kids for more than 3 days either. And this will be my first ever international flight. Oh, and the farthest I've ever traveled for a race is an hour from home. So many questions, so little time. But I'm so excited!!!! Can't wait to meet you! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You too Sharon!! We are going to have a blast navigating all of the adventures. See you in Jerusalem...have a good flight!

      Delete
  44. I've got no tips for the overseas marathon, but Israel is wonderful. I haven't been in almost 20 years, but I love it there.
    when you're in tel aviv, if you find yourself in yafo (jaffa) do yourself a favor and eat at Abou Elafia http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g297749-d3473475-Reviews-Abou_Elafia-Jaffa_Tel_Aviv_Tel_Aviv_District.html
    you won't be sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  45. wrong abu lafia. THIS ONE is the one to go to. bakery, not resturant. You need your carbs! http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g297749-d7732641-Reviews-Said_El_Abu_Lafia_and_Sons-Jaffa_Tel_Aviv_Tel_Aviv_District.html

    ReplyDelete
  46. Not sure if anybody already posted this, but an isotonic drink probably means that it has a solute solution equivalent to that of your cells. (I just had a bio test on that today ... the joys of high school ;) )

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hi viewers i am Frankly Nelson, my best regards to you all that are reading my testimony on how i got my lotto winning number by Dr Lucky, am so happy and great-full to you Dr Lucky to you and the magic you have done to me that makes me win millions of dollars in lottery. I would like to say,-Thank you. I was on the edge of losing my house and so many things around me, so I asked a spell from you, so that I will be able to save my house and come up with payment options. He help me with his magic voodoo spell power and i win 100,000.00 $ all thinks goes to great powerful and wonderful magic voodoo spell caster called Dr Lucky for what you have just done for me. Sure enough,-what I asked for. You have proven over and over again, that you are the best voodoo spell caster. any body out here that is in need of these also reading to have a good testimony like me you just have to contact Dr Lucky on these email drluckysolutionspelltemple@yahoo.com or drlucky1solutionspelltemple@gmail.com for you to also get the winning number and make you own testimony,you have to hurry and get in touch with the spell caster,so that he can help you with hes magic voodoo power to make you win the lottery. Email him drlucky1solutionspelltemple@gmail.com or drluckysolutionspelltemple@yahoo.com contact number +2348159645330 Thanks again viewers good-luck to you all .

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hello viewers my name is Frankly Lanky, I want to use this great opportunity to thank DR Ose for helping me to win the lottery jackpot, I have been playing lottery for the past 7years now and the only big money i have ever won was 6000$ ever since then i have not been able to win again and i was so upset and i need help to win the lottery jackpot, so i decided to go to inter-nite to seek for a solution and i got a friend called David Lisa testifying about the goodness of these man called Dr Ose how he help him and he introduce me to Dr Ose, there i saw so many good talk about this man called Dr Ose of how he have cast spell for so many people to win there lottery. I contact him also and tell him i want to win a lottery he cast a spell for me which i use and i play and won 75million GBPS.I am so grateful to this man just in case you also need him to help you win,you can contact him via email: drosesolutionspelltemple@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. You’ve written nice post, I am gonna bookmark this page, thanks for info. I actually appreciate your own position and I will be sure to come back here.
    Facebook Lite | Baixar Facebook | whatsapp baixar
    Score Hero | Outlook Entrar

    ReplyDelete