I don’t travel a lot for races, mostly because 1) I’m cheap and, 2) Colorado is a RACE MECCA from April until October, so why go anywhere else?
Since I started running three years ago, I’ve only traveled for:
- Rock ‘n Roll Phoenix Marathon 1/2009
- Hood to Coast Relay 8/2009
- Boston Marathon 4/2011
I’ve got to admit, travelling for races kind of stresses me out. There is too much opportunity to forget stuff. Plus, I like sleeping in my own bed the night before a race and using my own shitter. That’s just me. Control issues!
The other issue is (reference above) I am cheap, so I don't like to check a bag. This means I have to find a way to fit everything into a small carry on bag. I also need to prepare to fight for the overhead space on the plane, usually by spewing trash about there being a bomb in my bag and a gun in my purse. By far the worst thing about carry on bags is figuring out how to not bring more than 3 oz of any liquid. Pain in the ass! Especially because I like to carry a fifth of vodka and lots of Maalox.
I leave for Vegas in the morning. Did I tell you I was going? And, that I refuel with chocolate milk? Sorry if I repeat myself, but it’s the truth.
There are certain necessities that I cannot forget when traveling for a race. Anything else I can buy or steal.
Various cords and chargers:
New netbook (4 gig, 11.6” Acer):
Grape flavored scratch ‘n sniff shoes:
Favorite down coat:
That can be transformed to this (best invention ever):
Snacks/gels and throwaway blanket (that I secretly don’t want to throw away. $3.50 at Walgreens):
Outfit:
Other essentials not pictured: iPod, earplugs, slippers, phone, magazines, book, bathing suit, Xanax for flight, glasses, Motrin.
What can’t you live without when you travel?
Do you usually carry on or check bags?
How often do you travel way out of town for races?
See you in Vegas, baby!
SUAR
