What am I Forgetting?

Ready-Set-Pack!

I feel like I'm getting ready to go on vacation, yet I'm only traveling one half hour away from my house. I'm talking about getting ready for the marathon (as if you didn't know that). I've been planning what I'm going to wear, what I'm going to eat, what I'm going to carry on my body during the race, and even which hair elastics I'm going to use.

Normally, I'm not a planner but when it comes to getting ready for certain things (ie. work, trips, and long runs) I like to be ready ahead of time. I have found that it cuts back on my stress level in the early morning rush. The more unknown a situation is for me, the earlier I start getting ready.

It's only Thursday, but I am as ready as I can be for now. Here are the items I have ready to go right now...

Backpack Essentials


  1. Trader Joe's Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans in case I can't find coffee somewhere
  2. Electrolyte water from Trader Joe's
  3. Knee brace
  4. Face Sunscreen... SPF 50
  5. Glide, of course
  6. The Stick
  7. GU Chomps... just in case
  8. Myoplex Chocolate Crunch Protein Bar for after the race
  9. Nathan Body Wipes
  10. Toilet wipes (so I don't have to use my sock)
  11. Lysol Spray for the port 'o potty (see... I was serious about that, folks!)

Where's Waldo Sara?
And, just in case you're going to be in the marathon, waiting at the finish line, or watching the live feed of the finish on the web and you want to look for me... this is what I will be wearing:


  1. Pink Shirt
  2. Pink Hat
  3. Gray Run Skirt
  4. Pink & White Socks
  5. Blue and White Shoes
  6. Sunglasses
  7. Bright yellow marathon belt
  8. Watch (so I know when to run:walk)
  9. Pink Road ID (in case I keel over on the side of the road)
  10. iPod (fits in a nifty little pocket in the shorts attached to the skirt)

Good Thing the Belt Stretches!


  1. My Phone (so I can take pictures and call my husband if I need to)
  2. Strawberry scented lip balm with SPF 15
  3. Chocolate Accel Gel
  4. Toilet wipes (in case... well, you know)

Just as when I pack for any type of trip, I feel like I've forgotten something. For those of you who have done this before, am I forgetting anything I'm going to need?

By the Way...

I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!

Comments

Aka Alice said…
You are sooooooo ready.

Is one gel enough?

The expresso beans are perfect!

Have fun. Glad you posted your outfit. We'll be looking for you.

Do you have a pace estimate?
Melanie Tait said…
How exciting! Love that you and Alice get to meet up!

A couple of questions: what is the glide and the stick?

And do your legs get chaffed running for so long in a SKIRT? At this stage it would be like hell for me to run around the block in a skirt...

But when you've been running ages, is it all about the skirt? I'll live in hope...
Anonymous said…
Do you have enough fuel for the race? Have such a great time. You are going to do awesome!
Black Knight said…
I am with you! I know how beautiful are these moments. Good luck on the marathon and let us know EVERYTHING of it. Enjoy the atmosphere and ... run!
Unknown said…
money, credit card, ID for backpack?

I run wiht a hydration belt, so that seems missing to me.

But you look prepared. And super cute outfit!
Sarah Jane said…
You are so well prepared!! I love it!

If it were me, I'd bring more Gu - I usually take 2 during a half marathon...or will there be Gu stops along the way? Do you have a bomber belt for H20 and Gatorade?

PS - Tell me about running in a skirt. Is it just a super-cute fashion statement or is it helpful too?

I'm so excited for you!!
RunToTheFinish said…
oh cuteness on the outfit! I think I'll be in a bright pink long sleeve.. geeeze I really can't wait to finish packing after work..LET TODAY BE OVER
OK where did you get the roller? I saw one of those at my 1/2 and was TOTALLY jealous of the girl using it, who won the 1/2 by the way.

LOVE the outfit, matchy matchy!! You look like you have everything, but what do I know?

Chocolate? I am really amazed that anyone can have chocolate during a race, but maybe I am just too plain.

Wishing you all the best, good leg vibes, good weather vibes, etc.. You will be GREAT!!!!!!!

(Thought I would use a lot of exclamation points as I know how you love them so)
Patrick said…
You are well prepared.

I need you to help me prepare for my next race. You think of everything!

I am thinking about you this weekend-- and wishing you the best!
MCM Mama said…
I always make sure I have $5 in my belt (and my id since I don't have a roadID). Will they provide a lot of food support (and have you tried what they'll have)? If not, I'd throw in another gel. Otherwise, lookin' good.

Good luck this weekend!
Glenn Jones said…
Best of luck Sara!

My only comment are the same as a couple above. You should count on one Gu an hour, so probably 4 would be appropriate. Last year they passed our Power Bar Gel, but only at mile 18. There was Accelerade a some of the water stops (but you need to be able to stomach the stuff). Also, I'd put the cell phone in my backpack and leave that at the bag drop.

Don't stress about the bag drop. You'll see that the organizers really have it down pat. Just drop off in the AM, and then look for the UPS trucks when you are done (can't miss them). Everything is done by your race bib.

Looks like the marine layer is nice and thick. Have fun! Wish I could be there!
Sarah said…
Wow...you are so well prepared! I love that you carry your own little Lysol!

Your outfit looks great...love all the pink!
Felice Devine said…
YAY!!! Good luck and have lots of fun!!!
Mel-2nd Chances said…
I'm excited for you!! Good luck and have fun! Looking forward to hearing all about it!
Anonymous said…
I think this is the best prepared race bag I have ever seen in my life!

Have a super race, Sara. Can't wait to hear all about it.
Irene said…
You ARE so ready!

It was fun meeting you and your adorable son today! Just in case I don't see you, have a wonderful and fun race on Sunday!
robison52 said…
I don't think our troops invading Normandy during D-Day had carried so much stuff! The more marathons you race the less you'll find the need to carry.

Popular posts from this blog

A Few of my Favorite Things Giveaway & Happy Blog Birthday!

There's GOT to be a Better Way-- Part II

My Marathon