It’s almost here! My last long run is done, and I’m officially in taper mode for my half marathon on September 14th. I can finally see the race day weather prediction on my 10 day forecast. This is truly excellent, because I’ve been looking for a new hobby recently. Now that I’m tapering down on my runs, I spend most of my time sitting on the couch eating chocolates while the kids play quietly together. Repeatedly hitting refresh on the weather channel app will be a much needed respite from this monotony of relaxation.
I’m traveling for the half marathon, it’s a mini “race-cation” (whoever coined that term is so awesome, but I can’t give them credit because it took off and you now see it everywhere). I’m running the Diva’s Half Marathon in wine country, Virginia (near Leesburg)… the day before I turn 30. (Which is not as big a deal as running 13.1 for the first time, see my brilliant planning here?!)
Greg and I are flying from Boston to Dulles on Friday the 13th, and then I run the race Saturday morning and fly back Sunday morning. We’ve never left the kids for a weekend without us! I’m nervous, but very lucky to have my parents who were willing to come into town for my birthday on Sunday and to take care of the kids. I’m still a little nervous that the boys will miss me, but I know they’re in good hands.
Let me tell you a little about my personality:
I like routines, being prepared and structure. I do not like surprises, feeling unprepared, or spontaneity.
Guess what this means for my race-cation packing?
I ordered a running bag almost a month ago, and have been printing and double checking reservations, directions, race information, parking information, etc. I am looking into carry on restrictions so I can bring my Gu and body glide in my carry-on bag, not because I think they’ll lose my luggage, but because I know I’ll spend the flight trying to plan for where I’m going to go buy replacements for all my running gear when I land 13 hours before the race, despite knowing they’re not going to lose my luggage.
It’s funny to do something not because you think it’s the logical and best thing to do, but because you know it’s the best thing for YOU to do because some personality flaw means you won’t relax if you don’t do it that way.
And hey, they do sometimes lose luggage, and my personality of preparedness has saved me a lot of hassle in the past. Guess who had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich when we were stuck on the tarmac for two hours coming home from Atlanta once? This girl. Right here. Even though it wasn’t a meal time flight.
I’ll be sure to leave my parents a totally unnecessary checklist about the kids’ bedtime routine before we leave for the weekend, too. I mean, it’s not like they raised three kids. They probably would forget that the kids sleep in pajamas, brush their teeth and have stories. It’s a pretty out-there bedtime routine. (Also, Will would happily remind them if they missed something. They’ll know if they try to give him Andrew’s toothbrush. Promise.)
As I finalize my packing list, I’ll post something here for other race-cationers to reference! (Or laugh at… you know, because I’m probably bringing two pairs of running shoes even though I have no intention of wearing the second.)
Other posts you may enjoy:
Using Removable Chalkboards for Running Motivation
That’s a great idea to pack all of your race gear in your carry on bag! When we flew to Disney for the Princess Half Marathon I did that and thank goodness because they lost my moms suitcase! It was a great reminder to me to *always* do that! You sound like you’ve got everything planned and you’ll be good to go! Best of luck 🙂
Karen @karenlovestorun
Yikes! See, I knew I wasn’t completely crazy. I’ll feel better not letting that purple bag out of my sight during our travels 🙂 No TSA reminders needed, thanks… that running gear will be over my shoulder at all times!
Good Luck!! I’ve enjoyed reading about your journey for your first half 🙂 I am also running my first half, but not until October. I can’t wait to read about your first 13.1 mile run!!
Thanks Tara! I’m kind of jealous, October is a cooler running month and you should have great weather for your half! I’m a little worried that mine will be warm. Have a wonderful race! I’ll be updating the blog on race day so if you’re super motivated you can check back and hear how I did right away 🙂
Thanks Kelly! I’m thinking that your race day will be Beautiful! 😉 I’m excited to read about someone else’s first right before my first!
Good luck! You are gonna do great!!!
Thanks Ivayla! Your vote of confidence will move me forward (something has to, right?!) 🙂
How exciting that the half is almost here! I’m just like you, a total manic planner, so even though my first half isn’t until November I’m already stressing about everything! There will be no travel involved for me, as I live within walking distance from the start line, but I’m already planning fuel, what type of songs I’ll listen to, what outfit I will wear, when to buy new sneakers so that they’re broken in enough… the list goes on! 🙂
That makes complete sense… I actually would have nightmares sometimes the night before my long runs, ABOUT the race day. I haven’t had any recently, thank goodness… but they were the typical dreams about sleeping through the start time, getting lost on the course (yeah right, it’s a HUGE race) etc. The more we plan, the better we feel!
Sounds like you are ready! 🙂 Can’t wait to hear how it goes. So exciting!
Thanks Amy! I hope I’m ready. Every time I want to stop running my fear is that I’ll think back to a long run that should have been longer, or a week when I should have had an extra three mile run… it’s hard not to!
You got this, Kelly! Think back to all of your hard work and training, good runs and bad runs, and enjoy the race! You deserve it! I am also very jealous that you are running the Divas Half in Leesburg…I tried to sign up, but it was sold out…I can’t wait to hear all about it!
Yeah I can’t believe it’s a sold out race! The biggest event I’ve ever run was about 800 runners… this will be an estimated 4,500. Corral? Huh? YIKES! Wish you were running it too, it would have been nice to travel the same road with a reader! (ie, I would have chased you for 13.1 miles… nifty.)
Have a great tume. I am 72 and have run 100+ half marathons with times between 1:26 and 3:15. I have also done 20 marathons with times between 3:21 and 4:54. I am registered for the Atlanta 13.1 and Athens(GA)half on October 6th and 20th. WHAT WORKS FOR ME: The best distance shoe by far IS Hoka. They are big out West with the ultra runners. Very cushy, like pillows on your feet. You can find the best price online. Search for ‘Boulder Running Company.’ Stay hydrated. Do NOT pass up a water stop if you want some gas in your tank at the end. Sports drinks like Gatorade are even better. Go out easy and don’t push it until you get to 10 miles, then give it your all for the last 3 if you still have anything. At my age I run the downhills hard and take it real easy, conserving energy, on the uphills. If you start feeling like crap at any point, walk until you feel better then build your momentum again.
-GOOD LUCK! 🙂
Hi! 72, and over 100 half marathons?!?! That’s amazing! I’m so honored to hear from someone who has loved running enough to dedicate so much of their life to it. That’s incredible, and I consider your advice valuable, and your running inspirational. Thank you for sharing your thoughts here with me and with everyone who reads my blog. I will definitely not be passing up any water stops.
Sounds like you might be from GA based on your upcoming races – I went to Emory University and loved my time in the South!
You’re awesome! Thank you 🙂
You sound like me with packing!
Good luck on your race!
Thanks! I will have to post once I’ve actually figured out what I’m putting in my carry-on, and we can pretend everyone wants to read about how many gu packets you can fit in the TSA approved quart size plastic bag with your body glide. It’ll be great.
‘It’s funny to do something not because you think it’s the logical and best thing to do, but because you know it’s the best thing for YOU to do because some personality flaw means you won’t relax if you don’t do it that way.’ This comment gives me very welcome validation 🙂 My husband is very logical (not quite Vulcan, but on the same path), and my actions sometimes defy (his) logic but they work for me and get me through things!! Love your running bag – I would also have taken my valuable running stuff as carry on. There’s enough other potential stressors heading into race day, so minimising stress any way you can is vital.
Hahahaha, I have a very logical husband as well. Luckily for me, that logic includes believing that I should absolutely do whatever would help me calm my pre-race nerves! He thought it was a great idea 🙂