Checklist for an International Race

The last thing you want to happen on the eve of your international race is this: You’re laying out all your gear at the hotel room only to discover that you’ve left one or two items behind. Gasp!  It could be something as vital as your lucky underwear (horror!) or as tiny as a nail cutter. But, big or small, all these little things matter if you want to perform well on race day.

Here’s my own checklist for my Singapore trip. Feel free to edit as you wish.  (Last year, I left behind the keys to my luggage. I don’t think you’ll make a mistake as dumb as that one!)

TBR INTERNATIONAL RACE ITEM CHECKLIST

1. top: still deciding!
2. bottom: CW-X compression tights
3. running shoes: Nike Lunar Glides
4. underwear
5. socks: Wrightsocks or Nike
6. insoles: Spenco orthotics full
7. mp3: iPod shuffle
8. watch: Garmin 310XT
9. HRM
10. cap
11. extra set of apparel for changing
12. post-race slippers: Betula (note that in Singapore you’ll walk back to your hotel!)
13. water belt: amphipod
14. gels: Hammer (espresso)
15. hydration: Gatorade endurance powder
16. cellphone: Samsung B2100 (it’s waterproof!)
17. Body Glide
18. shades: Optic Nerve
19. hair accessories: no slip rubber bands
20. small towel (can “borrow” from the hotel)
21. small pack of tissue
22. Printed Singapore registration form
23. small bag for check in at race (with nametag)
24. camera, extra batteries
25. anti-inflammatories
26. Fern-C
27. Berocca
28. Caltrate
29. Glucosamine
30. Neosporin – what I use on blisters or chafing
31. nail cutter
32. shaver
33. needle to pop blisters (sorry gross!)
34. tape
35. bandaid
36. powder (for my foot to prevent blisters)
37. coffee (I stick to my own brand and try not to experiment with what hotel provides)
38. food: Nature valley bars, graham crackers, pretzels
39. detergent (to wash race clothes in)
40. plastic to hold wet race clothes
41. small plastic for ipod
42. large ziplock for ice