Before I go to a Half Marathon, 10K, or even a 5K, I get a little nervous before hand. One of the ways that I help myself keep calm is to follow a check list to make sure I have thought about everything and I don’t have to keep second guessing myself. This is particularly important when it comes to a half marathon, because it is a bigger day that doesn’t lend itself to just accepting that I have forgotten something and just dealing with it.
So, I have a checklist in my iPhone that helps me pack the same thing every time. The checklist looks like this:
1. Race Bag: I like to pack a backpack for Monica to give me at the finish line. This backpack includes a sweat shirt and long running pants. Many races are in the cooler months and in the early morning, so when I am done, my body begins to cool down and the extra clothing helps me not get to cold. I also pack a towel to wipe my face. I pack a little snack—granola bar, a cliff bar, or even a bagel. You never know what kind of food will be available at the end so it’s good to have some staples waiting. I also like to pack a change of socks for the ride home.
2. Cooler: Sometimes this is a frozen lunch bag—but enough to carry a bottle of Gatorade and a bottle of Chocolate Milk. Again, I never trust what I might find at the end of the race.
3. Race Bib: I make sure I triple check this—sometimes I attach it or place in my truck the night before. This is my worst nightmare to leave this behind and not be able to race.
4. Timing Chip: Sometimes the timing chip is attached to the shoe, so I want to make sure I remember this as well.
5. Sunscreen: I take this with me in the car and apply it before I go line up.
6. Running Belt: This belt holds my gels and my phone.
7. Gels: I like to pack Powergel packets in my running belt. I usually pack one for 20 minutes before the race and one for every five miles I will run. So, for a half marathon, I like to have 3 gels. I pack them, because race organizers may not have what I want.
8. Eat Breakfast: My breakfast is usually a bagel with peanut butter. If I get busy and forget to eat, I will get hungry half way through and I start to run out of energy.
9. Review Route Map: I want to have a good picture of the route in my head so I can anticipate what is ahead and wear the turns are.
10. Charge Phone: I put my iPhone in the Running Belt. The GPS allows Monica to track me on the course. I also like the security of being able to call, if I ever needed it. It doesn’t work if it is not charged, I make sure I charge it. This is also a reminder for me to take it with me.
11. Sports Watch: I make sure I put my watch on the checklist, because it is very easy to run out the door without it. I have been using a simple stopwatch and I can track my pace by using the simple formula of a ten minute mile—if I am going fast then I simply adjust my math—which has the added benefit of keeping my mind busy.
12. Bottle of Water: I take a bottle of water with me to the starting line. I want to get as much hydration before as I can. I sip only and I make sure I have visited the latrine before I go to the starting corrals.
Once I have gone through each of these items, I am ready for the race. I may add some stuff to make me feel better—but if I have packed all of this list, then I feel ready for the race. I hope this helps you prepare for yours.