For the weeks leading up until RTB:MA, we’ll have teammates from our blogger team, Team “OffBalance”, posting weekly about how they’re fitting in their training — whether it be with their other workouts or just a busy schedule.
Hello! My name is Monica and I blog at Run Eat Repeat. I run and eat from Southern California, but I’ll soon be headed to Boston for the Reach the Beach Relay as part of New Balance’s team “Off Balance”. I love traveling and I love running, but putting those two things together can make for a stressful trip!
I’ve done a lot of out of town races at this point and have a few tips to share if you’re headed out of town soon too.
Tips for Traveling to a Race:
1. In addition to your usual “Packing List” make a “Race List” to make sure you pack all the items you need to run. This should include everything from shoes and socks to extra safety pins in case you don’t get them at the expo.
I put my non-clothing running stuff in a big plastic baggie. It has things like my headphones and spibelt.
2. Print out your Race Confirmation before you travel. You probably won’t have access to a printer while you’re out of town and it’s helpful in case of registration mix-ups. Print it with your airline confirmations and keep them together.
3. Pack an extra plastic bag for all your sweaty post-run clothes. You don’t want drenched-in-sweat-gear to be touching valuables or clean clothes. This stuff makes everything it touches smell like a boy’s locker room. Sorry.
4. I didn’t remember to do it this time, but I often travel with dryer sheets in my shoes to help them from stinking up the rest of my stuff!
5. If you’re staying at a hotel make sure you have enough time to get back and shower before check out. I cut this way too close in Arizona!
6. Have Fun! Traveling and running are two of my favorite past-times. They should be enjoyed Don’t let a bad race ruin a good trip!!!
Reach The Beach Massachusetts (RTB:MA) 2012 is on Friday May 18 and Saturday May 19. Teams of 6 or 12 athletes run 200 miles across the state to arrive at the beautiful Cannon Beach for food, beer, medals and a lifetime of memories. ALL running abilities are welcome and catered for. Registration is no longer open but you can sign up for our New Hampshire or New Jersey races later in the year.
