Thursday, August 8, 2013

Disneyland Half: Packing List & Tips


As part of my race/vacation preparation, I compile a packing list. I start months in advance and add to it as I remember things. Why such a detailed list? Let me tell you a funny story...

Our first runDisney trip, my husband forgot his fuel belt. Thank goodness for the expo! Our second race we were traveling separately and I was leaving a few days before him. As a precaution, I took all of his running gear with me, so he wouldn't have to remember as much (and if I forgot something, he could grab it). Pretty sure the TSA guy gave me the side eye when he saw I had men's size 12 shoes in my bag. Haha. Anyway, a good list *should* help me not forget anything, right?

With 3 weeks before I need to have my bags packed and ready, I've already started packing and putting things aside for the trip. 

For runDisney trips, my list is broken down into 4 main parts: running stuff, regular clothes, toiletries, and Disney/misc items. I'll just share the running and Disney portions of my list as I'm sure you can handle the rest. :) 

Running Clothes
- shoes
- tops (tank top & short sleeve, just in case)
- bottoms
- socks
- sports bras
- arm sleeves
- running costumes and accessories
- compression sleeves/tights/socks for recovery
- cheap blanket/sweatshirt for before the race, but to toss after it starts

* If you are participating in the Dumbo Double Dare, don't forget to pack two of everything! Shoes, too, if you can. You never know what might happen on your first leg of the challenge (puddles, water station mishaps, Grizzly River Run, etc).

Other Running Items
- running waivers (you can print them at the expo, but that means less time for shopping) 
- fuel belts
- Garmin or other pacing device & charger
- sports bra iphone holder (for me)
- iphone arm band (for my husband)
- ear buds
- safety pins (just in case your race packet doesn't have them/they get lost)
- travel kleenex (never know about those port-o-potties...)- hair ties/bobby pins
- sunscreen & Chapstick
- deodorant
- sunglasses/hat/visor
- Motrin/aspirin 
- band aids for blisters
- KT Tape/brace/stability item, if you need it
- foam roller/tennis ball, etc for stretching
- Road ID
- pace chart
- proof-of-time from a more recent race if you want to change corrals (this will not apply to any 2014 races as proof of time requirements have changed)

Food
- breakfast items (raisin English muffins, peanut butter & bananas)
- race fuel (I use Clif Shot Bloks)
- hydration drinks (Gatorade, Powerade, Nuun, etc)
- recovery food for post race

Misc & Disney Items 
- travel documents (flight/hotel confirmations, park tickets, gift cards, etc)
- Disney Visa (if you have one)
- chargers (phone & camera)
- camera
Disneyland Shirt Tote Bag (for the expo)
- Ear hats/other Disney attire you like to wear at the parks

Packing Tips:

When I fly, I try to get away with taking just a carry on bag. It can be a pain when you have to go through security, but if you've got everything organized and ready to go (like your bag of 3oz or smaller liquid items packed in an easily accessible place), it can be a breeze.


I'll be packing all of my stuff into my new Vera Bradley bag. Can't wait to take it on its inaugural trip to Disneyland. :) 
-In the event that TSA feels the need to search my bag, I'd prefer that my "unmentionables" weren't being manhandled and tossed about. I have a little fabric pouch, but you can keep them all together in a Ziploc bag.

-When packing your running clothes, lay our your entire outfit (including fuel belts!), just like you would the night before race day, to ensure you have everything. 

-Since I'm going the "carry-on only" route, my running shoes will be in my bag, too. You can keep them off your clean clothes with a shopping or grocery bag. I have another zippered pouch (can you tell I got bored one day?).

-If you are flying, pack your essential running gear in your carry-on. It may be a pain to lug around, but you will be thanking your lucky stars if your luggage gets lost. Don't want to break in brand new shoes/clothes on race day. :)

If you made it this far, here's a special SURPRISE for you! I'm hosting my first giveaway on my blog tomorrow. Be sure to stop by to check it out! :) 


Did I miss anything from my list? Let me know in the comments! :)   

6 comments:

  1. Very thorough list! Can't wait to see what you will be giving away :)

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    1. I've never used rafflecopter, so I hope it goes smoothly! :)

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  2. That zipper bag for your shoes is TOO CUTE! What a great idea!

    I'm the same as you, I've had my packing list done for months and I periodically open it up and make adjustments. I also make a schedule for each day of the trip that lists the park hours, meet-ups I may be going to that day and if there is anything of note that I should not miss. I also have a restaurant list for all the venues (DL, CA, DD and hotels) just incase we are at an impasse on what we want to eat, we can always check the restaurant list and see if there is somewhere else that we want to go.

    I need to get my luggage down and ready, can't believe it's close to packing time already!?!

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    1. I used to use plastic bags for my shoes, but I figured why not make something fun? :) Great idea to write down the park hours and places to eat!

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  3. LOVE your Vera Bradley weekender! I'm in a debate over the laptop booksack or the weekender (as a bday present)...we will see what my husband comes up with. I like your list...that shoe bag is SO cute, too!

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    1. All of them are great! I hope you blog about it when you get it. :)

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