I Forgot My Race Bib!
Does anyone have extra safety pins? If you’ve ever participated in a race you’ve probably heard that question before. It’s so easy to forget race gear items when you’re in a hurry. Let’s face it; race mornings are hectic so it’s a good idea to have a race gear checklist so that you’re ready to run. The most obvious items to remember are probably the items you’ll leave home without. Put your bib, registration and safety pins on your list. Add shoes to your list! Believe it or not, runners have forgotten their shoes!
Prepare your race gear the night before the race!
I’m naturally unorganized so it’s essential for me to do a couple of things. First, I try to store all of my gear used for a race or a long run in one place. I don’t use anything fancy just a plastic storage container. I will even keep my checklist in the container. If you do forget something that you really wish you had remembered, update your list so you’re ready for your next race. Second, I lay out all of the items I need the night before the race so I’m ready to go in the morning.
Consider these 29 items for your summer race gear checklist:
- Gym Bag
- Race Bib
- Pins
- Timing Chip if separate from race bib
- Identification, emergency contact information, registration and /or necessary paperwork for the race event.
- Shoes
- Socks
- Compression garments
- Bottoms: running leggings, capris, or shorts, and appropriate undergarments
- Sports bra
- Tops: Cami, tank or singlet
- Arm sleeves or long sleeve layer
- Headwear: headbands, hat or visor
- Hair items: clips, bands, pins
- Sunglasses
- Armband, Spibelt or Flipbelt for phone etc.
- I-phone or technology with updated playlist fully charged
- Earbuds
- Medication
- Watch fully charged for keeping track of pace, distance etc.
- Body Glide (anti-friction product)
- Deodorant
- Nutrition (Sport Beans, GU, etc.)
- Hydration and additives
- Water bottle (hand or hip)
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Tissues
- Disposable poncho or garbage bag for pre-race rain
- Mission cooling towel
For use after the race you may also want to add:
Blender bottle and recovery drink mix
Ziplock bag with dryer sheet to transport sweaty running clothes
Bath wipes
Band-Aids
Chargers for technology: watches and phones.
There are so many items to consider. What’s on your list?
Here’s to finding your style,
Kim
