packing list for marathon weekend

[RD-SOX]

So for all you Run Disney veterans what is on your packing list? Was there anything you wish you didn't forget? 41 days to go!!

 

[smeagol14]

Calf sleeves. i find they help me. Biofreeze, though you can get that at the race expo. but I like the spray. Gosh I could write a whole list

 

[bumbershoot]

Carryon:

bodyglide
calf sleeves because I like them and have used them before
shoes
two pairs of running socks
any undergarments I might need
what I'm running in
whatever I might need for my head (hat, ponytail holders, etc)
sportsbeans
clif shotbloks
mp3 player (fully charged) and headphones
garmin watch (fully charged)
ID to pick up bib etc at expo
credit card to buy things
cash just in case


Checked bag:

everything else for the trip

 

[FFigawi]

At a bare minimum, I bring:

Running top for each race
Running shorts for each race
Running socks for each race
Running shoes, two pairs
Garmin and charger
Sunglasses
Fuel belt
gels/bloks/beans
BodyGlide and Band-Aids
Hat
Throw away clothes for each race
T-shirts and sweats to go in my bag-check bag for after the finish
Compression socks for recovery

Other items to consider, weather forecast-dependent:
Jacket
Tights
Cold weather hat
Gloves
Long-sleeve running shirt(s)

 

[OldSlowGoofyGuy]

I won't repeat what is in others lists:

Cheap (2-3$) fleece blanket. Even if it's warm, this is great to have at the start. You can sit on it or use it as a privacy shield for last minute wardrobe adjustments.
Pocket-size BodyGlide to reapply during race
Trash bag for disposable rain gear
Toenail clippers

If you're driving:
Case of water
Sports drink
Cheap (compared to Disney) beer!
Breakfast items

 

[VAfamily1998]

running clothes appropriate for both hot and cold weather--I'll make the decision on what to wear after I'm down there

Trash bags to use as a throw away poncho (or a throw away poncho!) in case it is raining while waiting in the corrals

smaller plastic bags (like grocery bags) to wear over my shoes if it is raining in the corrals

Extra ponytail holders

fuel (Gu, sports beans, etc)

Small wad of tissues (I like to use the packaged toiletpaper you get in MREs) in case the porta potty is out of toilet paper

 

[derekleigh]

I'm flying from NH, well Maine to be exact, so I'm in the same boat! But this is the same list I used for all previous runDisney Race:

Carry-On
Race shirt, shorts, shoes
Compression sock (might actually be wearing these)
Compression shorts
2x pairs of cotton socks
Change of clothes (shirt, shoes, boxers, etc)
Body Glide
Running belt
GUs, Chews, etc
Signed Race Wavier
Wallet
Vacation paperwork
iPod
Phone
Charging cords
Park Passes

Check-In
Clothes
Shoes
Toiletry bag

 

[MeridaAndAngus]

Great lists! I'm a newbie (prepping for my second rD race), but I'll add that I like to pack a couple of wheat tortillas and individual peanut or almond butter packets. I like knowing that I have breakfast right there with me - one less thing to worry about first thing on race morning!

 

[Ariel484]

Great lists! I'm a newbie (prepping for my second rD race), but I'll add that I like to pack a couple of wheat tortillas and individual peanut or almond butter packets. I like knowing that I have breakfast right there with me - one less thing to worry about first thing on race morning!

I so agree with this!!

Thank you for asking about the packing, good thing to think about!!!

My list (repeating a lot of what has already been said):

For the expo (all of this will be in my carry-on bag):

- $$$...so Disney and the various vendors can take it
- The gold AP card so I can get a discount on the official merch
- My signed race waiver for bib and packet pick-up
- Related to above, my driver's license (though I guess I need that to actually fly to WDW anyway)
- Order confirmation for my Dooney & Bourke bag
- Print-out for the free art card I assume they will be offering

Race Stuff:

- shoes (one pair for the 5K and half, one pair for the 10K and marathon - going to start breaking these in the week of Christmas)
- Balega socks (4 pairs)
- running skirts (4)
- running bras (4)
- running tops (4)
- Garmin Forerunner 220 + charger
- Sweaty Bands (4)
- Running sunglasses
- Throwaway clothes, if needed - I have some set aside but almost always forget to bring them
- Sweat- and water-proof sunscreen
- Body Glide...!!!
- Race day breakfasts - Bruegger's bagels with peanut butter (Jif-to-go containers) + disposable plastic knives (4).
- Granola bars (?) to take with me to eat on the bus to the corrals (4)
- Disposable coffee cups with lids, along with my normal coffee mix-ins (4) so I can make coffee in the room and take it with me to the corrals
- A bottle of water for each race...drink in the staging area and toss it near the corrals (4)
- A few Ziploc sandwich baggies (see below)
- Some way to carry my phone during the race - I wish LifeProof would come out with iPhone 6+ cases already!!
- In my pockets during each race in a Ziploc baggie: some cash, an extra hair tie and a small packet of Kleenex.
- Honey Stinger Waffles - 2 for the half marathon, 3 for the marathon
- A grocery bag for the finish area, to carry all of the stuff they give you (banana, Powerade, water, snackbox, etc.) --> one item that I did not have at Wine & Dine that would have been REALLY nice
- Most importantly: THE POINT-AND-SHOOT CAMERA and CAMERA CHARGER. If I forget this, I'll weep.

Recovery:

- The Stick
- Possibly a tennis ball


In looking over this novel I have written it's possible that I am a little high-maintenance when it comes to these races ...and even with that huge list I feel like I am forgetting something!

 

[tri4life]

So for all you Run Disney veterans what is on your packing list? Was there anything you wish you didn't forget? 41 days to go!!

It depends on what race or races your doing? I read all these post that folks listed.......my lord they sure do bring a lot of crap! I did Dopey this year and I don't recall bringing that much stuff.
My Dopey weekend race kit:
2 pair of shoes
4 - 5 pair of your preferred sock brand
4 pair of running shorts & tops
Number belt
Hydration pack
Nutrition
Sunglasses and a couple visors
Small tube of sunscreen and small body glide that I throw in my hydration pack.
We're staying club level this so pre race food will be taken care of.
Don't over think when you pack and DON'T buy anything new at the expo to try and use for the races. That's how you ruin running at the happiest place on earth!

 

[bumbershoot]

I read all these post that folks listed.......my lord they sure do bring a lot of crap!....


We're staying club level this so pre race food will be taken care of.
Don't over think when you pack and DON'T buy anything new at the expo to try and use for the races. That's how you ruin running at the happiest place on earth!

I'm not seeing anything much different between your list and others. You've included more than one thing in one or two lines, though. You don't mention underclothing like some of us do. But not really that different. You don't use a running watch?

Will Club level be open before you leave for the run? If not you'll have to snag something ahead of time; similar to packing it. And for a sensitive stomach person like me, the idea of relying on Club to have exactly what I need and can handle is scary.

Although that's been my rule of thumb, I bought a hat at the Disneyland Half Expo and wore it, it worked great. Picked up running pants and brand new smartwool socks on Friday and a new running skirt to cover my rear on Saturday, and did the Seattle Half on Sunday, it worked fine. I also had my bib on my skirt, which is totally new for me, as was keeping things in my pockets instead of a belt. Also my first time running in something like 25 degree weather.

Sometimes ya just gotta do something new, and it doesn't always destroy your run. (but eating something new on the course for me, no, never!)

 

[Ariel484]

It depends on what race or races your doing? I read all these post that folks listed.......my lord they sure do bring a lot of crap! I did Dopey this year and I don't recall bringing that much stuff. My Dopey weekend race kit: 2 pair of shoes 4 - 5 pair of your preferred sock brand 4 pair of running shorts & tops Number belt Hydration pack Nutrition Sunglasses and a couple visors Small tube of sunscreen and small body glide that I throw in my hydration pack. We're staying club level this so pre race food will be taken care of. Don't over think when you pack and DON'T buy anything new at the expo to try and use for the races. That's how you ruin running at the happiest place on earth!

Hey, one person's crap is another person's essential item!

Is it a lot? Yes. But I'd rather be over-prepared. And there's no way I'm not bringing my own breakfast. Don't want to risk any GI issues on the course!!

 

[WDWFan06]

After my race during Marathon Weekend this year my toe was messed up. I had to buy medical tape in the gift shop which was so overpriced. Now I bring it for every race just in case. Just a suggestion.

 

[MeridaAndAngus]

After my race during Marathon Weekend this year my toe was messed up. I had to buy medical tape in the gift shop which was so overpriced. Now I bring it for every race just in case. Just a suggestion.

Good idea. I'm adding extra bandaids & antibiotic cream to my list for this race.

 

[RD-SOX]

We're staying club level this so pre race food will be taken care of.

I am also staying at club level but was told they wouldn't be open at that early time.... gosh I hope they are but will bring my breakfast just in case.

Great list guys!! Lots of great ideas I would have never thought of!!

 

[tri4life]

There should be some type of food out left out. I know that normally good is not out that early how ever during marathon weekend there usually is because they know we're up early as crap!
On the chance food is not out the general store has bagels and bananas. Breakfast of champions.
I do wear my Garmin but that's my everyday vacation watch anyways so I didn't count that as packed gear.
I wasn't trying to step on the toes of the above poster by any means. If you require a lot of stuff, crap or equipment by all means. I just know what I do and don't need to bring. The cool thing is that you forget anything the expo has got your back like a sweater.
Pay close attention to the weather 5 -7 days out from the races. It hasn't been cold down there on marathon weekend in several years but the farmers almanac says we're due for a colder wetter winter.
Pack smartly people! The big weekend is getting closer!!!!

 

[ZellyB]

Most of what I try to bring has already been listed. I like to take chapstick with me too. My lips always seem to get dried out when I'm running. Also a big to the small package of tissues. Not only for any emergencies in the porta potty supplies, but just if your nose starts getting runny (and mine often does during a long run), they are great to have with you.

 

[RnbwSktles]

For those doing Dopey, if worst case scenario the forecast calls for rain every day, how many pairs of shoes would you bring? I plan to bring 2 already, but I don't know if they would dry out enough in 48 hours?

 

[Ariel484]

Most of what I try to bring has already been listed. I like to take chapstick with me too. My lips always seem to get dried out when I'm running. Also a big to the small package of tissues. Not only for any emergencies in the porta potty supplies, but just if your nose starts getting runny (and mine often does during a long run), they are great to have with you.

...snot rockets? That was gross, sorry.

For those doing Dopey, if worst case scenario the forecast calls for rain every day, how many pairs of shoes would you bring? I plan to bring 2 already, but I don't know if they would dry out enough in 48 hours?

NO. NO MORE RAIN. I am still drying out from Wine & Dine!

Ahem.

I'd still plan on 2 pairs of shoes. Someone at my running store told me a way to dry them out with newspaper, so that's what I would do if I needed to (you can still get a newspaper at the front desk of your resort, right?).

Take your insoles and laces out of your shoes - set them aside to dry out.
Stuff newspaper into your shoes and leave it there for 1 hour.
Remove the first set of paper and stuff new newspaper into your shoes and leave it there for 2-3 hours.
Remove the second set of paper and stuff new newspaper into your shoes and leave it there overnight.

I've done this a few times before and it's worked pretty well fro me. I plan on using 1 pair of shoes for the 5K/half marathon and the other for the 10K/marathon, so with the newspaper + an extra day to dry out, hopefully that would be good.

I'd also buy a poncho for each race either at Disney or at home ahead of time. We bought ponchos early in the day before Wine & Dine and had those on while waiting in the corrals...so at least we were dry up until the race started (when we took the ponchos off).

And, you know...hopefully this won't be an issue!!

 

[tri4life]

...snot rockets? That was gross, sorry. NO. NO MORE RAIN. I am still drying out from Wine & Dine! Ahem. I'd still plan on 2 pairs of shoes. Someone at my running store told me a way to dry them out with newspaper, so that's what I would do if I needed to (you can still get a newspaper at the front desk of your resort, right?). Take your insoles and laces out of your shoes - set them aside to dry out. Stuff newspaper into your shoes and leave it there for 1 hour. Remove the first set of paper and stuff new newspaper into your shoes and leave it there for 2-3 hours. Remove the second set of paper and stuff new newspaper into your shoes and leave it there overnight. I've done this a few times before and it's worked pretty well fro me. I plan on using 1 pair of shoes for the 5K/half marathon and the other for the 10K/marathon, so with the newspaper + an extra day to dry out, hopefully that would be good. I'd also buy a poncho for each race either at Disney or at home ahead of time. We bought ponchos early in the day before Wine & Dine and had those on while waiting in the corrals...so at least we were dry up until the race started (when we took the ponchos off). And, you know...hopefully this won't be an issue!!

Plus 1 on this tip. It works like a champ. Don't forget that most rooms have hair dryers also. Those work great when trying to dry out water logged shoes.
And for god sakes don't say the "R" word. It's bad ju ju.