Race-Day Essentials

Bari Lieberman,SELF magazine

The hard part is over. You've sweated through your runs, organized a killer playlist and are amped for your race. But since the running circuit is bigger than our backyards, sometimes making it to your race includes a little travel. (Check out Wednesday's list of must-try races.)

Don't ruin months of training because of a poor packing job--missing the start because you can't find the socks you know you packed doesn't sounds like the start of setting a personal record. The team at Athleta put together a helpful packing list of the essentials, as well as a few extra suggestions learned from trial and error. (No races planned> See what SELF Editors keep in their gym bags.)

Related: Lose 2 Pounds a Week

Race Essentials
- Confirmation card/registration email
- Timing chip (pick up at expo)
- Race number bib (pick up at expo)
- Bari's tip: Make sure you have your ID/driver's license, as most races require it for packet pick-up at the expo.

Apparel Essentials
- Pre-race: Sweatpants (Bari's tip: Buy a cheap pair that you don't mind tossing aside at the starting line)
- Pre-race: Cold-weather racing: beanie, gloves, vest or jacket
- Race time: Your favorite run bottoms (shorts, skort, capri, tights) that you've run in before
- Race time: Your favorite sport bra and top and support top
- Race time: Two pairs of running socks
- Race time: Your broken-in sneakers
- Bari's tip: Unless space is limited, bring extras (of everything, including underwear).

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Extra stuff:

- Bring your pre-race choice of fuel with you (fruit, energy bar etc.) in case the hotel breakfast isn't open yet or doesn't have what you need.
- Race fuel: Whatever energy gels or chomps you've trained with

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Did you remember...

- Hat, visor or sunglasses
- Body Glide
- Hydration belt
- Heart rate monitor/timer
- Camera
- Flip-flops (or flats) for after the race
- Bari's tip: Extra safety pins (The usual two in the race packet never seems like enough to secure my race bib-I'm a four corner type of gal.), compression socks, change of clothes for after the race, headphones, armband for your mpg player, band-aids, ibuprofen, extra hair ties, headbands, sunblock.


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10 Busy-Girl Buffer Moves
50 Healthiest Snacks
The Pasta Lover's Diet