Marathon check-list

For me, for you, my short and personnal “running a marathon check-list”, already tested a few times. To use before packing, and/or before leaving home/hotel the morning of the race.

Feel free to adapt it according to the season, and your personal habits, of course.

1. Running shoes 

Why? because it’s so obvious that it’s still the thing you might forget.

2. Short 

Otherwise it’s naked butt, and it’s true that maybe in this situation no one will over pass you, but it would be pretentious to bet on this to aim for the podium.

3. T-shirt 

Short and/or long depending on the weather, weather forecast that you’ll check every 10 minutes all the week before the race, won’t you?

4. Sport-bra

I was told it’s more comfortable, and I believe it. But as we say : “no uterus, no opinion”.

5. Legs, head/mind, heart/soul, tears

Legs, it’s for the 1st third, head and mindset, spirit, is for the 2nd third. Heart and soul, for the 3rd third, and tears is for the last 195 meters or .2 miles if you prefer.

6. Cap, buff

Or other, if you are afraid to be hot/cold, and used to cover your head.

7. Banana-belt

For your “fuel”. I laways run with one, find it very practical. For the smartphone as well : you’ll be busy enough running, not to carry your phone in hand. 

8. Sportwatch

To help you stick to your race plan, and/or check your heart beat. But don’t look at it to much. And don’t forget the charger and cable.

9. Smartphone or mp3 player

WIth the charger as well. It’s if you like music, or if you want to make a call during the race (I swear I saw that more than one time…).

10. Headphones 

Especially if you like music, because others around do not necessarily enjoy the same music, or prefer the crowds, the bands, the atmosphere, or the silence…

11. Contact lenses

Not to have your glasses slipping down all the way long, and for enjoying the scenery. If you have perfect eyes, forget this.

12. Sunglasses

Eventually, if you are used to wear them. Because remember this marathon rule : never do something for the 1st time on race day (except running a marathon, if it is the 1st one).

13. Sunscreen

Except for night or rainy marathons, of course…

14. Plaster for tits 

Can be very useful to wear. You’ll need 2, except if you are Chandler Bing. I would recommend a spare pair.

15. Waiting sweatshirt/pullover

That’s how I name the shirt I wear to go to the start, and while waiting for the start. So that I am not to cold, as you are also afraid… Pick a shirt that you can leave at the start and give up. No worries, most of organisation take them and give them to the ones who need it.

16. Waiting plastic vest

To wer over the wainting shirt, as a wind-proof, rain-proof jacket. Personally I make vests from the plastics of laundry-services, very practical and light.

17. Waiting beverage

Hydration is important. It’s good to drink before the race. But get rid of the bottle 30 minutes before start, or you’ll drink to much. And having a pee in the start corral, or during the race is never fun.

18. Food 

According to your tastes, being specified that the fondue is very impractical to carry with. I prefer the effort-gels and fruit paste, for example. The most important is that it’s something you know, something your body is used to. Because remember this marathon rule : never do something for the 1st time on race day (except running a marathon, if it is the 1st one).

19. Lucky charms

If you are superstitious, a horseshoe, favorites panties, or a dolphin, might be useful, or give you some confidence.

20. Registration documents / Medical certificate / ID copy

Because not getting your bib would be the worst excuse ever. No to start is the worst way not to be a finisher. But a good way not to hit the wall…

21. Bib and safety pins

If you get earlier. It is the paper with the big number on it, that you have to put on the belly. You usually get 4 safety pins to attach it (take 4 spare ones), and don’t worry there is no way that you will put it perfectly horizontal.

22. Planned pace and planning for your supporters

For you, your race plan. And a planning for your eventual supporters, so that they know when approximately you are supposed to pass somewhere. And think of a recognition sign for you to spot them (because it’s hard for them considering the thousands of runners), and call them, or they may wait for hours as you already ran away.

23. Whatever

This marathon list is to be completed according to your small personal habits, customs. We all have some of them.

CONCLUSION

If you don’t forget anything in this list, you should not forget anything. Unless I forgot to put something on the list …

Have a good race…

(PS : how to be sure you are in the last week before your marathon)