Race Checklist

It is useful to have a checklist for racing, as the stress of the event makes it hard to remember everything. The race checklist is also a good spot to record lessons learned from prior races. Below is my race checklist to give you some ideas.

• Remember The Golden Rule of Racing
• Take to race
  • Plastic bag for keys
  • Wet weather
    • Waterproof trousers
    • Waterproof gloves
    • Outdoor Research Rain Sombrero
    • Vaseline/Hydropel
  • iPod, charger, case
    • Audio books?
  • Hydration pack, bladder
    • First load of drink
  • Bandages/First Aid
  • Cell phone, charger,
    • Bluetooth headset, charger
  • Duct tape
  • Moist wipes, paper
  • Headlamp
    • Spare headlamp?
    • Replace with fresh batteries
    • spare batteries
  • Heart Rate Monitor
    • Emptied
    • Set to 60 second sample for long races
    • HRM strap
    • foot pod (new battery + spares)
    • GPS with course
  • Shoes
  • Dirty Girl Gaiters
  • Blister kit, plasters, adhesive promoter
  • Body glide
  • Drinks for race
• Clothes
  • Race ready Shorts
  • Race ready Tights (or 2XU tights with pockets)
  • Underwear
  • Thin fleece/thermal top
  • Heat gear tops
  • Cold gear tops
  • Golite Wind Jacket
  • Ultralight Waterproof Jacket
  • Gloves
  • Track mitts for warm trails
  • Warm hat
  • Sun hat (with visor is vital for trails!)
  • Arm warmers
  • Socks (w/Teflon?)
  • Bandana
  • Jimbo Bandana
  • Trash Bag for start or emergencies
• Take on race
  • Take bottle(s) & drink on the hoof (or hydration pack)
  • Hat with visor for sunny/rocky runs
  • Moist wipes - you just never know
  • Caffeine
  • M&Ms
  • Gels
  • Liquid Ibuprofen
  • Wear gaiters unless reason not to
  • If there is possibility of cool rain, carry waterproof
  • Blister kit
    • Scissors
    • Bandage
    • Hypodermic
  • Pills to carry
    • Hypodermic
    • Caffeine (+caffeine straw)
    • Anti acid
    • Gas-X
    • Ibuprofen
    • Salt
    • Vitamin C
• Staying overnight
  • Overnight
    • Bedding
    • PJ
    • Sleep Mat
    • Pillow
  • Drinks for post race (breakfasts as well)
  • Toiletries
    • Toothbrush
    • Contact Lenses
• Food for journey/pre race
  • Pop Tarts
  • PB&J
  • Crackers
  • M&Ms
• Miscellaneous
  • Car GPS locations
  • Camera battery charger, charge battery
  • Laptop, laptop lock
• Pre-race preparation
  • Cut out caffeine
  • Stay off feet for week before race
  • Break in shoes
  • Be realistic - Evaluate training
  • File calluses
  • Massage
• Pre-start preparation
  • Tape blister spots
  • Hydropel
    • Maybe Teflon for socks (outside and in)
• Pacing a race
  • Whistle for pacing
  • Pace band
• Post Race
  • Post run clothes
    • Loose, warm, comfortable
    • Slippers or other soft shoes
  • Recovery drink
    • Aim for 100-300 grams of protein
    • Cucumber for nausea