9. Pack Carefully
Packing for a race weekend is strategic. Forgetting things like anti chafe balm, athletic tape, and hydration essentials could be a painful and inconvenient mistake. Depending on the time of year you are running, you may be chilly at the starting line and need a jacket to keep warm until sunrise. Snag a cheap coat or pullover at your local thrift shop to wear as long as you need it. Toss it off the course when you get too warm and a cast member will gather it for donation to a homeless shelter in the area. Racers in my family always pack a light jacket, energy gel cubes, pain relievers, Band-Aids and a fun run outfit. Half marathons always leave me with blisters so I pack lose, comfortable and supportive shoes to wear in the parks after the race to avoid irritating my feet.
