Marathon Checklists

Lets talk about checklists

You do NOT need all of these things, but they are good things to consider

and these are all things I have found I do need in prep, recovery and on the day of the race.

This list is skewed towards things to think about particularly if the Marathon is out-of-town and travel is involved.

Running Clothing & Gear-Packing for Marathon Travel

  •   Running shoes

  •   Running socks — at least 3 pairs

  •   Running shorts — 2 pairs

  •   Short-sleeve running shirts — 3

  •   Long-sleeve running shirts — 2

  •   Running underwear / thigh-covering briefs

  •   Running cap — 2

  •   Running visor

  •   Sunglasses

  •   Lightweight running jacket

  •   Rain jacket

  •  support braces like knee or ankle-if needed or thinking might be needed after the race

  •   Throwaway sweater for starting corral

  •   Change of clothes for after race

  •   Change of shoes for after race

 

Nutrition & Hydration

  •   Fuel gels — Maurten, BPN, GU Roctane or preferred varieties

  •   SaltStick electrolyte capsules

  •   SaltStick electrolyte chews

  •   Caffeine supplements / caffeinated fuel

  •   Cliff Bars

  •   Water bottle / hydration flask / collapsible water cup

  •   Gatorade or other sports drink-powder like Tailwind

  •   Metamucil-or other fiber consideration

  •   Pre-race breakfast supplies

  • Carb Drink mix such as: Maurten Drink Mix

 

Electronics & Cameras

  •   Garmin GPS watch

  •   Fitbit

  •   Earbuds

  •   Cell phone

  •   Other camera such as GoPro, DJI, Iphone

  •   Charging cords — phone, Garmin, Fitbit, earbuds

 

Body Care & First Aid

  •   Sunscreen-lotion in tiny zip-locks or small spray

  •   Body Glide

  •   Vaseline

  •  Small Band-Aids / nipple protection (tested in training-recommended brand “Band Aid”)

  •   Aspirin / ibuprofen (if appropriate)

  •   Small first-aid supplies-travel kit-toenail clippers, tweezers, alcohol wipes, etc. more band-aids

 

Race Documents & Accessories

  •   Race registration confirmation

  •   Race bib / timing chip

  •   Safety pins for bib

  •   Race packet / gear-check bag

  •   Insurance card

  •   Small ziplock bags

  •   Race-day pace band (if race is using)

 

Travel Essentials — Destination Marathons

  •   Passport and required visa / travel authorization

  •   Flight confirmations

  •   Hotel reservation

  •   Airport and ground transportation details

  •   Expo location and bib pickup information

  •   Race start transportation and corral information

  •   Carry-on with running shoes and complete race kit

 

Preparation — Week Before

  •   Confirm race registration and start assignment

  •   Confirm travel and accommodation

  •   Check weather forecast

  •   Review course and start/finish locations

  •   Review training taper and nutrition plan

  •   Restock gels, electrolytes and supplies

  •   Wash and lay out running clothes

  •   Test Garmin, Fitbit, earbuds and cameras

  •   Check all charging cords

  •   Check running shoes and other equipment

  •   Prepare first-aid and body-care supplies

  • Trim Toenails (reasonable trim-nothing extreme)

 

Preparation — Day Before

  •   Collect bib and race packet

  •   Confirm race-day transportation

  •   Check weather and select race clothing

  •   Lay out full race kit

  •   Attach bib to race shirt

  •   Organize gels and electrolytes

  •   Charge all electronics

  •   Prepare familiar pre-race dinner

  •   Prepare race-morning breakfast

  •   Set alarms

  •   Plan start-area arrival time and bag drop

 

Race Morning

  •   Eat planned breakfast and hydrate

  •   Apply sunscreen

  •   Apply Body Glide / Vaseline

  •   Apply nipple protection

  •   Dress in complete running kit

  •   Put on Garmin / Fitbit

  •   Pack gels and electrolyte supplies

  •   Pack water cup / flask

  •   Check earbuds and phone

  •   Verify bib, watch and shoes

  •   Allow time for restrooms

  •   Enter assigned starting corral

 

Post-Race Recovery

  •  Rehydrate and continue to drink water the following days.

  • Sodium/potassium tablets

  •   Eat recovery food / snacks-salty snacks like pretzels, or crackers/chips.

  •   Change into dry clothing

  •   Change shoes and socks

  •   Walk or stretch gently as tolerated

  •   Rest and recover

  •   Check hotel checkout and return travel arrangements

Ronald Binion