To see part 1 (Packing for a non-flight race), click here.
Princess Half Marathon Week is finally here! Registration for this race began (and sold out) last July, so I feel as if it’s been a long time coming.
I treated this past weekend as if we were leaving today (Monday morning). Apart from packing cosmetic items and finishing up my Half Marathon costume, I’m ready to go!
Just three work days remain between me, a mouse, and lots of bling. :0)
Like all my other packing adventures, this one began with a list.
I separated my list into three columns: race items (carry on), paperwork (also belongs in the carry on), and suitcase items.
My carry-on of choice:
Vera Bradley Lap Top Backpack and Disney Dooney (Marathon Weekend) Crossbody
Current TSA regulations allow 1 bag and 1 personal item per passenger. I have used a variety of bags in the past, but I’ve found a backpack to be the easiest and most convenient for me.
What’s in my bag? Well, let’s take a look!
For starters, I always carry-on everything I might need for a race. This includes shoes, costumes/race outfits, GU, my Garmin, etc.
Being that the above items are liquid/gels, I pack them along in my 3-1-1 bag (3 oz or less, 1 clear zip top bag, 1 per person) with my other small cosmetic items.
My 3-1-1 bag (from Thirty One).
Clear Check On Bag:
- GU
- Sunscreen
- BioFreeze
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste
- Contact Solution/Case
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Lotion
- Body Wash
- Extra Contacts
- Body Spray
- Face Wash
- Deodorant
- Makeup does not have to be in a clear bag unless it’s liquid or gel-like :0)
Running shoes, race outfits/costumes, and accessories also travel in my carry-on.
- Race Top
- Race Bottom
- Running Shoes
- Headbands/Sweaty Bands
- Socks
- Sports Bra
Since it would be unreasonable to bring my entire race bag on this trip with me, I chose items from the bag that I absolutely use (or might use) every time I run.
Race Day Accessories
- Garmin
- Sunglasses
- Headphones (I do not use these during Disney races)
- Body Glide (might have to add this to my clear 3-1-1 zip bag)
- Poncho
- Knee Sleeve/KT Tape
Quite possibly the best piece of carry-on advice I ever received was from my friend Kelli. She suggested that I bring my flat iron along with me in my carry-on (she does this as well). I have crazy, thick, frizzy hair that doesn’t respond well to humidity and this flat iron has been a life saver on more than one occasion!
Chargers
- Phone
- Garmin
- Race Camera
Somehow, I fit all of these items into my carry-on (with room to spare)!
Last but not least, I also like to carry an empty water bottle with me through security (to fill after I pass through security).
For this trip, I’m also bringing along a suitcase (to check). This suitcase will have my non-racing items, day clothing, and other essential items.
My mini-travel-sized foam roller will be placed in my suitcase, only because I can’t fit it in my carry-on. Along with my foam roller, I’m also packing my compression tights for post-race recovery.
Any additional advice? What essential items do you carry-on when flying?
We have the same luggage Karen! LOL. I have been packing for weeks. weeks! I'm terrified I will forget something. My carryon is actually a smaller version of the luggage. I have it filled with my sparkleskirts, which I refuse to check! Those things are too expensive to lose! ;)
ReplyDeleteToo funny! Great minds think alike! :D That's such a great idea, Karen...I've used that little rolling suitcase as a carry-on in the past, as well! Can't wait to finally meet you!!
DeleteI'm doing carry on only for Princess. I have the Vera Bradley duffel bag and backpack and those are my two pieces. It helps that I get priority boarding to have space for my duffel. Love that my husband was such a frequent traveler that I get priority status for life! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's great, Pam! Priority boarding makes a huge difference...and I love that you have it for life!! See you soon!
DeleteLove how organized you are!! After a few runDisney trips in the last few years, I have the basic weekend packing down to a science. Dopey was a challenge though. :) Have a blast at princess! -Christine
ReplyDeleteThanks Christine! I bet Dopey was hard to pack for!! Thanks so much!! :D
DeleteYou've got it all together girl! Very organized! I love it! So excited for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mindy! I'm actually a very scatterbrained person so if I don't pack ahead of time, I will forget something!
DeleteI'm gonna try to carry on everything. It might be a bit of a challenge since I want to bring my foam roller. What is the size of your mini roller? I have that same "carried away" lotion you are packing too! See ya soon!
ReplyDeleteThe mini foam roller is 12x4 inches. Super tiny and fits in my suitcase just right! Yes, see you soon!!! :D
DeleteI just started getting things together today - doing laundry, setting the race clothes aside, etc. I can't believe its time to pack. You're so right - since July, this has been a long time coming. Almost thought it would NEVER come, that was so long ago!!
ReplyDeleteAgreed, I felt the SAME way!! Seems so surreal!
DeleteI somehow made carry-on only work for Dumbo, so I'm hoping I can do it again. The less I have to shlep through the streets of NYC, the better! haha!
ReplyDeleteThat's AWESOME! Major kudos to you!! Hope to see you soon!
DeleteUnless I'm going somewhere for more than a few days, I try to only do carry-on. The time spent waiting for luggage and the worry about it being routed to the wrong place just aren't worth it for me.
ReplyDeleteSame here! I agree completely!!
DeleteWow. Great list.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Abby! :0)
DeleteIm excited you finally did this post! I printed it off so I can use it when I do the disneyland half! One question: what is the magic band and how do you get them? I keep seeing them on everyones posts!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melissa! The Magic Band is something new that rolled out recently at WDW and replaces the Key to the World card. Not sure when they will be around for Disneyland (if they aren't already).
DeleteI take my shoes & running bra in my carry-on. If my luggage is lost, I can still run after a quick trip for shorts & shirt!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, Patty! :0)
DeleteY'all are gonna have a great time! I almost bought that luggage, but I knew the reality that it was gonna get dirty traveling through airport cargo and on the luggage belts, so I went for something ugly!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sarah! Yes, I know what you mean about the luggage....a friend suggested that I spray it with Scotch Guard and I did. It's been through the airport and cargo at least 10 times and it still looks fairly decent! I have resprayed it a few times, too. I thought her tip was great and definitely prevented it from being marked up...so far at least!
DeleteVery thorough list! When my husband and I are traveling for a race, we'll usually bring two carry-on size suitcases, but check one with all the non-essential race stuff that won't get through TSA. Then on the way back, we can each carry on our suitcases and not have to worry about checking anything!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea!! Love it, Lauren!
Deleteeekkk see you soon! I haven't even started packing yet
ReplyDeleteAaaaaahhh I can't wait!! :D
DeleteThanks for the advice! I'm international going to the Disneyland Half in August and planning on carry-on only! Those foam rollers do present a hard task for packing - luckily my lulu bag has an external yoga mat strap - works like a charm for the roller!!
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful!! I love that your lulu bag has yoga mat strap, great idea for the foam roller!! Yay!
DeleteI am so glad that I'm not the only one that makes extensive lists as to what to pack for a Runcation. I wonder if I'm the only one that starts the list three months in advance though?
ReplyDeleteHah..you might be! I don't usually start making my list(s) until a few weeks before the race. :D
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