The Checklist

Being that I'm Canadian-born and live in Vancouver, you'd think I'd be a little more excited about it being the first day of the NHL season. Don't get me wrong, the game is on in HD in our living room with the stereo on too, but I've got other things on my mind - that's right, race day.


I've made a list, and I've checked it more than twice, and tomorrow I'm going to start compiling all the things and stuff I need to haul along with me to Victoria for Sunday's half marathon, my first 21.1km race in over 7 years. The goal is to receive my 3rd finisher medal to display on the wall with my other two (pictured on the left) that have grown dusty with age. And of course, my hope is to also achieve my personal best finish time, given I've put so much heart, soul, and intellect into my training this time. Perhaps even to the point of obsession. What can I say - I believe in 100%.
So yes, race day is on Sunday. I realize it's only Thursday to be so "prepared" with my list. But let's not kid ourselves - Zahida always has a list and a plan. In fact, here's the plan over the next few days:

• Today (Thursday) - rest up and make a list of what to pack for the race
• Tomorrow (Friday) - rest up and pack things on said list. Go to sleep EARLY.
• Day before race day (Saturday) - travel to Victoria, check into hotel, gentle 3km run that includes the race course's finish line, visit race expo, eat pasta, drink WATER, go to sleep EARLY - all with my good friend Patti and our other halfs (our cheerleaders)
• Race day (Sunday) - wake up early, fuel up, and kick some butt (aka, have fun!)

Anyway, my list is kind of ridiculous. And it includes nothing that I need for any other overnight weekender like a toothbrush. Hopefully that stuff will be second nature! But everything else might require a suitcase of its own. Those who are seasoned at destination runs likely have a much better plan than me.


I thought I'd share with you some of my list, and links of where to find the stuff. Like I said, it's a bit ridiculous....and perhaps it might shed some light on the bredth of running gear / considerations there are. I was mistaken when I thought being a runner was going to be an inexpensive pursuit. I mean, all you need is your feet, right? Wrong. Please keep in mind though that my list accounts for running on both Sat and Sun and the weather being unpredictable since autumn has arrived. I want to be able to be wearing the right clothing choice and have it be clean (briefly at 7:30am anyway)!

• GU gels and chomps
• Water bottle with palm holder
• Nuun electrolyte enhanced drink tablets
• Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS watch
• RoadID
• BodyGlide (for women)
• Baby powder
• Band-aids
• Injinji socks - for race day
• Other running socks for Saturday
• Running tights (Nike)
• Running shorts (MEC)
• Technical t-shirts x 2
• Skins compression socks - I wear these for recovery only, not during a run
• Sports bras x 2 (my faves are Nike)
• Sports undies x 2
• Running Room mesh hat
• Shoes! My New Balance 759's - yes, it took me this far down the list before I remembered to include the most important item
• Orthotic in-soles
• Hair elastics
• Ice packs
• Instant oatmeal
• Bananas
• Coffee beans and grinder
• Juice
• Race map
• .....

Anyway, you get the idea. It's a little nuts.


I think the last time I made a list like this, I was preparing to travel internationally. Or it was around Christmas. So I guess this would mean it's a comparable amount of excitement. Or perhaps some of it is nerves....


Yes, I have some nervousness. I've built this race up to be a big deal. And so if I don't perform to my satisfaction, then what? I just have to remember that there's only so much 'control' I can have, and only so perfect I can make my list. I have to be ok with however I do on Sunday. I will cross the finish line, and regardless of how long it takes to get there, I will have accomplished something just by showing up.


Countdown time: 2 days, 8 hours, 49 minutes to go.