Even though we have both been running for many years, we are new to racing. More specifically, we are new to trail racing. Neither of us had ever run a trail race before and had no idea what to expect. Thankfully, I planned ahead and packed our bags before Jonathan got out of work on Friday. I thought I had everything covered. But of course, on race day I discovered some things that I wish I had brought. And some things we planned on bringing but forgot!
What I Packed
- Golden Triangle Strutters tee-shirt (printed on a Brooks Running tee)
- Fitness Leggings (Old Navy Fitness brand)
- Shorts
- Long Sleeved shirt
This was originally meant to be the shirt he wore after the race, but it was so cold that he kept it on under his tee-shirt) - Two pairs of socks
Mud and sweat. No one wants that. - Storage Belt
I found this cheap at the Dollar Spot at Target. It fits Gu perfectly, or can stretch for a cell phone. - Slippers
After I run I want to take my shoes off. What better than soft, fluffy slippers to slip into!? - Snood Bandana (from the Pleasure Island Bridge Race)
- Trail Nutrition (2 Gu, 1 package of Gatorade brand energy chews)
- 3 blankets (2 for the baby, 1 for me)
What I Wish I Packed
- Hand Warmers
We have so many of these but didn’t bring them! The ground was frozen, so they would have been great in shoes. Or in Jon’s pockets to keep his thigh muscles nice and warm. - Gloves & Hat
Seems ridiculous for Southeast Texas, but it was cold! Once the sun came out it was warmer, but it would have been nice to stay warm before hand. - Night Gear
The first hour was dark. Being a trail run, this was a potential for disaster. We really need to invest in a headlamp or belt lights. - Proper Shoes (for me)
Jon obviously wore his running shoes, but I wore my canvas shoes on the sidelines. The ground was frozen and so were my feet. - Cup
Jon doesn’t like to carry stuff when he runs. So he never used a water bottle. But there was a requirement at this race that you had a bottle, so we had to buy a collapsible cup. It was only $6 and came in handy during the run. But it would have been nice not to have been forced to buy it. - Chairs
They told us to bring chairs at the GTS run before the race. We noted to bring them and forgot. Thankfully some Strutters let me sit in their chairs while they were on their race. - Post-Race Nutrition
The organizers at TROT have some of the best aid stations out there, with all sorts of goodies during the run. But after the run, you want real food. Next time we will bring oatmeal (overnight oats are so simple and delicious), peanut butter bagels (peanut butter is good and bagels because we’re from NY), and possibly some chicken.