Racecations-Tips for planning, packing and having the best non-local race ever!

One year ago, I decided to take the plunge and sign up for a runDisney race in Walt Disney World. A few weeks prior to that, I found out that Disney races where actually a thing. How had I not heard about them before? I love running and I love Disney. It was a perfect pairing!

After signing up for a 10K and Half Marathon (Challenge Race), I realized that this was only the second time that I had signed up for a race that was located several states away-and the first time planning a racecation. Plus, I had never run two back-to-back races. It would take a lot of thought and planning to prepare for the races locally, let alone for two races in two days that were 900 miles away as well as plan a week long vacation for the family. At least I had almost a year to plan for the trip and train for the miles ahead.

If you are new to the world of racecations or would just like some tips for planning your next one, I've outlined a few for you below!

1. Make an Itinerary

There are two types of people in this world: those who plan ahead and those who don't. If you are the latter, I would highly recommend-just this once-changing your ways and making an itinerary. If you are traveling with others, this is especially important to do in order to keep your sanity as well as your travel party's sanity.

When you make your itinerary, outline the key times first: travel, expo pickup, race start times and when you need to leave to make the start of the race. After doing this, you can plug in times for other activities, dining and bedtimes while on your trip. It might seem odd to plan out a bedtime in advance. However, by doing this, it helped me stick to a strict schedule to make sure I got plenty of z's before each race.

If you are running a runDisney event, an itinerary is imperative! Races typically start at 5:30am but the busing systems start about two hours prior. This means that you will likely be climbing out of bed around 2 or 3 in the morning. Make an itinerary! I know I can't trust my brain on the fly that early in the morning to figure out when and where I need to be.

2. Make a Training Plan

How many months do you have before your race? Make a training plan or have your Coach make one for you! What would you like to accomplish at your race? Develop a plan that is focused on your goals.

Make sure to develop a plan that is also catered to the course you will be running. Is it hilly? Focus on building strength and running hills during your training. Will there be long stretches of a straight away? Build mental toughness by running your tempo runs on similar stretches of road.

Are you running back-to-back races like the Challenge I mentioned above? Make sure to build back-to-back runs into your training plan. Your body will need to practice and adjust to running on tired legs.

Determine your goals, consider the type of race, take into account the course and make a plan from there!

3. Pack the Essentials in a Carryon

If you plan to fly to your destination, make sure to pack your essentials in a carryon. Just in case your luggage would get lost, you will still have everything you need to run your race(s).

This might include: running shoes (throw in an extra pair for back-to-back races), running clothes, running socks, any fuel for before/during/after the race, running accessories (earbuds, armpocket, hydration belt, hat, gloves, etc). You never want to try anything new on race day, so this is a sure-fire way of that not happening.

4. Test Everything

Before race day morning, do a trial run at home-wake up early, try out the breakfast you'd like to have race morning, run around the same distance in the clothing that you plan to wear race day, bring your race nutrition (for longer distance runs), and replicate everything. If you have issues with clothing, gear or nutrition, you will know during this time instead of waiting until race day. If you have issues, you will have time to make changes. Better yet, if everything works great-you will go into race day feeling confident!

If you don't test everything...just make sure to test your nutrition. You can always run through some uncomfortable clothing, but it is more difficult to run through an upset stomach. Whatever nutrition you decide on (pre-during-post workout), make sure to bring it with you! Don't rely on picking it up when you reach your destination. I even went as far as baking my favorite super muffins at home before I left and packed them with me so I would have my best pre-race fuel.

5. Make Dining Reservations

I highly suggest making dinner reservations for the night before your race. Make sure to check out the menu prior to arriving to make sure it aligns with your typical "night before the race" fueling. If it does, book it! This way, you will be able to eat at the restaurant you'd like, at the time you'd like. There's nothing worse than scrambling around in a strange city the night before a big race to try to find something edible, fuel worthy, and in a timely fashion.

Sometimes, it's nice to make lunch or dinner reservations after your race as well. What better way to celebrate your achievements than digging in and enjoying some delicious grub?!

6. Join A Race Facebook Group

Check to see if there is a Facebook group for the race you will be running. If so, join it! This is a great way to ask questions and get a feel for what to expect race weekend. Chances are, several members have participated in past race weekends, so they should be able to answer your questions.

7. Communicate Your Plans to Everyone in Your Travel Party

If you are traveling with others, make sure to share your plans with them. Maybe they are running with you-great! Make sure they are okay with your itinerary. If your travel party is not running with you, communicate what you will need to do and when you will need to do it. Typically, you will need to attend an Expo the day(s) before to obtain your bib. Decide with your party if you will do this alone or if everyone will join you. What about race morning? Will everyone go with you to the race start? Maybe they want to cheer you on somewhere on the course. Make sure to share the course map with them. Will they meet up with you later after the race? Make a plan and decide where you want to meet.

8. Stalk the Weather

Weather can change at any moment, so ultimately, it is better to overpack. However, make sure to keep an eye on the forecast. Are they suddenly calling for it to snow? Rain? Humidity in the 80s and temps in the 90s? Pack accordingly. If you think it might be cold at the start of your race, then pack some clothes to wear in the morning and toss at the start line. Many races will pick these items up and donate them to charity.

9. Travel to your Destination a Few Days Before the Race

How much travel time have you allotted before race day? Is it enough in case your flight gets delayed or cancelled? What if you run into problems on the road-car breaking down, flat tire, closed roads?

If you have the vacation time and room in the budget to travel early, it is always a good idea to arrive to your destination a couple of days before the race. This way, you won't have to worry about missing the race due to travel delays and cancellations. Also, depending on the climate, it will give your body a chance to adjust. It is never a bad idea to be early. Plus, you can enjoy the destination during this time and take in the sights and attractions.

10. Remember to Enjoy

IT'S A RACECATION!!! That means it's part race, part vacation! Preparing for a race can be stressful, but remember, you put in the time and did all of that planning-so enjoy it! Focus as much energy on relaxing as you will on racing. How often will you get the opportunity to be a part of this race? And how often do you travel across the country OR the globe to run a race? For most of us, the answer is not very often, so enjoy your trip to the fullest and have a blast!

That's all I have and I hope you've enjoyed reading! Even though I spent several hours planning out a racecation, it was worth the time and money spent. When the next opportunity arises, I definitely won't shy away from planning another one. I hope these tips will help you plan yours!

What tips of your own do you have? Where has your favorite racecation been? Comment below!

Now, go make those miles matter!!!

Until next time,

Coach Sarah

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