Packing for a Racecation (Tuesdays on the Run Edition)

I know that there are a lot of posts around to discuss packing for a racecation, but I thought I'd throw my version out there.  As I'm packing for my Star Wars Dark Side weekend, I thought I'd share my tips.


There are different ways I pack for different racecations.  If I'm driving I bring everything that I might need.  A case of water and my full size roller are included.  If I'm flying for one race, I pack everything in the carry-on.  But if I'm packing for a challenge weekend, I pack my race things in the carry-on and will checked a bag.

I found an app for my tablet that is a packing checklist.  It's nice as I can have different lists for different trips and can reuse it and not have to start the list from scratch.  I have less of a chance to forget things this way.

Since I make a few trips throughout the year, I put things in a box for secure keeping.  It's great to have all of my travel size items and things I only use for trips in one place.  It saves time from searching all over the house each trip.


First everything that you need for your races need to go in the carry-on.   The main thing to pack is the race outfit.  I pack each outfit together as not to forget something like socks.  Everything I need can fit in a gallon zip lock bag.  Then it can be reused to put the smelly wet clothes in to come home.  I actually found these packing cubes that I use for the same thing.


Liquids of course go in the 3-1-1 quart bag.  This would include Gu.  But Bodyglide is considered the same as solid deodorant, therefore does not have to go in the 3-1-1 bag.  I put other things like hand sanitizer, eye drops, and lotion.


To help space, I only pack one or two shirts.  With the number of shirts we get with a challenge, I usually just wear those shirts throughout the weekend.

I also like to bring a bag or two to bring to the expo.  I'm big on avoiding all the plastic bags that are given out at stores.  The expo is no different.  On one trip to Disney I brought home more then 10 separate plastic bags.   It also makes carrying things easier with bags that have good handles or can go over the shoulders. 


If I plan on going to a park, I like bringing a bag for that.  A small one that can carry the essentials, including a few bottles of water.  I got this bag at the Star Wars Light Side Expo.  I can throw in lotion, eye drops, hand sanitizer, and other things.  Plus it's big enough to hold 4 bottles of water.


I have this scale thing that allows me to see how heavy my checked bag is.  It's great so that I don't show up at the airport and find that my bag is overweight.  When I get ready for a trip I see how much it weighs and then I put in water till it's to about the 45 lbs weight.  I usually can get enough extra water in so that I'm not buying a ton.  And then on the way home I have space for all the race memorabilia and things I buy.  This scale is great as it tucks into the suit case and I can weigh my bag for the trip home.

Do you have any packing tips?

I’m linking up with with MCM Mama Runs, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and My No Guilt Life for the Tuesdays on the Run linkup.