It’s no secret that packing for race weekends stresses me out. Why? Well I like to have all the comforts of home while I’m away, so I always tend to over pack and then end up having to cut things out, which turns a simple task into a multi-day event. Yes, I know this is crazy, but it is my process.
I use the guest room as my “staging area” and it currently looks like this…


My running gear isn’t even included in this mess, so I think I’m already over extending myself! I was looking back at my packing list from last year’s Princess Half and my gear has definitely expanded. I now have post-race clothes to change into (I HATE being in sweaty clothes once you cool down!), a stretch strap, the Stick, KT Tape, blister band-aids, ankle braces (just in case!), Voltaren Gel, Body Glide, and I’m sure a few other things I’m forgetting. I think my list expands after every race because there is something “I wish I had” at the last race.
So I have 2 more days to finish this craziness and try to keep my bag under 50 lbs. This is a challenge considering my bag for Wine & Dine came in at 49.7 lbs!

Do you stress over packing or am I just crazy? (This is definitely a possibility…B would probably confirm that.) What are your MUST HAVES for race weekends in Walt Disney World?
I am a little stressed about packing for the Princess Half- Have I even started to pack? Nope! Guess I better get started soon! This is my first RunDisney event- What would you never leave home without for race weekend?
That’s a tough question. The most obvious answer are your running shoes 🙂 But for a Disney race, I would always make sure I had my camera!
you are SO not crazy! I remember packing in December for my trip to Texas and I really was wishing I could pay someone to do it for me. Especially for a trip where you are running, it’s tough because you want to think of every possible thing you might need running wise or injury wise. I do just like you.. pack, unpack, repack, take stuff out, put stuff in. It’s horrible.
btw, I wanted to ask what “the stick” is for? I think I’ve heard Michelle on Mickey Miles Podcast talk about it briefly but she never mentioned how it’s used/what it’s used for!
Glad to hear I’m not the only one!!
The stick is a great tool to roll out sore muscles. You can see it in the first pic in this post…it’s white and red 🙂
Quick question – will there be places to change right after the race? I’m watching someone finish after me and would hate to be in wet clothes.
🙂
Yes, there are changing tents set up, but it’s just one big open room.
I am doing a less stellar job with this run than for WDW Weekend! I seem to always pack the same clothes for Disney trips so all of my Photopass pictures look like that could really be from the same visit!!
Not doing horribly though, I am packing extra Powerade Zero for pre-race hydration, had issues at Donald with cramping that could’ve been avoided with more electrolyte help!
Anne that’s too funny…I always pack the same clothes too!! I mean, how much variation can you put in shorts and tank tops! 🙂
Well my race weekends are here on the West Coast at Disneyland. I always pack running clothes for cooler weather & for warm weather. Sometimes it is very chilly in the morning at 4:30a (for us that is, not compared to y’all out there in the snow) but it also warms up to the 70’s by the end of a race!!! I like to toss away so I pick up a long sleeved shirt at the goodwill before a race. 🙂