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avalon 50 preparation: an exercise on packing

yesterday i packed for avalon. my “generic” race list is organized into six sub-lists: personal (travel items, such as wallet, paperwork, toiletries, clothes…), pre-race (stuff i need in the morning, before the race), race (all items that will be on me during the race; running gear), fanny-pack (all items that will be carried in my fanny-pack during the race), drop bag(s) (items to be used/replaced at selected aid-stations), and post-race (stuff i need after the race, mainly for races after which i’m not going back to the hotel, but rather hitting the road right away, so i can feel like a decent human-being after running X miles). i haven’t run that many ultras, and this is my first 50, my first experience running trails in the dark, and my first experience using a drop bag. i forgot to include a flashlight (which i don’t have), so i’ll stop at rei on my way home this afternoon and get one.
{ 8 comments… add one }
  • Jessica Deline January 8, 2007, 6:13 pm

    That’s an awesome list. If you don’t mind I may write an article for Complete Running and use your multi-list format as the basis for the article 🙂 Lots of people would like to know these kind of tips and what lists to make and what to bring, etc..

  • Darrell January 8, 2007, 8:12 pm

    I think you’ve pretty much thought of everything. Being in the dental arena, I’m glad to see you remembered your tooth brush, paste and floss.

    Have a great time on your first 50 miler. The weather looks good.

  • matt January 8, 2007, 9:26 pm

    i am pretty bad when it comes to lists, but dividing it up into these subcategories seems like a fantastic idea to me. as i get better about making lists for my runs, i will give this some serious thought.

    i am excited about your race and i will stay in touch with you about the 21st run. best of luck this weekend! i will really look forward to the report.

  • olga January 9, 2007, 8:59 pm

    I don’t do lists, somehow I get around on memory, but always suggest people do that. I would buy a cheap hand-held for the first hour at Avalon – it will get light in 45 min after start, and those 45 min are on road (some ditches, but nothing bad), so you can throw it out at the first AS. Also put spare battery in your drop bag and just change it at the AS instead of carrying extra weight (as little as it seems). I am also a minimalist when it comes to traveling (travel light describes for me over-taking stuff), so soap, towel and shampoo are from hotel, and so on. But you may like your own, and since you’re not flying, it is easier to bring.
    Good luck, the island race is pretty! Good luck with toenail too!

  • matt January 12, 2007, 12:51 am

    i wanted to wish you good luck and a great time on your race, nattie! i will be thinking about you this weekend 🙂

    you are going to do great!

  • marathonP January 15, 2007, 6:38 pm

    Just discovered your blog and I live in Palos Verdes and am training for my first 50 Miler on Catalina Island next year. I’d love to hear how your race went, oh well prepared one!!

    🙂 phil

  • Chris January 20, 2007, 5:48 pm

    You are FAR too organized:) It’s almost scary:)

    Good luck!

    Have a great weekend!
    Chris

  • Angela January 21, 2007, 10:46 pm

    Hey I love these lists, what software package are you using? I could almost get obsessive just thinking about it.

    Love the blog btw!

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