Not much rhetoric on this blog post, but we all need to pack for Dopey (or Goofy). I’ll take it that you know to bring your deodorant and toothbrush so I’ll stick to the essential running supplies.

The list isn’t in any particular order:

• Waiver document(s) for any and all races
• Running Shoes (3-4 broken in pair)
  • Don’t wear the new New Balance shoes you bought at the Expo
• Running shirt/top/singlet for each race (1 per race)
  • Check the weather for Orlando before you leave to see if you need long, short, or no sleeve running shirts
  • DO NOT wear the race shirt of the race you are running until you have earned it!  It’s bad juju!
• Running shorts or tights
  • Again, check the weather for Orlando before you leave to see if you warmer running gear
• Calf compression sleeves
• Cold Gear tights (depending on the weather)
• Cold Gear shirts (depending on the weather)
• Cheap long sleeve shirts (Good Will) to throw away before the races start (1 per race)
  • It usually is a little chilly at least 1-2 mornings and you will stand around for a while before the race
  • There is also a 20 minute walk to the start line form the EPCOT parking lot for the half & full
• Body Glide
  • If there is ONE caveat to the “nothing new on race day” mantra, Body Glide would be it.  Use it!
  • Nipples and thighs people…nipples and thighs.
• Knee brace, ankle brace, full body cast or KT Tape…anything you are using to keep yourself together across 48.6 miles
• Gels, chews, honey stingers, UCAN or any other fuel you use in the amounts you will need for all the races
  • Don’t assume that they sell your brand at the Expo. I have to bring my own.
• Hydration/fuel belt or Camel Bak
  • It’s nice to have a water bottle on your person regardless of how many water / Powerade stops Disney has setup.
  • Sometimes I’m thirsty NOW, not when there is a planned hydration stop
• iPod, iPhone, foot pod, Fitbit, Garmin, Nike+ watch and the nuclear launch codes…don’t forget your tech.
• Bandaids, mole skin, medical tape, gauze…why not just bring the whole First Aid kit.
  • Add triple antibiotic ointment as well.
• Tylenol, Advil, Aleve or whatever painkiller you like.
  • Use these at bed time, but not right after the race.
  • Don’t use these too much until Sunday as these products may block muscle repair (especially NSAIDs).
  • Instead take longer to warm-up for the half and full.
• If you ignored the Body Glide suggestion then go back and mark it down on your list, trust me.
• EAS protein (for immediately after each race)
• Sun Screen (yeah, it’s winter, but it’s still the Florida sun)
• Oh, and don’t forget your deodorant…

Optional gear for potential weather during a runDisney race:

• Flippers
• Snow Shoes
• Snorkel & Mask
• Parka
• Snake Bite Kit
• Scarf
• Yaktrax
• Boogie Board
• Skis (water & snow)
• Poncho
• Water Wings
• Ice Melt
• Umbrella Hat
• Ice Axe
• Life Preserver

Happy Packing!

Brian