A few weeks ago I traveled to Memphis for the St Jude Marathon weekend. Yes I was there to run, but I also travel to actually experience the locale, explore the culture, and of course, lots of good eating! ….. Check out my recap of Memphis where I saw the National Civil Rights Museum/Lorraine Motel, site of Dr. Kings Assignation, visited Graceland, Home of Elvis. Had awesome BBQ on Beale Street, and just had an overall great time. This was definitely one of my favorite races that I’ve done to date.
I never check bags anymore. Whether I’m traveling for 3 or 10 days, I just don’t see the need to. I’ve learned how to pack smartly and efficiently in a carry on & personal bag. If you don’t have an airline credit card, or status you are wasting ? on baggage fees. Check out my tips and tricks below on how to pack carry on only for a weekend running trip.
?Use a small bag: the smaller your bag, the less you can stuff in it! ?Pack only what you need: it’s only 2-3 days, how many outfit options do you need??!! ? Pack clothes in the same color family: this makes it easier to mix and match pieces, and you can wear things more than once! ? for longer trips. ?Organize in Pouches/small bags: group things like toiletries, tech, health, hair, etc. together, it makes things easier to find once you get to your destination. ?Bring a reusable water bottle: you can fill it up at a fountain once you pass security. This beats buying that $6 bottle of water at the airport. Also, hotels often have water in their lobbies that you can refill with. ?Invest in good luggage. You don’t have to spend $500 on a bag, but that $50 carry on will not last you. I’ve had my go to carry on since 2011, and it’s still going strong! If you plan to travel often, a good bag(s) is worth it.
What is your preference, checking a bag, or going carry on only? Let me know your thoughts, and any tips or tricks you may have.
The first half marathon that I ever ran out of state was during Ironman Eagleman 70.3 on June 14, 2015 in Maryland. That was my worse half marathon experience ever! Next came the Cayman Islands Half Marathon on December 6, 2015 which was out of the country, so that doesn’t really count now does it. Next was the Gasparilla Distance Classic in Tampa, Florida, on Febuary 20, 2016. This was my first real taste of traveling and running road races, and this is what sparked the idea of possibly running a half-marathon in each of the 50 states.
Back in 2016, I wasn’t really serious about accomplishing this task. I just wanted to run some states and see how I liked it. I added GA, NJ, and IL to the list that year, and in 2017 added LA, DE, & CT. In 2018 I made a bit more progress than the previous years, adding TX, NC, DC (not a state but I’m counting it!) CA, MA, and PA. 2019 has been a bit of a dud with only SC checked off the list. I did a whole lot more local racing in New York this year.
So as of this post I am sitting comfortably at 15 states + DC with 35 states to go. Seems like a whole lot, but I am in no rush and will see and explore the United States at my leasure.
Next up for me is the Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon this weekend. This race is super cool because we get to cross the bridge and run 2.5 miles or so in Ontario, Canada, and then back over into Michigan. This will be my first time stepping foot on Canadian soil so I’m pretty excited about that. I’m just hoping it is not too cold at the start. Sundays low temp is 47 degrees, with a high of 66.
Wish me luck!
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