Packing for holidays as a runner…

[MissUnderstanding]

We’re away for a few days and the thing I’m most excited about is some holiday runs on the Gower peninsula. It struck me as I was packing that what I now take with me has changed quite a bit since I started running. Before I packed anything else, sort out the run kit.

First dilemma: how many pairs of trainers? The weather forecast is a bit rubbish so that means they might get very wet. That means two…but there might be some trails too so better take my *new shiny* pair of trainers (pictured). So that’s three nights and three pairs of trainers.

Next comes the clothing. Who knows what the weather will be like so I’ve got two t shirts, two vests and a long sleeved top to cover all eventualities. And what about bottoms? Better have a range so shorts, capris and long leggings just in case. And a spare pair of leggings for luck. Socks are small so five pairs for three nights is obviously the right number. Hmm…maybe I’ll be running early or late so better throw a hi viz jacket in there too. And three sports bras.

We haven’t even got to tech yet!!! Headphones, and charger. Garmin, and charger. Do I need a head torch? Probably not but wouldn’t want to be caught out. Better pack it, and the charger.

What if my legs are stiff post run? In goes the massage balls, and I don’t want to not be able to do my physio exercises so a couple of resistance bands get chucked in too. And a few energy gels just in case. Plus some oatcakes in case I want to run before breakfast. And a bath bomb for a nice relaxing post run bath.

And now there is no room in the case for anything else! Please tell me I’m not alone in this?!!

[drl212 Graduate10]

OMG! You are cracking me up.

I'm guessing your going to need a steamer trunk...

Steamer Truck

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to drl212]

Going away by car has its advantages!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Well done you... get the priorities correct... a happy runner in all weathers, all terrains and all locations.... just as it should be... I would expect nothing less !

I am away for five nights in June... two leggings, one pair of shoes, two pairs of socks... two t-shirts, one peaked running cap and one light showerproof jacket.. all read to go in the bag first!

We have to set the right example... don't we? Go you... have a super time and make sure you chill a tad too! xxx

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

I love how you’ve already planned your run packing! I absolutely approve! ❤️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

(Whaf if it’s chilly - how about gloves! 😈)

I’m just the same MU, I have to make sure all my kit is packed, and it definitely takes priority over anything smart!

Have a wonderful few days; the Gower is beautiful and I haven’t been for years. Enjoy. 😍

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

🤣 that’s a good point-I was hoping in late May gloves wouldn’t be needed but the b and b had a log fire going yesterday and that was much welcomed. The weather is changeable…hmm maybe I should have brought more options!!

[Tessie66 Graduate10]

Lol enjoy your break and just don't take the kitchen sink

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Tessie66]

Thank you! A sink might be useful for washing muddy trainers now you mention it….

[GTFC Graduate10]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣This is BRILLIANT and exactly how it should be!! Hydration tablets too (if it's hot) are useful. This is exactly us when we pack. Have a brilliant time 👏👏👏 *the trail shoes look ace 👣

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GTFC]

Thank you! Shoes recommended by the lovely Cmoi . I’ve worn them road to very non technical trail and they’re great-super cushioned and bouncy which I really like but also grippy. We’ll see how they fare today!

Good point about electrolytes…I’m just at the start of a (I’m still nervous to say it) marathon training programme and my long runs are still around 10k, but if I was a month or two down the line I’d definitely take some tailwind…and a hydration vest….and more gels…and snacks…. That’s opened up all sorts of options!!! Luckily Wales can be relied upon not to be too hot!!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

You are not alone 🤣🤣🤣

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

That is so good to know’!! 🤣🤣🤣

[linda9389 Graduate10]

Not alone! What a fab place to run too. Have an amazing time 🥰

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Thank you! I’ve realised we’re all the same here!! The plan is to visit three cliffs bay today. It might be more of a walk but the run kit (well, some of it!!) is coming with me. I’ve packed it-I’m going to use it!!

[nowster Graduate10]

Guilty as charged! I take at least as much running kit as I do ordinary clothes. I've not had to fly anywhere in the last few years, so that's not too much of a problem.

However, barefoot shoes do squish down nearly flat.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to nowster]

I feel like I’m in very good company here! I hadn’t thought of packabillity as an advantage of barefoot shoes!!

Coming back from Helsinki, I wore my run kit on the plane so i could avoid paying for an extortionate airport taxi. Left MrU with the suitcases and ran home to get the car. Unexpected advantages of being a runner!

[nowster Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

That only works if you live within a reasonable distance of the airport.

I can't imagine doing that for my local airport which is 15 miles away as the crow flies. That would take me about 2½ hours to cover at my very best, which I definitely wouldn't be after a long flight.

[Kirst13 Graduate10]

I often fly ryanair, so I use barefoot runners when away, as they take up less space 🤣

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Kirst13]

Maybe I need to investigate!! I’m never averse to a new pair of trainers….

[Gthants 60minGraduate]

Take a trailer to carry the running gear? Or air freight the shipping container to Wales? 🧐😁

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Gthants]

🤣🤣🤣 or upgrade my car from a Fiesta! I can imagine turning up at the dealership and being asked what I was looking for. “A boot big enough to fit all my holiday run kit in” might be one of the more unusual replies!!!

[Health2020 Graduate10]

This made me smile so much because I can imagine going through the same dilemma.

Last night I got ready to go to my run club and I was joining week 2 of a b210k group. I haven’t run for some weeks as I’ve had pneumonia. Because I hadn’t run for some time my inner dialogue was going mad (but that’s a different story). I put on a running top without thinking, looked in the mirror and then realised it was from a 10 mile race and so I took it off (as it was week 2 b210). Picked up a hi vis top put it down as it was from a 10K race. Settled on a plain top with no writing. I was overanalysing a running top 😔

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Health2020]

Oh I absolutely love this!!! We’re such funny creatures aren’t we! Under analysis has its risks too. Didn’t think about the combo of the kit I’d packed and only brought black tops. Spent yesterday accidentally dressed like a ninja wearing top to toe black. Was fine when walking. Felt more of a wazzock in a nice Indian restaurant we stopped at before getting back to the b and b to change!!!

[Curlygurly2 Graduate10]

I'd try and take stuff that would double up, one pair of walking trainers and one pair of runners, then be prepared to walk in my runners if the others got wet. Running tops I can wear with jeans, say. ETC ETC... no substitute for the tech and the cables...we're off to Ostend in a few weeks, I might list what I take!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Curlygurly2]

Now that’s a sensible plan! I need to pack like a grown up next time!!! Enjoy Ostend. I’d love to go and at very envious!

[Mudita11 Graduate10]

This is exactly what I do ! 🤣🤣🤣

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Mudita11]

It’s great to discover there are so many of us like this too!!!

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10]

I am another minimalist!Running stuff; 1 pair of running shoes, one old pair for walking, 3 running shirts can double up for day wear, 3x pairs of shorts, two pairs running socks, headphones, 2x peaked caps, hydration tablets, small drinks bottle with belt, oh, and a hot water bottle for pre run knee warming….That’s about it. We self cater, so clothes washing isn’t a problem. Plenty of room left for all the books Mrs BC likes to take!! 🥵

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

For my last 2 trips: wear running shoes and socks on plane, pack vest, bra, shorts with built in pants, belt, headphones and squashy water bottle.Last year I forgot the bra so improvised with my running belt.

Taking only a small carry on bag means you have to be so disciplined 😂