Packing for holidays as a runner…: We’re away... - Bridge to 10K

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Packing for holidays as a runner…

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10
29 Replies

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?!!

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29 Replies
drl212 profile image
drl212

OMG! You are cracking me up.

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

Steamer Truck
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10 in reply to drl212

Going away by car has its advantages!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate

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 profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10 in reply to Oldfloss

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

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10

(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 profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10 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 profile image
Tessie66Graduate10

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

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10 in reply to Tessie66

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

GTFC profile image
GTFCGraduate10

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣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 profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10 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 profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate

You are not alone 🤣🤣🤣

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun

That is so good to know’!! 🤣🤣🤣

linda9389 profile image
linda9389Graduate10

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

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10 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 profile image
nowsterGraduate10

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 profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10 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 profile image
nowsterGraduate10 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 profile image
Kirst13Graduate10

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

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10 in reply to Kirst13

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

Gthants profile image
Gthants60minGraduate

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

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10 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 profile image
Health2020Graduate10

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 profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10 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 profile image
Curlygurly2Graduate10

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 profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10 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 profile image
Mudita11Graduate10

This is exactly what I do ! 🤣🤣🤣

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10 in reply to Mudita11

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

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66Graduate10

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 profile image
YesletsgoAmbassadorGraduate10

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 😂

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