I guess being snowed in isn’t all that bad. I actually got a ton of work done this morning, including updating a number of CNC pages:
As you can see, I’m finally digging out my favorite posts and making them easier to find, so be sure to check them out. There’s lots of good stuff! π
Snack
While work, work, working, I drank a second protein shake made with iced coffee, coconut milk, and Vanilla Whey Superior Charge. Surprisingly, the combination of flavors sort of tasted like gingerbread!
Lunch
Awesome lunch today! 
I’m trying to use up the leftovers in the refrigerator before we leave for Phoenix, so I got a little creative this afternoon.
I combined leftover cooked quinoa with canned tomatoes, broccoli florets, salt, and pepper. I just mixed it all together and nuked it in the microwave for 90 seconds, which was just enough time to softened up the broccoli. My gosh, it was tasty! I will definitely make this dish again!
On the side, I had a toasted English muffin with almond butter and honey mixed together and spread on top. Mmm!
And here’s the scene behind my lunch:
Poor Mal spent the first part of the morning shoving snow and now he’s plowing through his grading. Hopefully, he’ll finish soon, so we can relax and hang out.
Oh, I also started packing for the marathon this morning.
After about 5 minutes, I felt overwhelmed and quit. Please, someone help me.
What should I be sure not to forget?
98 Comments
We got tons and tons of snow in Boston proper which never happens. But, we also got tons of stuff done, too. Good luck with the packing. I am an over-planner, so I always feel super overwhelmed packing for anything!!
Check out this link…it may help: http://www.marathontraining.com/marathon/m_plist.html
Happy packing! Enjoy the race. There is nothing like your first marathon π
Your running shoes, gear you know you’ll be comfortable wearing for a long run, and your Garmin! And I highly recommend packing Body Glide…I ran my whole first marathon with the absolute worst sports bra-chafing. π
it’s crazy talk to hear you talk about leaving for arizona already — excitement!!
Pack snacks that you know your body is comfortable with. Between travel and pre-race jitters, you’ll want to have something that you know your body can handle.
Before a big race or event, I like to spend the night before painting my nails. It forces me to stay off my feet, relax, and focus on something other than the race. That, paired with a Blizzard from DQ, is my pre-race tradition! Good luck and have fun!
I’ve never packed for a marathon before, but I have packed for other weird things like a ski trip. My advice is take it one outfit at a time, write it down (like and inventory of what’s in the bag) then let it simmer. Let your subconscious churn through it for a few hours, then come back and you’ll probably remember a few more things!
When I travel I usually forget deodorant or pajamas! π
Confidence! You can do it!
That does look like an awesome lunch! I recently got hooked on quinoa, and now I’m on the lookout for more yummy ways to eat it!
Underwear. Do not forget underwear. I forgot mine for a recent trip and, lemme tell ya, it wasn’t easy to get more considering I didn’t have a rental car and was in an unfamiliar city.
…and I can’t believe I just admitted that in a “public” place. π
I always pack a throwaway shirt – something to wear while I wait for the race to start and leave before I begin running (and warm up!). A lot of races will pick up the discards and donate it to charities. Some people wear plastic garbage bags, especially if it rains but the reason why I don’t is because I once saw a man slip on someone else’s discarded garbage bag and fall flat on his face about 10 seconds after the race began. π
I agree with Alison that throw away clothes are crucial! I just got back from running Disney and that was the one thing I forgot were sweat pants. I had a throw away shirt but could have used the pants.
Oh and I’m accustomed to lower back pain after a run so I packed my heating pad and icy hot. Boy am I glad I did!!
Good Luck to you and Mal!!!
Oh and maybe a bathing suit for the hot tub!? π relax those muscles!
Check out this linkβΒ¦it may help: http://www.marathontraining.com/marathon/m_plist.html
Happy packing! Enjoy the race. There is nothing like your first marathon
i am so excited for you and your marathon. I have been reading your blog everyday and have read all about the training you’ve done.
I would plan out a comfy outfit for after the race. Oh and maybe buy yourself some really good smelling lotion or shampoo like (aveda) for after the race. Have you ever made yourself a t-shirt that has a sang on it like ” i can’t wait to eat 10 cookies after this marathon” or “my name is Tina, please cheer me on” or something just completely random and funny for the other runners to laugh at when they are running BEHIND you?
I feel star struck. I have been reading your blog first thing every morning for at least a year!! Thank you for the sweet compliment. You made my day!! I am so excited for you marathon!! You are going to do amazing and I think you are going to be hooked! DON’T FORGET….your ipod, charger, body glide and running fuel. You are going to do so well and enjoy every second of it. Thanks again for the sweet comment.
Because of the snow, I’m pulling a double at the hotel. Definitely going out for drinks after this shift. Back Bay Social Club maybe π
I always forget sunblock when I run. Don’t forget sunblock! π Good luck this weekend!!!
LAYERS! you never know what you might want last-minute and what you might forget.
..and extra socks and sports bras? they are always little ditties I seem to forget but CAN’T run without.
Bodyglide, sunblock, bandaids and something comfy to wear after the race. Advil for the trip home! Good luck!
Whenever I freak out about going on a trip I always remind myself that I’m not going to a third-world country and therefore can probably just buy anything I’ve forgotten. Along those lines I be sure to remember everything I CAN’T buy at the store (namely wallet with ID and credit cards and prescription medicines.)
You will love it in AZ, it just warmed up and are almost back up to the 70s π
How many grams serving (and also grams of protein) do you use for each protein shake? Did you use 2 full scoops (i.e. 40-60 g total?). Trying to get ideas for myself.
I wrote about how much I use in this post: http://carrotsncake.com/2011/01/helping-paws.html
oooh you must be getting excited!!! YAY!!!
almond butter and honey is my absolute favorite combo!! can’t wait to hear about the marathon! don’t forget the kick A attitude and that you will totally dominate π
Almond butter + honey is a winning combo!
Gotta love the snow – – now starting to worry about power lines falling and flying out on Friday! Good luck π
Productive days are always the best, but sometimes you’ve just got to break. Lunch looks delicious!
Jess : )
Some things you don’t want to forget is proper stretching tools like
‘the stick’ a foam roller or whatever else you use. You will need to use these a lot before & after the marathon. Also really comfy shoes for after the marathon such as flip flops or sandals to let your feet breathe. Of course anything else you forget you will be able to get at the expo. Remember the race starts at mile 20! Good luck.
Whatever you do, take your shoes with you on the plaine, not in your check in baggage. it’s the worst feeling to travel for a race and have the airline lose your luggage, and SHOES!
otherwise, your favorite sports bra, shorts, top and music!
I love it when leftovers blow your mind with tastiness!! Here’s to more happy surprises as you keep cleaning out the fridge π
I’m getting ready to start packing for Phoenix as well! I’m running my first marathon and sticking around for the GOTR Summit. I am bringing lots of snacks and on my “do not forget” list is empty water bottles and coffee mug so I don’t use up a bunch of plastic and paper while traveling! My Garmin is also on that list. I would die without it! Good luck on your race and maybe if I’m lucky I will get to see you! I love that note about race shoes in your carry-on above. What a great tip. Any tips on what to wear for the race? I’m nervous to go to 70* weather and run after all the cold temps.
Music! Can you bring music? …do you even use music? lol I dont know, but that’d be a MAJOR necessity for me!
That lunch looks awesome! I know you’ve mentioned Mal teaches before, but what kind of teacher is he?
in the past i have put together a travel list of things to never forget – my friends and i use it whenever we travel. Hope it helps. π
Sorry for the space overload!
DRIVERβΒs LICENSE
Passport
UMBRELLA
MONEY
ATM card
CREDIT CARD
ADVIL – hangovers!
SPF
CAMERA
Camera Charger
RAZOR
Clothes
socks
Pajamas
Bathing suit
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shampoo/cond
Hair products
Face wash
Makeup bag
Fancy Shoes – flipflops, sandals
Sneakers
Beach hat
Jewelry
Perfume
Extra pair of contact lenses
Saline solution
Glasses
Bath Soap – unless you like using the hotels’
Sun Glasses
Purse
Deodorant
Water bottles
Snacky food
Tampons and all
Cell phones
Cell Phone Charger
Medications
Itenirary
Maps
Research list
Don’t forget your toothbrush! I always manage to forget mine. π
essentials: shorts and capris and running pants (options based on weather), sports bra, shoes, socks, shirt, long sleeve (when I ran Phoenix I was in shirt and shorts–started with a throw away), throw away shirt/sweatshrt (often it is cold at start and you are standing around freezing–should be old or shirt you dont care about that you can toss), gloves, something for your ears, gus/gels/stingesr whatever your drug of chocie, hat, sunglasses, bib, chip—
things you want but may live without if forget: ipod, ipod charger, garmin, garmin charger, water bottle (if u ususally use one), deoderant π
Wow I can’t believe the marathon is this weekend!!
Good luck, you’ll do great π
Your sneakers!!! Almost everything else could be replaced
I’m excited for you!!!!!
I always forget small things like chargers, socks, my toothbrush or toothpaste (EVERYTIME). If you have a sensitive stomach, pack some food that you can eat the night before/morning of…like bagels and apples. Every time I do an away race, I have to eat very plain food from a grocery store the night before so I don’t get sick.
I try to travel as light as possible. Hate packing big.
Tina,
Good luck!
Can I ask you where you got those black and white pillow shams-I’ve been looking for something like that.
Thanks.
Ann
Marshalls.