Tips to Make it a Great Race

You've picked your race, booked your flight, made your hotel reservations.  You've put in all the training and your eager and ready to head out and travel to run the race you've been looking for.
So what can you do to insure that everything else will go as planned?

I've compiled a few suggestions and my own tips to help anyone who is thinking of traveling out for a race, to help you be prepared for a great race and great trip.

*  Before you pack, make a list from head to toe on what race gear you want to use and bring with you.  Then as you pack your bag(s) cross each item off the list.

*  Don't wear new running shoes or new clothes on race day. Run in what you've already trained it and what you already know will be comfortable!

*  When packing for your race think about where you are going and plan to dress for ANY weather! No matter where I go, I always bring rain gear, warm layers, etc..  No matter what the weather man is saying, it's always smart to plan for anything!  Because the one time you think it won't matter, it will!  (Learned this the hard way myself a few times!)

Anchorage, Alaska Marathon Start

*  If flying: Pack all your race gear in your carry on.  Do not put it in checked luggage!

*  When you arrive at your hotel, take a minute to unpack your race gear before you head to the expo and do another run through it to make sure its all there.  That way if by chance you did forget something, you can pick it up at the expo.


*  Make sure the week leading into the race you're paying extra attention keeping your body fully hydrated.

*  Don't forget the most important aspect of the taper process, don't do anything the week leading into the race that could harm or injure your body in any way! Don't try any new workouts or stretches.

*  If it's a big race, get to the expo early or go on the first day.  You'll avoid the crowds and enjoy walking around it quite a bit more!

*  Whether you are driving to the race start or walking to it race morning, take yourself in advance and get familiar with the route.  Decide where you are going to park etc...  Plan it out ahead of time, so you'll know how much time to give yourself race morning.

*  The day before the race DON'T eat anything new!  Stick with foods and liquids that your body is already used to. This also means skipping any fancy restaurants you aren't sure of.

NOTE:  Carb loading ONLY the night before the race really won't help!  Correct carb loading should begin about 3-4 days leading to the race.  It takes time to correctly build up the carbs to fuel your body.  Also, if you're not used to eating pasta's the night before long runs, now is not the time to experiment with them!  Well that is, if you want to avoid spending lots of time before or even during the race in the fabulous port-o-potties:)

*  Dinner before the race, eat it earlier.  (I like to be sitting down and eating no later than 5-5:30)  Don't wait until 7pm or later and don't overeat just because you think you'll need to. Otherwise it may not digest fully by morning and you'll be running with a heavy gut, or hey you may even be running with the runs.. ewe you don't want that!

*  Night before the race, lay out all your race gear.  Put your bib on your shirt.  If you are using any race belts or packs, get them all filled up and ready to go.  If you use or plan to take a tracker, plug it in to fully charge. Set your alarm, and then set up a back up alarm or ask the hotel to give you a wake-up call.

IMPORTANT to NOTE:  It's always smart to write a little information on the back of your race bib.  (Even if they don't ask you to!)
I always put my name, any medications or supplements I may be taking, allergies or list no allergies to medications, emergency contact person and emergency phone numbers (it also doesn't hurt to list the hotel you are staying at.)  I hope they'll never have to be used, but if something ever did happen I feel far more comfortable with that on me.

*  As you go to bed, make  2 race plans for the next morning and go over them in your mind.
Plan A, everything goes great, you feel great, it's going to be your best race ever or the race you trained for and what you'll do when you know your doing great and can push it more without risking ruining your great race!
Plan B, what are you going to do when things go wrong?  Maybe the weather, maybe it's raining, maybe when you start running you just aren't feeling it.  We all hope these things don't happen, but they can and if you run enough races they will happen.  So it's better to have your mind prepared ahead of time so you'll be able to fight through it and have the mind set and motivation to get through anything!

New York City Marathon Finish Area

*  Race morning get up, eat and drink.  (Not too much, you should already be hydrated, you don't need to over hydrate before the race.  Well unless you like to spend time in those lovely out-houses:)  I personally like to eat about 2 hours before the race starts. I also don't drink anything about an hour leading to the race. That gives what I did drink with my breakfast time to run through and less potty time!

*  Make sure you have everything you're going to need before you leave your hotel.

*  I like to get to the race start about 30 minutes before they start (in smaller races).  But 1+ hours in the larger ones.  And then there are some larger races (like NYC) that require 2-3 hours.  No matter what time you arrive, if it's cold make sure you do what you can to stay warm.  If it's windy or rainy find somewhere to stay out of it as best you can.  (Note, if your not sure on when to arrive, its always best to go early!  That way you can relax, and make your way through the bathroom lines before it starts.

HINT:  I always bring a large garbage bag with me to the start.  If it's cool I can stick my head through a hole in the bottom and cover myself in it.  You might not think a piece of plastic can do much good, but it's the BEST thing to use, REALLY!  As you walk around or even start your race in it, if it's cold or freezing out your body warms up much faster in the plastic.  As you get warmer you can stick your arms out and then eventually loose the whole bag!  It's a very cheap way to keep warm!
**  But if you do need to stay in the bag when you start the race, make sure once you start to sweat to get out of it!  If you don't you'll be covered in sweat and when you loose the bag, you'll end up just freezing!

*  If this is your first race or especially your first marathon.  Don't get caught up in the first mile and go out too fast.  It's better to start out a little slower and let your body warm up and get used to the race.  The biggest mistake any new runner (and even experienced runner) can make is starting out to fast.  It can ruin the rest of your race!

Atlanta George Marathon Start

**** Because I am a marathon runner, here are a few tips to help those who are going out for the longer distances. ****

*  Keep hydrated, but not over hydrated during the race.  Although you may not feel you need the liquid early on, you do!  What you drink or don't drink in the first 8-10 miles of a marathon will set you up for the rest of the race.  In a long race, once you get the feeling of thirst it's really over, there isn't going to be anything you can do to make up for it.  It's also highly important not to overdrink So drink smart! Drink how you did in training.

NOTE:  Some races have water stops every mile.  You don't need them each mile!  I like to start drinking water at mile 2 or 3 and then only every 2 miles or so.  I go with an odd and even miles method.  I only stop at water stops at say even numbered miles.  That way I can make sure I am getting the correct amount of liquids and not too much!
If you drink at every stop there is too much risk of other problems and even death if you over-hydrate.

Connecticut Marathon Finish

*  In the higher miles of the race, play mind games.  I have several pre-determined things I am going to think about or play in my head whenever I have moments of need.  Sounds funny, but if you are having a hard time and struggling and you already have a list of things to help you through it, you will get through it!

*  Remove all moments of doubt, if you feel one coming on just start talking to yourself.  You did this, you trained for this, and you are going to finish no matter what!

*  If you're feeling good after miles 16-18, then pick it up, push a little harder.  At this point of the race and especially after mile 19, there is NO point of conserving energy!  You came to run, so run, push yourself if you can!  You'll love yourself/your race even more if you do!

Most importantly no matter the race or distance, HAVE FUN!  You run because you can and you love it, you trained for this, you deserve to enjoy all of it, so do!  There is that saying, pain is only temporary but the pride of finishing is forever!  (It's true!)

Those are a few of my tips!

So tell me what are some of your race tips?  
Or what are some great ideas for race preparation you use?

Travel Tips

I'll begin taking you to different locations again the first Tuesday in January.  But this week, I thought I'd offer you a few of my favorite travel tips.

AIRLINE TRAVEL

*  If you're planning in advance, don't book airfare the first day you look.  I have found Wednesdays seem to be the cheapest day to book airfare.  I have found that weekends are the most expensive days to book airfare.

*  Travel sights may not always have the best deals.  If your a frequent traveler, you'll want to use your rewards cards, these tend to be more beneficial as far as return.  If you are just traveling once or twice a year, travel sites may be of benefit to you.  But just because you see a great deal by them, doesn't mean you can't get an even better deal booking with the airline or hotel directly.  I always call and say, I saw this deal on **** travel site, can you beat it, or should I book with them?  They have to pay those travel sites money on those bookings, so I have found most of the time they will match or do better.  However, I have also been told by a few, that the travel site offers better deals then they can do.  So just shop around a little!

*  If your going to become a frequent traveler, or even travel 3-4 times a year.  Sign up with a rewards program.  I have found I can get 1 or 2 flights a year free just from being in them.  Additionally, I have been able to fly first class for free more often than not, because of being in the rewards program.

HOTEL BOOKING

*  First cheapest is not best!!!!  I would rather pay an extra $50-$100 a night to insure that I am in a bed bug free, cleaner room.  But that is me.  If you are searching for hotels, and you see a rate that is ridiculously cheap, chances are there is a reason for it.  Check for reviews, I prefer the reviews on sights like Expedia and other travel sites, because those I know come from actual people.  One thing is certain if a person has a bad experience, they will come back and talk about it.  Rarely do people post good experiences.  So I search and if I find very little to no negative, then I know that is a place that is likely okay to stay.

*  Hotels also have cheaper rates at different times during the month.  For some reason I've noticed cheaper rates on Thursdays, and not around Holidays.  However, I won't commit to only that date, as I have also found the same similar lower rates on other days mid week.

*  Check for deals - Some hotels have a book 3 nights get 1 free.  I love these!
Look for Free Wifi, Free Breakfasts, Free Parking.  Additionally some hotels can offer discount packages to area attractions.

*  Check the details when booking.  You find a hotel that has a great rate, but forget to look at the fine print and show up to pay $40+ a night for parking, $15 a day for wifi, forced valet and a bunch of other charges you don't really need.
So look into this first, FREE PARKING is something I always search for.  Additionally to free parking, I prefer places that let me park my car rather than pay for Valet.
(Note: If you do have to pay for Valet, I highly recommend when they take your car you give them $1-$2 (This is the average tip rates for valet).  This sends them away to park it in my opinion with a better motivation to not ding the car up!

CAR RENTAL

*  My biggest tip is, book online and only book the cheapest vehicle.  (Unless you absolutely know you'll need a large van or truck.)
Second, say no to all the extras when they try to upgrade you at the rental center.
Why do I suggest this.  Well last year of the 14 cars I picked up for rental and originally only asked for the cheapest car.  I only once ended up with that cheap car.  In fact sometimes I said no to all the upgrades and then the person handed me the keys to a nicer vehicle and said "Well we are out of those cars, so it's your lucky day, you get a free upgrade".

*  Bring your own GPS.  You can rent these with the cars, but this can cost you $6+ a day and that can add up.  So if you already have one, just use your own and save yourself the money!
TIP: Always bring a detailed map with you!  GPS can sometimes take you off the main path and sometimes has a tendency to take some very scenic (no one around) routes.  Keep a map handy so you know to reroute yourself if good old GPS tries to take you into the boonies:)

*  When you pick up your rental car, make note of all the dings (even small).  I have found that some rental places will have just washed a car and it hides the dings.  Also at night, it can be hard to see dents and stuff.  So take your time and look it over before leaving.

PACKING

*  I noticed years ago, I always took way more than I actually needed.  So I started packing differently.  You may or may not like my tips, as these are only suggestions.

*  5 days or less I always pack everything into a wheeled carry-on, and I put any extras into a smaller backpack.  That way I never have to deal with lost luggage, I can take everything with me.
My best packing ever was I packed for 12 days in 1 carry-on and a backpack!

*  I like to wear the same clothes on my way there, and on my way back.  So I call this my airline outfit.  Saves space on a separate outfit.

*  Roll socks and underwear up into your shoes or roll into the spare area's left after you pack.

*  If I am going for 5 days or less, if bringing jeans I will wear them more than 1 day and just pack a new shirt for each day.

*  If you are going somewhere like a beach or place where you know you will need more suitcase room, or if you are going somewhere that you know you'll be bringing lots of stuff back with you.  That is when the extra checked on luggage is needed.
On your luggage, make sure to make some big noticeable mark on your bag, maybe colored X of fun tape.. something easily distinguishable.  Chances are a dozen people will have a similar bag, and it's so much easier to grab yours if you have some type of mark on it, so you can grab and go quick:)

*  Always put your name and contact info on all pieces of luggage, even your carry on!!!

PLAN A FEW THINGS TO DO AHEAD OF TIME

*  Arriving somewhere new, and just going wherever is always fun.  But if you don't have an idea ahead of time of what is in the area, you might miss out on something incredible.  So find a few things that you might like to do, and grab any info on them that may be helpful.  How far of a drive from where you are staying, cost, hours of operation, if reservations are required.

*  Although it's great to have a few options of places to see.  Make sure to leave yourself time to relax and do whatever!  Some people like to plan out every minute of their trip, which is fine.  But I have found, that having some free time, and relaxation time is sometimes just as great as going non-stop.

RACE TRAVELING

Because I am a runner, and do a lot of race traveling trips, here are a few things just for those traveling to races.

*  Book a hotel close to the start line.  Yes they will cost more, but races start so early in the morning and some places there are dozens of road closures.  Why deal with hassle and stress when you're already full of nerves for the race.  I prefer booking one that either I can walk a few blocks or less than a mile to the start, or one that has a pick up bus at.
Sometimes I book a hotel close to the start for 2 nights and then, move to a different less costly one for the rest of the trip.

*  Plan a way to get from the finish line back to your hotel.  Whether that means bringing cab or bus money, or checking that the race offers a free shuttle.  Or maybe park at the finish and take a shuttle to the start..  If you plan this out ahead of time, the day is so much less stressful!

*  Pack all your race gear first, and make a check list so you can cross check as you pack that you remember everything.

*  Print out to pack and take with you any expo details, waivers etc....

*  Leave room in your bag or suitcase for things you might pick up at the expo's or souvenirs.

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Okay, so there are dozens of other tips and suggestions that I could mention.  But this is a pretty good basic list to think about when traveling.

Travel - Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon & Monument Valley

Today for Travel Tuesday, I'd like to take you on an adventure through Southern Utah and the bordering corner of Arizona.

First we travel to Lake Powell, Utah the Wahweap area near the dam.  If you are not familiar with Lake Powell, this is a lake along the route of the Colorado River.  It's the second largest man made reservoir in the U.S.  (The first being Lake Mead in Nevada)
Lake Powell is famous for boaters, fishermen and tourists who enjoy hiking.

The Wahweap Campground

This picture was taken from a top of the dam walkway.  Just down the river from here you'll hit Lee's Ferry, which has some amazing fly fishing opportunities!

If you do not own a boat, or cannot afford a houseboat tour, you can still see some pretty incredible vista's of the lake by driving around the Southern Utah/Arizona boarder areas.

Although all portions of this area are beautiful.  Antelope Canyon is pretty much the crown jewel of this trip.

Antelope Canyon is owned and operated by the Navajo Nation, you'll need to obtain all permits and tours through their offices.

These particular pictures are taken at the Upper East Waterholes.  However, there is also a Lower Antelope Canyon, tours and permits are separate.  They will take you out on 4 wheel trucks through the sand roads, and drive you right up to this entrance.

Early morning is the best time of day (in my opinion) to take these tours.

Although these pictures are not the best, because I didn't take the digital camera with me on this trip, a camera tip while in a slot canyon is NO FLASH.

A lot of people know I love slot canyons, and fortunately living in Utah I get to experience a lot of them.  Some are more difficult to get into than others.  This particular canyon is hiker and family friendly, meaning no experience other than the ability to walk or be carried through is needed.

Depending on the time of day, the rocks will look entirely different in color.  One hour they can look red, the next pink or orange as well as many shades in those colors.

Standing in these light beams made me feel like I was an angel from a T.V. show that was all lit up.  It was kind of fun.

This is the back of the slot canyon and the exit.

After visiting Lake Powell and spending an early morning hiking slot canyons on the Arizona/Utah boarder.  Drive back into Utah and visit one of the 10 wonders of the world and see Monument Valley.

I think you can see all you will want to see in Monument Valley, as well as the Valley of Fire in 2 days.  You'll have to buy a car pass to visit this area.  There is both exploration and hiking on your own, as well as guided tours.  However, you can see a lot of this on your own even with in the comfort of your own car, and get out and hike as you would like.

Take a lot of water with you out hiking.  In the spring and summer and even fall it can get quite hot.  However, in the winter it can get quite cold, so plan accordingly.

These are just 3 area's you can visit.  But if you have a longer time.  Area's of interest within the area.
* Hike The Wave (Slot Canyon) Permits are required and must be obtained before arriving.
* Visiting the famous Four Corners Monument - Where Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado meet.
* Visit the Goosenecks State Park
* See the Mexican Hat Rock Formation
* Visit Navajo National Monument - Tons of hiking and views of ancient Indian Dwellings
*  If you enjoy seeing Indian Ruins there are plenty in this part of Canyon Country!

If you go:
- If you are flying in, I'd recommend the St. George, Utah Airport and you can take a beautiful drive over.  However, you could also fly into Page, Arizona which would put you right next to the Lake Powell area I mentioned above.
- If driving, no matter which direction you come you will have plenty of scenic views, but make sure you bring plenty of water, and fill up on gas as some service areas out here are a bit far apart.  I'd also recommend a well tuned vehicle so you don't risk any overheating.
- All area's above mentioned do require fee's, and there is not a 1 pass for all.  Visit their websites and plan accordingly while budgeting for this trip.
- For this area, I'd recommend 5-7 days.  This way you can get out and explore and you won't have to rush your trip.

Visit Haleakala National Park

For Travel Tuesday I'd like to take you to Haleakala.

Haleakala National Park is located in Maui, Hawaii.  This is one of those places that even though being on the small Island of Maui, those who visit the Hawaiian destination often overlook Haleakala.

First, if you are going to go if you really want to get a chance to see the best views of the park, you are going to have to get up early.  I got up to leave around 4 a.m. but many will get up to make the drive around 3:30 a.m.  (My trip was in January, different times of year the time you will need to get up will vary.)

Second, even though you are in Maui, you'll want a good warm jacket, or blanket and even gloves and a hat to keep you warm.  The temperatures at the top before sunrise or after sunset can be below freezing.

You'll take a bit of a drive, up a very dark and very curvy road as you basically climb in elevation from sea level up to around 10,000 feet.
Park in the parking lot and walk over to the viewing area, and wait in the icy cold wind in the dark at the overlook with the other park visitors.  Get your camera's ready, because what you are about to see is spectacular.

First you'll start to see the yellow glow of the sun as it rises and lights the puffy clouds below you.  While the old volcano's will start to take shape in the area below you.

Each second during those minutes of the morning you will watch as the sun starts to move up and catches the clouds and each cloud will start to look as if the edges are lighting on fire.

It's literally a spectacle that is fit exactly for the word BREATHTAKING!

I bet if you have a extremely fancy camera you're pictures will turn out better than mine.  But even if you just have a digital camera that cost a bit less than $200, you'll still be able to capture pictures like these.

Once the sun is up over the clouds, the scene changes quickly.  As the clouds begin to slowly fade away until they are non-existent.  In return the temperature starts to warm, and you won't feel like your nose is about to fall off.
Once the sunrise is over, you can take a drive further up the road, and hike around to stand on top of Haleakala's tallest peak.  At which you'll have fabulous views of the island and even all the way to the big island of Hawaii.

After, I suggest taking the day to hike around and explore Haleakala.  There are plenty of hiking trails, and yes it does warm up:)  You can even arrange to take a bike trip down the steep curvy road to Haleakala National Park.

You can also stop at the different look outs, and view the old volcano's and hike around the old cinder desert.  It's beautiful, and so full of different colors.  You'll love it!

You're park pass is good for 3 days, so after you can go the next day up the Road to Hana (I'll have to do a separate travel post on this area next week.) There you will be able to visit the other side of Haleakala National Park, which is a total transformation from the desert area, to lush tropical forests.

MY TIPS IF YOU GO

Get up early, don't try to sleep in until the last possible minute.  Once the parking lot at the top fills up it is closed off, and you may have driven all that way and miss the spectacle of the sunrise.

Bring a warm jacket and gloves as well as a stocking hat.  Just small items to fit into your suitcase that will otherwise be filled with beach gear.  But honestly, if I didn't have gloves with that cold wind, I wouldn't have been able to stand taking any pictures.

Check the weather first before you go.  Although my pictures and my morning ended up being ideal, it isn't always that.  It could be freezing rain or yes even snow.  You can't control the clouds or lack of, it's probably a different experience for everyone.

Bring lots of water if you plan on hiking and definitely bring your camera!!!

Plan to spend the day, or at least half the day.  Don't think you can do both this and the road to Hana in one day.  I'm sure you could, but you won't have any time to stop and see anything, as you'd barely have enough time to drive the two roads.

As for driving, if your rental car has a lower gear when coming down off the mountain put it in the lowest gear so you can avoid using the break.  If you don't have this option, try to keep your pace slow and avoid pushing on that break as much as possible.  For me, I popped it into a lower gear and didn't have to use the break except for the couple of times I caught up to other vehicles.

Aren't the pictures amazing!  Can you believe that so many people go to Maui, Hawaii and stick with the beaches and never get to see these amazing Maui sights!  Pure crazy, huh!

Tips for Race Traveling

Taken during my Alaskan Marathon Trip

     Running 39 full marathons in 32 different states so far.  I've picked up a few tips for race planning and traveling.

     People come to me asking for advice to help them plan their own race adventures.  So I have begun making lists of DO'S, DONT'S & TIPS based on my own experiences, to help the experienced runner and traveler to the novice contemplating on setting out for their first time.

     I am going to break it down into different categories and make a mini weekly blog series on them.  This week to start are tips for booking your race and a few travel ideas to help save money and make your traveling race experience the best it can be.

     DO pick races in places you've wanted to visit.  Research them first!  The truth is, not all races are great choices.  Some lack organization, race support or have other problems.  If you're an experienced runner, you may know what to do if you get into a bad situation in a race with no help or volunteers around.  But if it's your first race stick with one that is not only highly recommended by other runners.  But is also known for excellent organization, volunteers and a great course.  If you're going to spend the money to travel to a race, you might as well go somewhere amazing and have a great experience!

Taken at the start of my Colorado Trail Marathon

     DO pick the right race for you and your distance!  Now days hosting a race is all about the money they can make, so they'll throw in many distances just for the extra entries.  If you want to run a race and have a great experience, pick one that caters most to the particular distance you want to enter in (especially if it is your first!)!  I even go so far as checking to see how many people enter the race each year, is the race set for fast runners only or all runners?  Is it at a good time of year?  Type of terrain?  Check it out and make sure it fits whats best for you and what you plan to train for before you enter.

     TIP if running your first marathon, I suggest picking a race that is a marathon only race!  As a marathon runner, I find I love these races the BEST!  They are all about the 26.2 miles and they know what they are doing, provide the best course support, organization.  Additionally you generally you don't find these races stretched too thin for volunteers at the support stations and water stops!

On my West Virginia Marathon

     RENTAL CAR TIP - When booking your rental car online, don't bother signing up for an expensive upgraded vehicle (unless you need one.)  When at the rental counter when they offer you the upgrades for a price, just turn them down (again, unless you absolutely want them).  9 out of 10 times that I rent a car, I turn all these things down and then end up with an upgraded vehicle anyway because it's all they have left on the lot.
** Another tip, late afternoon or evening rental car pick-ups are the best time to get FREE upgrades, because most people arrive late morning or early afternoon and take all the cheaper vehicles then.

      DO if you plan on doing a lot of traveling and flying.  Pick ONE airline you like best, who has a miles or reward program and stick with them.  This will actually save you money in the long run!  Personally I love Delta, but that is because of the way I use them.  With their skymiles program I can generally get every 5th or 6th ticket free.  By always using the same airline I also earned my way into their FREE upgrades programs and generally get upgraded to first class about every other flight.  Let me tell you nothing is better when you are sore after 26.2 and you get the free upgrade into first class, that extra leg room to stretch out is simply fabulous!
     TIP, if you don't qualify for free upgrades, the emergency exit rows also have a few extra inches of leg room:)  (Of course this is on Delta, I would assume the other airline planes are the same, but I can't say for certain so it might be something to ask!)

On my Hawaii Marathon Trip

     DON'T book airfare on travel sites just because it looks cheapest. Personally I've found booking through travel sites for amazing deals is generally not so amazing!  I am sure sometimes they can work out (guess it just depends on what you like and dislike).  But for me, I don't think saving $100 on a flight ticket is worth having to switch airlines 2-3 times, long layovers, and 14+ hours later finally arriving at my destination (miserable) which should have only taken 2-6 hours in the first place!  Direct flights or 1 layover is my preference!  Besides with a race coming up, you won't want to be exhausted before you get there.
Generally you can get the exact same deals on the actual airline website, and in my experience if you have time to search a little they are occasionally even better!
So when booking a flight, however you do it.  Besides taking cost into consideration, make sure you think through all the flight details and layover times first.

View from Big Sur Marathon

     DO Book flights on Tue, Wed or Thur.  Never book a flight on a weekend, Monday or Holiday or you'll pay more, lots more!  I don't know why, but generally Wednesday's have overall been the best date for me to book!  (If you don't believe me, test it out yourself and you'll see what I mean!)

     DO (if you can) fly in a day or two before the actual race.  Weather or airline problems are unpredictable and unavoidable at times.  So if your flight is cancelled or delayed, you won't be stressing that you're going to miss your race or packet pickup.  If you can't do this, I'd suggest taking the earliest morning flight available, so if delays come up you have a better chance getting there in time!

     DO check travel sites for hotel deals first, then call the hotel directly.  I like to find a great deal on a travel site, then call the hotel directly and ask them if I have to book on the travel site or if they will match the deal. They'll be honest with you, and I think they prefer you booking with them directly so in my experience most of the time they will match a deal or even at times offer one slightly better.  If they can't then go ahead with the travel site deal.

     DON'T just book a hotel because it's cheap!  That is the worst thing you can do!!!  They are likely cheap for a reason (because no one wants to stay there).  Personally I prefer safety and location, cleanliness, free parking, free wi-fi and free breakfasts over anything else.  You can still find a great rate on a nice hotel, it just takes a little searching!

On my Minnesota Marathon Trip

     DO stay at a race hotel.  Generally you can get a list of these from the race website.  By doing this, you'll be surrounded by other runners.  (Usually) you'll have guests around you who won't be loud and keep you up all night before the race.  Sometimes race hotels are within walking distance to starting line, or will have free shuttle services to and from the start.  Also most race hotels will have an earlier breakfast just for runners.  An added bonus is all the fun runners and awesome new people you can meet and chat with and share your running stories.

     DO plan a few things to do and see before or after the race (again, if you can).  Whether you go do a little hiking, visit local attractions or set out on a drive to explore.  You'll enjoy the trip much more if you do something besides just fly in and out for the race only.  I personally like to plan my races near National Parks, Beaches, State Parks and Monuments, Historical Area's and Parks, Mountains and places that look amazing to visit.
     As you can see on my blog in the pictures in this post and also if you scroll down a bit on the page to the pictures below, I love to see AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL!!!  Makes my race in that state even more special and memorable!

     DO (if you can) be flexible with your time on your return flight (if the plane is overbooked) if offered the option to take a later flight for a travel voucher, TAKE IT!  Generally you'll only have to wait a few hours, so  use the time to eat a good meal, walk around and stretch the sore legs, read a good book...  By doing this you'll already have your next  airline ticket paid for or discounted and you can start planning your next race trip right away!

Passing the Alamo on my Texas Marathon

     It doesn't matter if you are taking off for a 5K, 10K, Team Relay, 13.1, 26.2 or Ultra.  Thinking things out ahead of time, making the correct planning choices and bookings will make a HUGE difference to your race experience (I promise!)

     I could give dozens more tips and information on this subject, but it would just be too long to read.  However, some of you may have some race travel tips you feel are pretty important to remember as well (or better:), so please share your own travel tips and suggestions with me and my readers!

Next week's blog I'll give running tips for the race!
Today, I am participating in Jill Conyers Fitness Friday, visit her website www.jillconyers.com to see other fitness articles that may interest you!