Goofy’s Challenge Packing List

With Goofy's Challenge only a few short days away (we are in the
single digits after all!), I decided it's time I make a packing list.
I haven't thought much about the race at all because it makes me
nervous and sick to my stomach. Not only have I not thought about the race as much as possible, I also have not planned my outfits for each race (totally NOT like me at all)!!

Guess I need to get on the ball with that one. We ARE T minus 8 days and counting after all. (OK now I'm really sick!!)

Goofy's Challenge poses a bit of a challenge for me - no pun intended. Not only am I flying to this race, I also have to pack DOUBLE of everything - two races, two of each necessary item.

I made a packing list to help myself out and decided to share it! If you’ve run Goofy’s Challenge before and have any tips, hints ideas, etc, please leave a comment! Also, if you think of something I missed on my list, leave it in a comment below.

Clothing
• Running Shoes x 2 just in case it rains on the day of the Half
• Running Socks x 2 pair
• Race Shirts x 2 (long and short sleeve)
• Race Bottoms x 2
• Sports Bras x 2
• Throw Away Sweat Shirts/Bottoms x 2
• Sweaty Bands x 2
• Hats x 2 (Ball Cap, Winter Hat, Winter Ear Muffs, etc)
• Throw Away Gloves
• Compression Tights for Recovery

Race Essentials
• GU Gels
• Body Glide
• Breakfast Items x 2
• Garmin with charger
• iPhone Arm Case
• yurBuds
• Knee brace
• Extra safety pins for pinning on the bibs
• Atomic Balm/BioFreeze
• Tylenol
• SpiBelt
• Race Camera
• Ziplock Bags
• Sunglasses
• Hand Warmers (Hot Hands)
• Chapstick
• Foam Roller
• Tissue/Toilet Paper

Extras
•       Race Waivers
•       SLR Camera

I am praying it will not rain during either race. My IT band does not cooperate in the rain.

I hope I can fit everything I need plus "normal" clothes for the week in one suitcase! If not, I might have to borrow a corner of my
husband's luggage! :0)

Did I miss anything?

Happy New Year 2013!

As I sit here to write this blog, I am amazed at how much difference a year can make.

Last year on New Years Day, I was at the very same computer in the very same chair, typing a blog about our December Disney World trip - with tears streaming down my face. I didn’t want to talk about the New Year, I didn’t want to talk about my upcoming Marathon, I didn’t want to talk about my new injury which would later sideline me from running that Marathon – I just wanted to sulk. That day was awful and all I remember is I cried the entire day.

Through it all, I came to appreciate each brand new day (lots of them!) and new experiences – and it’s true what they say that time heals all wounds.

I’m proud to say that yesterday on New Years Eve 2012, I ran 5.5 miles in decent time.

There was NO knee pain, NO tears, NO frustrations, and I finished my run with a SMILE on my face!!

Thank GOD for new beginnings and a brand new start for this brand new year!

2013 will hold amazing things, I just know it!

My new year starts with a  trip to Walt Disney World and a little run through the parks. They call it Goofy’s Challenge – a Half Marathon on Saturday followed by a Full Marathon on Sunday. Yep, that’s 39.3 miles in 2 days. Can I do it? Absolutely. Am I scared out of my mind? You bet!!

Despite my uncertainty, I am grateful for each step I take and each mile I run. I know how it feels to have that privilege taken away from me and in a way, it’s helped me appreciate the gift of running even more.

So….here’s to an even better start to this brand new year!

"May you have enough happiness to keep you sweet, enough trials to keep you strong, enough hope to keep you happy, enough friends to give you comfort, and enough determination to make each day a better day than yesterday."

Happy 2013!!

(And yes, I stole that quote from one of my favorite movies – The Wedding Planner!)