Training for a marathon takes serious dedication. Now, factor in out-of-state or international travel for a race and the question becomes, “How do you arrive refreshed and ready so all your hard work pays off?” Try these 10 travel tips to make your destination marathon experience a winner:
- Arrive Early – Get to your destination a day or two before the race so you can get acclimated to your new surroundings—especially if there is a time change.
- Use a Carry-on –Travel and Leisure reported over one million pieces of luggage were lost on domestic flights in 2012. Skip the stress and pack your race-day gear in a carry-on.
- Plug In – Bring the proper chargers and convertors along so your wearable tech and other electronics are good to go when you are.
- Dress Appropriately – When flying, improve your circulation by wearing loose-fitting clothing, compression socks, and moving around frequently (book an aisle seat).
- Bring Food – Your body is used to certain snacks, so bring them with you. Especially for an international marathon, which isn’t likely to have your go-to fuel food readily available.
- Drink Water! – Keeping your body hydrated will elevate cramping and Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Save the other type of drinking for after the race.
- Limit Sightseeing – It’s exciting being in a new city, but your body won’t be so forgiving if you drag it all over town before a race. See #10.
- Get Off Your Feet – Head to the expo, pick up your race packet, and then take it easy for the rest of the day. If you do any walking, wear supportive shoes.
- Make Friends with Metric – Start mentally converting to kilometers (km), adjust your GPS watch, and remember a 26km marker doesn’t mean you’re almost finished.
- Relax and Recover – Save your extensive sightseeing for after the race and give your body time to recover before getting on a plane.
Photo Credit: Patagonian International Marathon
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