Traveling for marathons can be a wonderful opportunity to explore both cities and the countryside while you are traveling. If you’re not feeling adventurous to do run the full 42km, there are plenty of shorter races in a variety of locations. Recently I was able to run the Washington DC Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon. This was a fantastic way to see the monuments and ensure that I stayed fit during my travels. When I left Stuttgart Germany, the weather for Washington DC was predicted to be almost 70 degrees Fahrenheit. A cold front came through and race day ended up being below freezing. When you are traveling and road racing, you need to be both flexible and prepared.
Traveling for Marathons Tip 1: Pack Layers
When traveling for marathons or road races, pack multiple layers to be prepared for the weather. If the race is warmer than anticipated, you don’t have to wear them all. This includes hats and gloves which can become cold quickly. Dining Traveler Tip: A disposable option is to use a garbage bag or foil blanket to keep warm before or after a race.
Traveling for Marathons Tip 2: Eat Pasta
One great joy of being a runner is that you get to eat pasta the night before a run. When you are preparing for a run in below freezing temperatures it is important to have some excess energy to burn; you will be expending additional calories keeping warm. Traveling for marathons is a great time to indulge in your favorite dishes, but stay away from spicy options like arrabiata.
Traveling for Marathons Tip 3: Enjoy the View
One of the perks of traveling for marathons are the sights. As a recreational runner, I take my camera and enjoy the scenery. It is great to be able to see the sites while road are blocked off and it is only pedestrian traffic. The best picture I have of the Eiffel tower was when it was the start point of a half marathon. If you aren’t going for a personal record, take the few extra moments to enjoy the amazing scenes around you on the course.
Traveling for Marathons Tip 4: Race Nutrition
Bring the same nutrition with you that you use for training. Switching brands of energy packets or bars the day of a race can have severe consequences. Most races post a course map that shows where the water stations will be along the course and it is a good idea to plan when you will need to consume those extra calories. Dining Traveler Tip: Consume water at each station, even if you aren’t thirsty.
Traveling for Marathons Tip 5: Post Race Indulgence
Most races have post finish line food stations to include bananas, bagels, and other foods to replenish a tired runner. Enjoy some quick treats so that you don’t crash after a long run. Post race is also a great time to enjoy a post race brunch with friends and family. Dining Traveler Tip: Make reservations ahead at your favorite place.
The most important thing to remember is to be kind to yourselves! Travel well, my friends.
We did the DC Rock ‘n’ Roll half, too! So cold!!! After that experience and a freezing NY Half a couple years ago, I always bring lots of layers. I have both good layers and cheap ones I don’t mind leaving at the roadside (love that so many races collect them for charity donations!)
You’re definitely right about the nutrition aspect. At least we loaded up on energy the night before and added at least a little to our insulating layers 😀
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