The preparations continue. Last night, I double-checked the hotel reservations, and tonight I began to pack. First up is my small but crucial medical kit.

From left to right (back row), there’s lube, sunblock, heat pads, band-aids, cold packs, ibuprofen and chapstick. Left to right (middle row) is an ace bandage, two sticks of Avon Foot Works and antibiotic ointment. In the front is a roll of surgical tape and some steristrips.

I’ve already talked about the need to lube up before a race, so the lubricant and Foot Works are pretty self-explanatory. The surgical tape and steristrips work great for taping up nipples, which have bled on me in the past–the tape stays on much better than a band-aid after 26.2 miles of sweat and clothing movement. The chapstick and sunblock I may or may not need depending on the day.

Post race, so far, I have been fortunate, so I haven’t needed the hot or cold packs. The ibuprofen, though, is essential, and I usual take some as soon as I get back to my hotel to try and get ahead of any aches and pains before they develop. And the ace bandage will help provide compression should I pick up any muscle injuries.

Tonight, I also washed all of my running gear. Given that the run is at the end of October, and race day temperatures will range from the low 40s to the high 60s, I will pack practically everything and make a decision the night before based on the local weather forecast.

If nothing else, all this activity is taking my mind off Sunday.

Team Fox Update

The donations are still coming in–another $135 in the last couple of days, which has put us well over the halfway mark. My friend’s matching donor challenge is still in effect, so donations are still being doubled. So don’t forget to go to my fundraising page and make a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation and help eliminate Parkinson’s!

What are you packing for the big day? Share your pre-race checklist, and I’ll feature it in the next Semper Currens.