REACH THE BEACH PREP

Tomorrow, for the 3rd time, I'll be running the Ragnar Reach the Beach Relay with my NH State Parks team.  Twelve of us will be running 200 miles (3 legs each) over 24 hours.  Our first runner will start at the Bretton Woods ski area and our last runner will end at Hampton Beach.  It's always a wild and crazy adventure and I plan to tell you all about it when we're done.  In the meantime, I thought you might like to know what one packs for at event such as this one.  The amount of thought and preparation, both on an individual basis and as a team, is borderline insane.  You have to plan for every scenario including clothes for all weather conditions and food for all meals and make sure that you organize it in such a way that you can squeeze it into the back of van along with the gear that belongs to all your other teammates.  It's not easy.  It has, however, gotten a bit more systematic through the years.  Here's what I tend to end up with on race day.

NH RTB PACKING LIST

3 tanks

3 pairs of shorts

1 pair of sweats

1 pair of tights

4 pairs of socks

2 pairs of running shoes

1 pair of flops

1-2 hoodies (depending on current temps)

2 towels (one big, one small)

3 gallon size Ziplocks (for sweaty clothes after each leg)

1 trash bag

1 reflective vest

3 blinking lights (for night leg, typically around 2AM

1 visor

1 pair of sunnies

1 pair of arm warmers (in case it's cold during night leg)

2 tubes of NUUN

1 loaf of bread

1 jar of peanut butter

3 oranges

2 bananas

1 bag of pretzels

1 cooler (for water and chocolate milk)

1 box of cereal

1 roll of deodorant (this is critical)

1 toothbrush

1 bag of sweet treats (M&Ms and jellybeans)

4-5 Picky Bars

1 power outlet for car (for phone and computer)

1 iPod (not to run with...GASP...bc we're not allowed.  But to listen to music in between legs)

And I think that just about covers it.  At least, to start.  GO TEAM! (stay tuned....)

Listen to this:

Cut Me Loose - Royal Tongues or listen w/