For the amazing FRIDAY FIVE LINK UP TODAY, the topic is 5 ways to organize your running stuff.

Since I travel a lot for races or blogging events, I thought I’d take a different spin on this and talk about how to organize your running stuff for destination races!

Anymore with airlines charging for bags and such, it’s really important (not to mention easier) to only have a carry on and a personal item. However, that makes being organized even more important!!

1. Start packing early! You don’t want to get to your destination and find out that the Gu flavor you use is NOT in the pocket you thought it was and that, by the way, they don’t have that flavor at the Expo. I’m VERY particular about so many things – my shoes, of course, my fuel choices, even my flavor of Nuun, and being without any of them throws off my race weekend groove. I avoid this by starting a least a week out and throwing all the things I’ll need in the suitcase as I think of them. Then, a few days before, I see what needs to be purchased so I’m sure to have what I need.
2. Pack using cubes! Some people use ziploc bags, but I prefer these packing cubes from The Container Store (disclaimer, I work for them, and btw, they’re on sale right now:). I like them because all my running gear for race day can go in one, and the running accessories I need can go in another. Bonus, when I unpack in the hotel room (yes, I always unpack!) I just throw the cube in the drawer and I’m done. I’m a germaphobe and would prefer my undergarments not touch the inside of the dresser. I also love these because if TSA decides to search my bag, they don’t have to touch my stuff. Thank you very much.
3. Pack stuff IN your shoes. Shoes are great for holding everything from various chargers to socks. Don’t let that real estate go unused!
4. Take a BAP (big ass purse) as your second carry on. Mine is giant but still fits under the seat in front of me, and can easily hold not only everything I’ll need on the flight (ipad, noise canceling head phones, travel blanket), but also my toiletries AND a smaller cross body bag that has my ID, boarding pass and travel information. I don’t want to be rifling through the BAP to find my credit card or my boarding pass!
5. Leave room for swag!! Most race weekends you come home with more than you came with – between free goodies you might pick up at the Expo, your new race shirt and medal (well, I’m likely to wear those on the plane on the way home never mind) and any other shopping you did, you’ll need space! One option I love is to use the extra room that my bag has when you unzip the outer zipper. Downside is it’s no longer carry on size, so I always plan on checking it on the way home. You can also pack a collapsible duffle or smaller bag that you can check.

I have lots of great “racecations” coming up and I look forward to packing and staying organized for all of them! Because race weekends are fast and furious, and I don’t want to waste a minute of fun looking for my stuff or, worse, panicking because I don’t have what I need!!

Happy running and organizing! What’s your favorite packing tip for destination races?? And by the way, enter my giveaway and you could be on your way to your very own racecation courtesy of Skirt Sports!

Jen