Written by: Cynthia Lou

There are the obvious things to pack and prepare for a race – bike, kit – and then there are some of the less obvious items, but still necessary for an overall positive race experience.

First here are Six Obvious Things To Remember For Your Race Prep:

1. Bike

2. Bib Shorts and Jersey

3. Shoes

4. Arm Warmers, Knee Warmers, Gloves

5. Sunglasses

6. Helmet

Yes, I have forgotten each of the above at one time or another.

When you’re done laughing, here are my Top 10, Not So Obvious Things To Remember For Your Race Prep.

1. Water.

This one may seem obvious, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve only had one or two bottles of water on me at a race. There’s also that period called, “before the race” and “after the race” when you might be thirsty.

2. Warmup Clothes.

Nothing is more fun than getting all sweaty warming up in the only kit/jersey you have, then racing.

3. Fully-Charged iPod.

As much as I love listening to other people’s death metal and speed metal at 7am (thank you dude with the loud sound system), I have a specific soundtrack I enjoy warming up to. Bringing the iPod is one thing. Making sure it’s fully charged, priceless.

4. Sunblock.

It’s all about prevention, baby, and I refuse to look my age. Sunblock is where it’s at.

5. Enough Time to Pin Race Numbers.

This one isn’t necessarily something to “bring” or “prep” for race time, just to be sure to budget enough time to pin numbers. It took me forever to learn how to pin my numbers on, and when I first started racing my warmup started way before I ever jumped on my trainer when I saw that 45 minutes had passed and I still didn’t have my numbers on right. I can guarantee you the stress of number pinning had my HR in zone 3. I’m much better now, and sometimes I even have help, but I love that luxury of a bit of extra time to sit and breathe. Calmly.

6. GUs and Other Race-Time Nutrition.

I am sure to pack enough GUs and race time nutrition so I’m not left begging for other’s leftovers (“Hey! I forgot to bring a Gu! Can I use one of yours?? Pleeeease?”). I don’t know about you, but I prefer “Strawberry” flavored over “Salty Chocolate And Bacon With Caffeine” flavored.

7. After-Race Snack.

This is a fairly new one for me. Usually when I’m done with a race, I pack it up and go, and I know a restaurant or convenience store is within a 30 minute drive.

Here’s a fun story: One time (in band camp) I bought a ham and cheese pita sandwich from a convenience store. Yes, I am that kind of classy. I ate it in the car, and noticed that it tasted kind of strange, but I figured, hey, convenience store, what do you expect? Halfway through, I look down and see MOLD! Dammit! Mold!! This is fully my fault, and I have learned to never eat convenience store food again. Without looking.

I now bring my own post-race food.

8. Flip Flops.

Toes, meet sunlight. Tanlines, meet your nemesis.

9. Baby wipes.

A good sweat and salt crust make you look tough and pretty awesome when you’re fresh across the finish line, but trust me, is not a good look otherwise. And gotta pimp it for podium pics!

10. A camera. “Look ma! No hands!”

Though my mother still does not approve (openly) of this “biking stuff” I do, I know she’s secretly proud of me. Somewhere deep down in there……deeeeep down. One of the greatest things I’ve learned over the last few years of racing is to remember the journey, and take photos to jog the mind where the memory gets fuzzy. You’ve worked hard just to show up at the start line. Enjoy the view while you’re there.