I have some obsessive tendencies and one big one surrounds any big race that I have.   I will pack my gear bag the night before and then check it about a hundred times before the night is over.  Again, one more thing where I say “there’s got to be a better way.”  And again, there is.  Make a list, check off each item as you put it in the bag and put the checklist on your bag to reassure you that you have everything.

But what if the only paper in your house is the backside of a Curious George worksheet and you can only find crayons?  Don’t fret, here’s a checklist for you, just print it out, check off each item, and then go to sleep without worry.  Well no worries about your gear bag, if you are like me you will probably be worrying about something else, like whether they have mountain lions in your area of Texas.

Click here to download race checklist

Here’s something for your running mix to help you Remember.

My buddy Joanna’s brother Joe is running the Marine Corps Marathon this weekend.  I was going to post my pre-race tips but I found this video which is more entertaining! I have one additional tip to add.  If you are running a marathon with your brother and putting your timing chips on your shoes the night before the race, CHECK to make sure you each have the right chip.  Otherwise the people in the hotel room next to yours will start banging on the wall when the big shouting match starts after you realize your brother has attached your chip to his shoe with the unremovable zip ties.

Last Minute Marathon Tips: shot with Nikon D90 from Mike Kobal on Vimeo.

Run strong Joe and above all HAVE FUN!  Make sure there’s at least one photo of you smiling.