The Boston Marathon seemed to creep up this year! All of a sudden, I’m packing a bag to leave this weekend for this pinnacle event. The weather looks to be a bit warmer than Chicagoans would like, with temperatures in the upper 60’s, so it’s time to plan and hydrate!
As you pack your bag, make sure to include your race day kit and shoes. Preferably, one that you have worn to a marathon or long run before. Remember our number one tip – NOTHING NEW ON RACE DAY! I also like to include throw away gloves and long sleeve, a myler blanket from a previous race, and an empty water bottle. You can fill it up after you pass through airport security and ensure that you are hydrating through the travel process. Plus this will save you from having to spend $5 for a single bottle of water from the airport vendors.
Just as important as your race day outfit is your travel and post-race outfit. Tracksmith has you covered for this, with their line of recovery essentials! I am always cold on airplanes, so the Trackhouse Sweatshirt and Sweatpant set is my absolute favorite comfy combo.
The sweatshirt comes in four different colors and is an update on the classic hoodie sweatshirt delivered in a heavyweight reverse-weave cotton. It is warm and comfy, and designed to ease any travel nerves you may have. It’s like a warm hug to snuggle you into the airplane seat and help you relax through the 2.5 hour trip. I’m also a sucker for the large kangaroo pocket, which always becomes my phone holder!
If you are more of a crewneck athlete, the same warmth and comfort can be found in the Trackhouse Crew which has seven different colors to choose from. Both models have the iconic Tracksmith logo on the side and the tried and true design. The crew is slightly cropped and also features a wide rib collar and banded rib cuffs and hem.
You can’t go wrong with either of these tops to take you from one great city to another. For ultimate comfort and reliability, pair either one with the Tracksmith sweatpants, available in matching and complimentary colors. These pants have a soft liner and are roomy enough that you can wear your compression socks under for the flight! They also have deep pockets to store your credit card and ID.
I can’t recommend this outfit enough for a comfy trip to Boston! My trip is short so the Olmsted Pack is perfect for travel. This weather resistant backpack is crafted for the runner on the go and ideal for a small and easy pack. It slides right under the airplane seat and there’s no need to fear being baggage checked at the gate. It’s large enough to contain your race kit and post-race outfit, and small enough to be quick and efficient to travel with. It’s also a great bag to pack post workout clothes in for your long runs.
Once you arrive in Boston, you’ll want to grab a new outfit, as the temperatures are trending higher than normal for spring. I recommend hitting the expo and the weekend festivities in the Session jacket and pants. This lightweight, breathable set is a great balance between fashion and comfort.
This versatile jacket is stretchy and thin, and will be ideal for the warmer temps, expo lines, and visit to the finish line. The material is a blend of comfort and durability, with a luxurious high-stretch knit made in Italy that drapes and moves with your body.
The pants are designed for year-round training and durability, with a comfort that you will appreciate as you make your way through the crowds of the expo and streets of Boston. You’ll want to make sure you are pampering your body as you lead up to the big race and this outfit does just that. Sidenote – It’s also a great training outfit for your long runs, as it stays put, wicks sweat, and offers protection from all types of climates. Plus, it just looks sweet!
And finally, don’t forget to pack a pair of slides to allow your feet to relax post-race. They may be swollen from all of the pavement pounding, and will likely be pretty tired. Give them a break and switch from tied on runners to open slides.
Tracksmith Boston is hosting a race weekend shakeout run on both Saturday and Sunday. You will need to register to attend, so make sure to plan ahead! They also have their First to the Trackhouse event and after party. If you have not heard of this before, check it out. The first runners to the Trackhouse store after the marathon are crowned the winners!
First to the Trackhouse is a not-so-secret race-within-a-race that many dream of winning, but few ever will. What started in Boston with a race to the runners’ bar, The Eliot Lounge, has been revived and exported to Tracksmith Trackhouses worldwide. Typically, we crown our champions with a commemorative robe, but this year we upped the ante with a trophy cast by Bobbi Gibb, the first woman to run Boston. These will live in the Trackhouse year-round to celebrate running’s enduring amateur legacy. All runners are invited to join us after the race to celebrate with fellow competitors. We’ll be serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options.
I am looking forward to seeing all of our Chicago runners in Boston! Let’s go chase that unicorn!
