Ragnar Chicago: Packing

Ragnar is only two weeks 4 days away! Two weeks. I don’t know about all of you, but I am getting pretty excited. I can’t wait to see all my teammates. I can’t wait to run and be sleep deprived. I want to relive it all.

But before we get to all the fun and craziness we need to pack and organize. I am sharing my list from years past that has been adapted and updated. Items are in no particular order. Feel free to add suggestions.

• Running jacket/warmer layer, it might cool off at night
• Comfy pants
• 3 pairs of shorts (maybe capris depending on the forecast)
• 3 shirts
• 4 pairs of socks (you just don’t know, okay?)
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Running shoes (2)
• Comfortable shoes/sandals
• Medication (if needed. I always pack ibuprofen).
• Outlet expander (very helpful if you have one. Everyone has things that need to charge).
• Sunscreen
• Sleeping bag(s)/blanket
• Pillow
• Cooler (only 1 per van)
• Nuun, water (or drink of choice)
• Snacks (Bring what you like, share)
• plastic bags
• head lamp (required)
• Blinky light (required)
• flashlights (Nice to have)
• moleskin
• cash
• bodyglide
• towel, maybe
• reflective vest(s) (Required)
• Garmin & cords
• gallon size zip lock bags (with each running outfit in one)
• Hat/Visor and/or sunglasses
• Baby Wipes

Be smart when packing. There is a limited amount of room in the in vans and inevitably every team will have at least one serial over-packer. I put each running outfit in a ziplock bag. That makes it easy to find and when you are done running makes it so the van doesn’t stink up. I guarantee you need less than you think you do.

Start thinking about it. With two weeks to go there are no forecasts out there, but based on recent weather I am guessing a lot warmer than last year. It’s going to be [REDACTED] hot.

[Updated June 2016]