Happy Friday! I've already been able to get SO many chores done that I've neglected for what felt like ~21 weeks~; ). It's amazing what you can get done (AND how much energy you have) when you aren't running 60+ miles in a week! I've got my manicure/pedicure scheduled for tomorrow and I'm still undecided on what type of nail design I should get! I normally only get them done either right before or after a big goal race. I love having them all beautiful looking when I'm running hard, but equally look forward to the leg massage that comes with a pedicure AFTER a race ; ) Someday maybe I'll be able to afford both (before & after a race)! I also want to get some gardening done and a full deep clean of the house, since Alex won't be back until Sunday evening. I'm basically packed for MS Run The US segment ~ -> I'll be starting my relay on Monday, the 21st at 8am MST so make sure to send good thoughts my way! My plan is to typically run for around 5 or so hours a day and starting between 6-7am because after 12pm it gets really hot (to me...) and I do not do well in the heat! 

Here are some things that I'm packing for my relay segment! 

• Believe Training Journal- I put together a quote or 'mantra for each day that I'm running my segment. I always have a mantra for each race and will sometimes write it on my arm, so I figured it would be helpful to have a focus for each day that I'm running. Something relatively short and gets me fired up for the day. I packed my outfit for each day I'm running into a ziploc bag and put the quote on the outside of the bag. I really love this journal to keep track of my training (along with also using this blog and my google spreadsheets because I'm an organization nerd ; ) ...) and will use it to put my feelings together after each training day and then share them with you on the blog when I'm finished! 

• Goodr Sunglasses - I actually wanted a pair of these sunglasses for so long because I heard great things about them and reached out to them to see about a possible discount code they could give me and they ended up sending me TWO free pairs! I absolutely love them and their fun colors and they're so well designed. I'm obsessed. They will definitely be going in my Ultimate Direction pack with me everyday. 

• Oofos Sandals- I literally LIVED in my oofos sandals last summer and wanted to get another pair before my relay, so like Goodr I reached out to them to see if I could get a discount code and they ended up sending me all of the below things! One outfit is basically ready to go (minus pants ; )...) and I know my feet will be happy to wear these after running 28 miles!

• Ziploc Bags with each outfit and one change of socks- After doing so many training runs, I know that sometimes it's nice to split it up and change my shoes/ socks/ outfit to help reset my mind (that may not work for everyone)...So I packed typically one pair of compression socks and one pair of non-compression socks in my ziploc bags with my outfit for the day. I also packed in 2 separate ziploc bags one with 3 various jackets (one for rain/ one for wind/ one for cooler temps) and another bag with 3 change of pants (two for warmth/ one for compression) so that I could easily grab them if the day looked like the weather may turn on me. 
• KT Tape - I really love KT tape. It gives me a bit of extra support in the areas where I need it (achilles and knee currently) and is really easy to transport as well! 
• 3 pairs of sneakers- I've basically switched between the Brooks Ghost 10 in almost all of my training runs (with shorter stuff in my Levitate and Launches), so I'll be changing between these three throughout my relay run. I'm planning to run 13 or 14 miles in one pair and then switch to another pair (both will have my superfeet insoles in them) to help give my feet some relief. 
• Chapstick x 2- I heard one of the other relay runners this year had trouble with sunburned lips, so I'm making sure this does NOT happen to me! One will be in my vest the entire time!
• Honey Stinger Gels/Chews- I'll be also fueling with pretzels and coconut water and nuun and peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, but Honey Stinger gels and chews have worked best for me throughout my training runs!
• 2 Hats/ Visor- I hate having the sun in my eyes, so either a hat or visor will be 100% necessary each day that I'm out on the roads. I'll also bring along my buff incase the weather gets too chilly and to also help keep the sweat off my face! 
• sunscreen- this really is a no-brainer when you live/run in a sunny state like Colorado!

What are some of your must-haves when running a long-distance race or relay? 

What are three things you're doing this weekend?!

Anyone racing this weekend? <-- GOOD LUCK!