The Race-Day Shoes I Wore at the Boston Marathon, Plus 13 Other Items I Packed

Packing for the Boston Marathon was my most stressful activity leading up to the race. No, it wasn't the 18-mile practice run where I didn't fuel enough and felt lightheaded at mile 12, or the 20-mile run when it started pouring rain at mile six. It was the moment I started placing items in my suitcase and it became very real that I was running one of the most iconic marathons in a few days. The calm focus that characterized my 12 weeks of training was replaced by panic and despair. I'd run a marathon and plenty of halves before, and knew I had the stamina and strength to complete the 26.2 miles. But as I folded my clothes, it felt like if I didn't bring the right stuff, I wouldn't be able to do it. Adidas had given me this once in a lifetime opportunity to run the Boston Marathon with the purpose of writing a story, but what if I wasn't able to make it to the finish line?

To alleviate these feelings, I overpacked. For my five-day trip, I brought a large Paravel suitcase ($465, originally $545) and the brand's Aviator carry-on bag ($295, originally $445.) I had everything I needed, and then some. If you're traveling for a race and reading this, this packing list is here to help you avoid some of the panic I experienced. Ahead, I'm including my top running products that took me through marathon weekend and the finish line.