Great tips, ran my 3rd Comrades this year, arriving day before race and flying out day after, from Canada. Never again, my run showed it, no legs. Another lesson learned, always have back up running gear as I noted my running shorts, SOAR, seam coming apart in the crotch area the night before the run. Ran with glide in my back pocket, reapplied lots…lol.
Great tips. I do the same, packing a race outfit, pack and headlamp in carry on, then wear my race shoes on the plane. Last time I didn't realize how muddy my shoes were and had to scrub the mud off just before heading out. Great video!
Another thing to consider is sending your nutrition to your hotel. You can call them ahead of time to confirm this is OK, and most just ask you to put your arrival date on the box. Provided it doesn’t arrive too far ahead of time, they’ll store it for you. This is particularly important for those managing conditions that limit the race nutrition they can use.
That’s a great idea! Going to use this myself one day. In fact, in some countries like France you can have it mailed to a nearby post office so you can pick it up there.
Thanks for this video Jeff! I'm running the Gobi March in Mongolia next June and am feeling a bit nervous about the 34 hour flight, and all the logistics of traveling with 7 days worth of food and gear. Will definitely keep these tips in mind. (I was very much inspired by you to tackle the four deserts series!)
These are all great tips, Jeff! I wrote a book a few years ago all about travel running tips, and several of the tips you mentioned in this video I mention in the book as well. The book is called "The Runner's Guide to Travel". The book has over 100 tips for traveling, with around a dozen pertaining to racing. And similar to you, I prefer to sit on the isle row when I fly, so I can get up and walk around at my leisure without having to disturb anyone. Thanks for the video!
Great tips! In my case, there is also the logistics of traveling with kids. A good incentive to get them involved is signing them to the kid's race on the same event. That way we share the same experience.
Had no idea about trekking poles, good tip. My tip would be to wear a n95 respirator because it means you won't catch anything during travel when your immune system isn't in top shape anyway (due to jet lag)
Great practical ideas. I purchased a LiPo bag for my lithium batteries as well when I put them in my carryon. Mainly for drone batteries, but I will thro GoPro batteries in there as well n
Awesome tips Jeff. Never considered the importance of wearing your race shoes on the flight itself to make sure you can’t lose them. Something else to add: make sure your shoes, poles and other gear is perfectly clean. Here in Tasmania we’re super-anal about biosecurity, and we found New Zealand similarly so when doing Tarawera a couple of years ago. My girlfriend had some dried grass on her running shoes (ironically from just walking across mowed lawn) and the hold up in Customs over it nearly made us miss our connecting flight.
Great video again 👌 I'm lucky enough to never having felt anything particular with time zone differences. I've never understood it. Just stay awake and go to bed when time is right in the new location..
This was a thorough and enjoyable video - thanks, Jeff! One other consideration could be one's carbon footprint for traveling to a race. If possible, stay closer to home because it's less expensive travel, maybe easier on your body, and probably lower carbon emissions from flying and driving. Just a thought. :)
I think the hydration aspect is key. So many people take long flights and don’t drink near enough fluids or add appropriate electrolytes. I travel with my own pillow… it sounds crazy but a crappy hotel or Airbnb pillow ( too big or too flat ) ruins my sleep, so I do t take that chance.
Awesome video as always and I have a question for you (unrelated). I'm sure you have done a video on this but what Pack do you use? I'm planning on buying a new pack for next year and I'm pretty sold on the Salomon Advance 12. It seems like best for the money. I feel like that's the same one you use but if it is, it will convince me this is the one for me:) Thanks and another great video.
I love the design of the new Adv Skin 12. I find a 12L pack is the most versatile as well, big enough for big days in the mountains but still comfortable when near empty.
Hello Jeff, I am from Poland. My relatives live in Vancouver and on the Cortes Island. I want to visit them next sezon. What is your opinion about Vancouver marathon?
Don't check nutrition, always carry on. Never had a problem at any airport around the world. You will not find marten gels or tailwind in Chamonix or the mout Blanc area.
Great tips, ran my 3rd Comrades this year, arriving day before race and flying out day after, from Canada. Never again, my run showed it, no legs.
Another lesson learned, always have back up running gear as I noted my running shorts, SOAR, seam coming apart in the crotch area the night before the run. Ran with glide in my back pocket, reapplied lots…lol.
Great tips. I do the same, packing a race outfit, pack and headlamp in carry on, then wear my race shoes on the plane. Last time I didn't realize how muddy my shoes were and had to scrub the mud off just before heading out. Great video!
Thanks Morgan! Yea, I forgot to mention bringing a few grocery bags for your shoes for after 😉
Another thing to consider is sending your nutrition to your hotel. You can call them ahead of time to confirm this is OK, and most just ask you to put your arrival date on the box. Provided it doesn’t arrive too far ahead of time, they’ll store it for you. This is particularly important for those managing conditions that limit the race nutrition they can use.
That’s a great idea! Going to use this myself one day.
In fact, in some countries like France you can have it mailed to a nearby post office so you can pick it up there.
Excellent tips Jeff! Well thought out video to add to your library here.
Thanks for this video Jeff! I'm running the Gobi March in Mongolia next June and am feeling a bit nervous about the 34 hour flight, and all the logistics of traveling with 7 days worth of food and gear. Will definitely keep these tips in mind. (I was very much inspired by you to tackle the four deserts series!)
These are all great tips, Jeff! I wrote a book a few years ago all about travel running tips, and several of the tips you mentioned in this video I mention in the book as well. The book is called "The Runner's Guide to Travel". The book has over 100 tips for traveling, with around a dozen pertaining to racing. And similar to you, I prefer to sit on the isle row when I fly, so I can get up and walk around at my leisure without having to disturb anyone. Thanks for the video!
Great tips!
In my case, there is also the logistics of traveling with kids. A good incentive to get them involved is signing them to the kid's race on the same event. That way we share the same experience.
Ironic you posted this up. I'm traveling to Mexico next week for a race. Thanks Jeff!
Had no idea about trekking poles, good tip. My tip would be to wear a n95 respirator because it means you won't catch anything during travel when your immune system isn't in top shape anyway (due to jet lag)
Thank you Jeff. Great hints 😉
Thank you Jeff! Great tips
Hello dear friend good morning 🌄🌄
Thanks for the tips before go traveling
This nice tips
Great tips Jeff!!!
This is a great idea for a video. Great information. Where can we get that coast mountain Trail cup!?
You’ll have to run one of the Coast Mountain Trail Races here in BC!
Great stuff as usual, thanks for the content.What is next?
Great practical ideas. I purchased a LiPo bag for my lithium batteries as well when I put them in my carryon. Mainly for drone batteries, but I will thro GoPro batteries in there as well n
LiPo bags are a must for high capacity batteries for sure!
Awesome tips Jeff. Never considered the importance of wearing your race shoes on the flight itself to make sure you can’t lose them. Something else to add: make sure your shoes, poles and other gear is perfectly clean. Here in Tasmania we’re super-anal about biosecurity, and we found New Zealand similarly so when doing Tarawera a couple of years ago. My girlfriend had some dried grass on her running shoes (ironically from just walking across mowed lawn) and the hold up in Customs over it nearly made us miss our connecting flight.
Ah great tip! I’ll have to include this in the future.
Great video again 👌
I'm lucky enough to never having felt anything particular with time zone differences. I've never understood it. Just stay awake and go to bed when time is right in the new location..
I messed this up one time because my flight didn’t get in until the late afternoon. It’s best to arrive in the morning for this piece.
This was a thorough and enjoyable video - thanks, Jeff! One other consideration could be one's carbon footprint for traveling to a race. If possible, stay closer to home because it's less expensive travel, maybe easier on your body, and probably lower carbon emissions from flying and driving. Just a thought. :)
Awesome! Super useful!
I think the hydration aspect is key. So many people take long flights and don’t drink near enough fluids or add appropriate electrolytes.
I travel with my own pillow… it sounds crazy but a crappy hotel or Airbnb pillow ( too big or too flat ) ruins my sleep, so I do t take that chance.
Good call on the pillow! Sleep is so important.
Melatonin was a total game changer for my jetlag issues
Hi Jeff, do you have any plans for next year already regarding races in the Alps?
I haven’t solidified my plans yet for next year.
Hi 👋 I’m lucky enough to live in Geneva - so a short drive to Chamonix. What is that spa?! I want to go there…
It’s called QC Terme: www.qcterme.com/fr/chamonix-mont-blanc/qc-terme-chamonix
Awesome video as always and I have a question for you (unrelated). I'm sure you have done a video on this but what Pack do you use? I'm planning on buying a new pack for next year and I'm pretty sold on the Salomon Advance 12. It seems like best for the money. I feel like that's the same one you use but if it is, it will convince me this is the one for me:) Thanks and another great video.
I love the design of the new Adv Skin 12. I find a 12L pack is the most versatile as well, big enough for big days in the mountains but still comfortable when near empty.
Hello Jeff,
I am from Poland. My relatives live in Vancouver and on the Cortes Island. I want to visit them next sezon. What is your opinion about Vancouver marathon?
The Vancouver Marathon is a beautiful course! Not the flattest or fastest though.
Thanks for the tips. I have a Salomon Outlife 70L, do you think it's too big for a carry-on?
Hm, I’m not sure but I suspect it would be a little long.
I hope you found a way to bring back some good saucisson & cheese from your last trip to France! 😅🤫
Don't check nutrition, always carry on. Never had a problem at any airport around the world. You will not find marten gels or tailwind in Chamonix or the mout Blanc area.
Some brands definitely are harder to find. Unless it’s UTMB week - then every brand is available at the expo!