Packing Rituals

Shane asks me what we are doing tonight. I say "packing."
"All night?" He asks.

Yes. I have a ritual when packing for a race. After dinner, I run to the store and gather my race nutrition. Pre-race: road trip snacks, FRS, Oatmeal, bananas, and a bagel. Race day: power gels & energy blasts and gatorade. Post race: Protein bar. I add my water bottles and fuel belt to the grocery bag and line it up in the garage next to my bike and wet suit.

Next, I start laundry and organize my closet. In between laundry loads, I do my nails and clean the bathroom. During laundry folding, I lay everything out on the bed, print out my tri checklist and start what Shane calls "packing"-putting it in the bag and suitcase.

I am defining and refining this method. There is something very calming about cleaning and organizing things. And in being thorough, I know I'm not forgetting anything.