I invented that term but since I am so nice I will let you use it, for free, in the future.

Pre-packing is what I call putting stuff you want to pack in a suitcase in a pile until you get enough energy to go up into the attic to retrieve your suitcase.

But in more practical terms it’s also a good way to make sure you have everything you need for your trip.

Right now my pile consists of:

• Race clothes (singlet, shorts, sports bra, socks, and hat)
• Swimsuit
• Sunblock

You can see I have my priorities in order for this trip.

Later today I know I will add the following:

• Body Glide
• Gu
• The Stick
• Sunglasses
• Additional running clothes for my shakeout run
• Small first aid kit
• flip-flops
• Post-race change of clothes
• Compression sleeves

Of course I will add things like clothes and of course my Garmin and running shoes. But I always forget something even when I do make these detailed lists. Last year, I miraculously got everything packed but decided not to check my luggage. Well, that was the one time TSA decided my sunblock and Gatorade pre-race fuel were evil. Of course I forgot to buy sunblock on my first day in Miami and got a bit too much sun. I’m checking my bag this year.

Speaking of my Garmin, it has been acting up for some time now. It often takes several minutes and tries to sync with my computer and just recently over the past couple of weeks it has not been holding a charge for much longer than 2.5 hours. According to the Garmin support folks it needs to be replaced and this saddens me. I’ve had my 305 since 2009 and we have been through so much. I even named my 305 Brooke, after a really hot waitress in Napa. That’s how close my Garmin and I are. For 79 bucks I can get it exchanged but right now I need my current 305 to get me through my Miami. If I time it right I should make it just fine but it’s good thing I’m not running the full marathon.

As the week the moves on I am also weather watching. Nothing looks out of the ordinary for Miami, but here in New York there is a chance for snow on Friday, the day I leave for Miami. I swear, if Mother Nature screws with my trip I will not be happy.

But for now I’m staying relaxed and am pondering things to add to that pre-packing pile.