Traveling to a Marathon?

The EMF Edinburgh Marathon is fast approaching and about to head out for another adventure of a lifetime with my man, the Cordovas, and Helen. I read a lot of blogs and Runner's World articles about what to bring, what to do, etc. when it comes to traveling for your marathon. I read so many that I won't be able to quote everything, because I don't remember everything.

First up...packing. 

1. My marathon is in Scotland and the weather can be cold and windy and rainy, but it can also be pleasant. The important thing about UK weather is to layer (thanks babe). So, I have brought three different scenario outfits (with an option for another long sleeve layer not pictured) depending on the type of weather.

This is for Houston warm type weather

 

This is most likely what I'm wearing, but I may wear the shorts in previous picture instead of capris (yes, those are capris)and lose the jacket. The cat is not included.

 

This is for OMG! It's fraking snowing in May? AHHHHHH! Also known as my ninja super suit.

• I'm wearing my shoes and bringing most of what's in the second picture and my Garmin watch on board with me just in case the airline loses my luggage.
• I packed other running clothes, too, because I plan to do some light running before the marathon.
• I'm also bringing my other pair of shoes just in case something happens to my primary shoes. Although, this is still up for debate and I have some time to remove from my suitcase, because that is heavy.
• Thankfully, JL is bringing the foam roller, but I'm packing my exercises.
• Bandaids are packed for expected blisters, as well as all of my nutrition stuff like gels, chews, etc.

Other Advice I learned:

• Do NOT be a typical tourist the day before your marathon. I read in Runner's World and I believe Runner Beans' blog about how you will exert so much energy walking around and checking out the sites. I learned that walking around for the Great Urban Race on a Saturday made me sore the next day for my long run. Therefore, we are going to Edinburgh two days earlier, which is my birthday to do all the touristy stuff like drinking scotch, visiting castles, and participating in the coolest thing ever, falconry.
• Find a meeting area that's not just in the designated meeting area. I read a lot from people that it took forever to get to the meeting area and it was so crowded making it almost an hour before they saw their family. So, we will have Plan A, B, C, and D as the designated pub.
• Check out the route beforehand and see good places for Jim to set up camp. I'm lucky that my baby is a giant and it will be easy to spot him. However, he may get a balloon to hold or a bright shirt (to his dismay). Also, check out the pub as the final meeting place. They have one online listed, but that's probably going to be crowded.
• Make reservations for dinner the night before. You don't want to be searching around for a place to eat late at night with all the other people.
• Have a high carb pasta for lunch and medium carb for dinner.
• Chill out on Saturday; maybe go watch a movie and relax. Whatever we do, it won't be too much walking around.
• Bring a sweater to throw away in case it is super cold waiting for our marathon to start.
• Print up all of the information, including bus tickets for both marathoners and spectators.

What would you add to this list?

I'm super excited, but anxious. Wish me luck!