Road Trip Essentials: Vashon Ahead

Next weekend is going to be a notable one for the Giuliano-Houck family. Justin will be completing his first Ultra Marathon while I run the 10 miler on the trails of Vashon. But more importantly, my dad will also be running his first Ultra Marathon. He is currently at the tail end of chemotherapy. He has one more round of chemo that he will start two days after finishing the Vashon Ultra Marathon. Most people know his story, but you can read more about it here. The three of us are amped for an exciting weekend on Vashon Island and will be taking the following essential items along with us:

1. Beer: This one is for Justin. The Helena 30k in Montana had beer on tap post race and I nearly puked after taking a sip. It takes a while for the gut to settle after a 19 mile race! Apparently not for Justin.
2. Trigger Point Foam Roller: I've used many a foam roller in my life and tried this one for the first time at Paige's cabin and was sold. This one is a superior product that is also perfectly transportable.
3. Brooks Pure Grit Trail Shoes: I have been running in these a couple weeks by now and I love the glove-like fit with the combination of traction for trail running. These will be my race shoes for Vashon.
4. Cat Stevens, Tea for the Tillerman: I can't stop listening to this CD. This album is an all time favorite that will definitely be loaded into the CD player of our Subaru on our way to Vashon.
5. Peterson's Field Guide to Birds of North America: As if runners weren't nerdy enough?! I'm stepping up the geeky-ness another level and bringing my bird guide. Justin and I worked for four years as field biologists and the birds have a special place in our hearts. This particular book was bought during our first project in Interior Alaska for $2 from a roadside stand on our way to Denali National Park.
6. Motion Sickness Pills: We are only going to be on a ferry for 30 minutes but I am scarred after multiple bad boat experiences. I have lost my breakfast many a time...
7. Hennessy Hammock. Justin and I had these in the Amazon basin while working in South America and they were pretty comfortable and diverse. I'll be lounging in mine while I wait for Justin and my dad to finish the Ultra race. Hopefully my hammock is rid of chiggers and bot flies...
8. Stanley eCycle Mug: I blogged about my Zojirushi thermos last time but I won't be needing that since the weather is warm. This Stanley mug has been to nearly every country with me. The outer cover detaches into a glass making this mug versatile. The fact that it is also made from recycled material is also a plus. 
9. Ultra Running Magazine: Might as well break in to the sport with a subscription to Ultra Running Magazine! Actually, my dad got a subscription and I'm scapegoating the first issue.

Check back after next weekend for a race recap! There is surely excitement on the horizon.

-Claire