What’s in your bag?

I was thumbing through some crappy magazine in the checkout line at the grocery store the other night and read one of those “What’s in your bag” articles (and I use the term “article” very, very lightly here).

I scoffed at how totally ridiculous this list was because, mainly, it was way too perfect. I challenge anyone to upend a bag they use consistently and not find an old balled up kleenex, a wrapper of something or a pen that doesn’t work. These perfectly styled layouts? Not my reality.

Let’s start with the fact that the bag I carry most often is a GIGANTIC backpack that doubles as carryall, locker room, computer bag and mobile snack station.

While it’s big enough to carry pretty much everything I own, I know that I look like a kindergardener trundling along on her first day of school when I wear it. I also realize that should I fall over backwards while wearing it when it’s fully full, it might be Game Over.

Since I am currently training for Ironman (and stuff) and spending a few days a week out of the house away from a home base, I tend to rely on this bag more frequently than usual. So I thought I’d play the game with myself.

“Christine, what’s in your bag?”

Well, let’s see, shall we? (Dumps bag on kitchen floor).

• Damp bathing suit + towel;
• Swim bag with all manner of swim toys;
• Anja’s swim goggles (huh);
• 2 pairs of running shoes;
• Trucker hat, running toque, favourite Planks toque;
• Running shorts (forgotten in there from Friday’s workout. Gross.)
• 5 socks;
• 3 pairs of underwear: 2 of mine, 1 of Anja’s (useful!);
• iPod. Battery dead. Typical.
• 2 pairs of earbuds;
• 2 shirts;
• 1 pair of tights;
• Sunglasses (it’s been raining for daaaaaaays);
• Running jacket;
• $2.85 in change;
• A bag of training food;
• Water bottle;
• A ziploc bag with 2 dates;
• Toothbrush;
• 3 gym pass cards (so THAT’S where they were!)
• Travel toiletry kit;
• 2 sports bras;
• Laptop;
• Nok anti-chafe cream;
• Dry shampoo;
• Day planner + pen;
• Watch;
• 2 headbands, countless bobby pins and 7 elastics (and I don’t really tie my hair up).
• 3 lip balms;
• Lots of bits of gravel.

I guess I’ll never get a page in Fashion magazine.  But I bet you’re all dying to know what I’d answer to the paparazzi yelling: “Christine, Christine! Who are you wearing?!”

I’ll spare you.