23 Days and Counting - What to Wear?

Saturday we got a lot of customers and calls at the store, all with the same question, "What do I wear for the marathon?" Technically this questions needs to be answered in training. Try different outfits to see what works for you. If you have a general idea of what the weather is like on race day, then begin training wearing those kinds of clothes.

For instance, I am running a November marathon. Chances are it will be cold to cool. So layers will be important. A good solid base layer is key. As always, stay away from cotton. Cotton is rotten. You want good technical clothing which will help regulate your body temperature, and wick moisture away as well.

Over that base layer, then maybe a jacket. Again, technical in nature. Make sure it is breathable. You don't want to hold sweat as you run. Even in the cold, you sweat, so it needs to escape. A jacket with a zipper really is a good temperature regulator.

So what if you don't want a jacket? Yesterday I tried running with a short sleeve, using arm warmers. This was my first time wearing arm warmers. Some are compression, others are just warmers. I felt like I had breathable sweaters on my arms. Got to say I loved wearing them.

I think tights are a good cold weather option. If you can find compression tights, even better. You want warmth. Tights do that, and still wick. Compression tights can help the muscles and blood flow, which will help speed recovery. The idea is compression reduces muscle fatigue. I believe I am going to try this for the marathon. I will get some soon and try them out.

The most important article of clothing? A hat. You really want to protect your head. When heat escapes, a good percentage of it leaves via the head. So make sure you have a good covering on your head. I am using a skull cap which wicks and keeps my head heat regulated.

Hmmmm.....maybe I should have a fashion show.

Charlie