Running Apparel

Apparel for Runners

While running apparel might not seem to be the most important part of preparing for a marathon, it does require some thought on your part. You don't want to be halfway through your race and get distracted because the clothes you are wearing are uncomfortable.

Start by considering what the typical weather for the time of year and location of the marathon that you will be running. Is it typically cold, temperate, or hot? What variance is there normally between the morning and afternoon hours? These questions can help you decide how you need to prepare for the weather.

Always wear layers for your warm up. Since you lose a lot of heast through the head, consider wearing a hat during warm ups. Even in very warm climates, you might have a cool morning and when you do warm up you'll want to throw off the upper layers.

Look for Wicking Fabrics

Racing apparel has greatly improved over the years and it is a fact that some materials and items are better for runners than others. For example, you should stay away from cotton. Cotton retains moisture causing it to get heavier and to become uncomfortable over time. Instead, look for water resistant material made from wicking fabrics that keep moisture away from your skin. Some fabrics have built in UV protection.

Once you decide on your clothing, wear it for a long run. See if it is truly comfortable. If anything is nagging, itchy, chafing, take steps to fix and prevent this for the actual race day. Here is one of many running tips: make sure that you do not wear new socks the day of a race. You definitely do not want to develop blisters during the race.

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