Tip 9: Gearing Up for 26.2 Miles

When it comes to race-day shoes and apparel, follow this rule of thumb: nothing new. Test your gear in advance on multiple runs, including long runs. The reason for this advice is that even a moderately annoying rub at your neck or a slightly uncomfortable sock will only feel worse with each step of a 26.2-mile race. Use the next three weeks before the Richmond, OBX, or City of Oaks to test a variety of race-day gear.

As we all know, especially after the unseasonably warm Chicago Marathon, we can never count on perfect weather on race day. Plan both warm-weather and cold-weather options for your race and continue to check the weather report as November 10 draws near. You will not want to sit freezing at the start, or overheat during the race because you have overdressed. Test out both long-sleeve and short-sleeve tops, both shorts and tights or wind pants, and anything else you might wear, including socks, shoes, tanks, hats, gloves, and watches. Practice carrying your nutrition as well, planning whether or not you will carry gels, salt packets, and drinks on your body or in your pockets.

Don’t forget that you will be able to take a gear bag with you to the race start. This can be checked immediately prior to the race. Lay out your race-day clothes and shoes for quick access in the early-morning hours of November 10, and pack your bag with plenty of warm clothing for the finish. Plan to kiss this bag goodbye until your 26.2 miles are done. By then you will welcome the comfort of warm, dry clothes.

Your ultimate priority, when it comes to gear and clothing, should be comfort. Here are a few tips to keep you safe and feeling good on race day:

Test everything you plan to wear on race day by wearing it on at least one long run. This includes your running shoes, which should be neither too old nor too new. A good guideline is that your shoes can handle about 400-600 miles. If you have logged this many miles, or your shoes show visible wear, buy new ones now so that you have time to break them in before race day. It’s never a good idea to wear brand-new sneakers on race day.

Bring warm clothing to wear over your race gear for the early morning and start of the race. You can feel good knowing that any clothes you leave behind or in your start corral on Broad Street will be donated to charity. But plan ahead, so that you don’t give up your favorite sweats. Even a trash bag with a hole torn for your head is a good temporary outer layer that also keeps you dry in case of rain.

Shop for performance gear now so that you have time to test it, and wash it multiple times, before the big race. When it comes to clothing, stay away from cotton fabrics (even if it is cold), which are slow to dry, and choose a sweat-wicking fabric instead. When it comes to gear, Garmin™ products, such as the Forerunner® 50 sports watch with wireless technology are on the market to help you monitor your performance. Remember: Everything should be pre-tested to keep you happy on race day!