MCM Tip #5: Be an Onion

If you are a fan of Shrek you know that Ogres have layers. . . like an onion. If the current race day forecast holds true you need to dress in layers. Most of you are experienced marathoners, but I still wanted to share a few tips on dressing for the Marine Corps Marathon.

Forecast:

• The AccuWeather forecast has a Saturday night low of 49F and a Sunday high of 63F.
• The Weather Channel forecast has a Saturday night low of 48F and a Sunday high of 58F.

If this forecast lasts, it might be the most ideal weather I have raced a marathon in. It will be chilly at the start. Remember, if you are checking a bag at the start, the Runner Village is at the Pentagon, which is a good walk from the starting corrals. Don't think you can check your bag at the last second before the cannon goes off. This means you need ways to stay warm in the 30-60 minutes before the race, and in the first several miles.

Here are some tips:

• Technical: No matter what you wear, make sure your bottom layer is technical fabric. No cotton on the bottom!
• Jackets: If you wear a wind jacket, you will sweat! Don't plan to keep it on the entire race. Layers of shirts are better.
• Wear gloves: I recommend the cheap kids gloves at Target. They look tiny, but are super stretchy. I think you can buy two pair for about two bucks. If they are not thick enough, put both pair on together. If you can't get gloves before you leave for DC, there will be lots of cheap throw-away options at the expo.
• Long Pants: If you plan to have on pants or tights, I strongly recommend testing that out on a run today or tomorrow. 26.2 miles is a long way to run in long pants. It will feel good at the start, but at mile 16 how will it feel? I am not saying don't do it, but do think ahead. Tights will likely be the better option over pants, because pants can introduce lots of potential chaffing.
• Trash Bags: Take a trash bag with a hole cut for the head. This is a great pre-race cover. It also keeps you dry, and holds in body heat.
• Dropping: Plan to drop layers in the first few miles. Don't bring your favorite shirt or hat if you can't part with it during the race.
• Band aides: Not really a clothing thing, but guys should remember band aides or body glide (not both) for their chest. Cold weather can make any potential chaffing become severe. I have seen men finish races with two lines of blood running down their shirts.
• Head & Ears: You lose the vast majority of your body heat through your head. Take an ear warmer or toboggan hat for pre-race and the early miles.
• Race Number: Think about where you pin you race number. I pin my number on the layer I plan to race in (not the other throw-away layer). You don't want to waste race time re-pinning your race number. Pinning it to your shorts is a common approach too, but remember two things: 1) is it comfortable when you run, and 2) can you use the bathroom without having to unpin your number?

It is easy to think you are preparing for a 10F race based on my comments above. To be honest, preparing for 10F would be easier, because it is cold the entire time. We are trying to make certain we stay warm pre-race, but then comfortable during the race. This means layers (onion reference again).

Post Race:

• You will be sweaty after the race, and can quickly get cold.
• If you are checking you bag, put some warm dry clothes in the bag. This likely will include a hat and maybe some extra gloves just in case.
• If you are not checking a bag, be sure you can get to your hotel to change if needed.
• They will have the shiny space blankets at the finish. These will help, but they are not as good as a warm sweatshirt and a hat.