Running a marathon is like a mass fashion road show to some runners. Looking good will definitely make you feel good during your run! Especially when someone took a photo of you during the race! You will INSPIRE everyone in your circle of friends!
Here is a checklist that we would like to share and some tips on what to wear during your marathon. The most important advise out of the information listed below is NO NEW IS GOOD NEW especially if you are running a race! Well here it goes…
Running Top
In Singapore weather, try to avoid wearing 100% cotton running top. It is advisable to wear those tops with quick dry material that can wick moisture away. Advisable to wear light colour top as dark colour will absorb heat.
Compression Tights
Compression tights or garments are a matter of personal preference and there are some benefits in wearing it. It helps to prevent fatigue and strain to the muscle, prevent chafing and rashes as well as enhance performance. If you are not wearing compression tights, wear something comfortable and a bit lose. Too lose may also cause chaffing and blisters.
Socks
100% cotton sock can easily trapped all the sweat from your feet and it may cause blisters. Use quick dry socks that will wick moisture away.
Sun Glasses
If it is possible, and you are planning to run a marathon that is anything more than 3 hours, bring along your sun glass as the sun will start rising around 7 am. Wearing sun glass will help you to avoid those twitching pain in your eyes, especially when the sweat starts to dripped into the eyes.
Avoid Unnecessary Discomfort after Marathon
There are two lotions which you may need to apply. First is sunblock and second is lubricant to prevent chaffing. Some men may get chaffing on their nipples. If you experienced nipple chaffing during your runs, you may need to change your running top or put on a tape over your nipples for this marathon. Try to avoid or minimise unnecessary discomfort after the marathon.
Running Shoe
Do not wear NEW running shoe on race day. Avoid it at all cost. Unless you are running barefoot or you have only one shoe and your shoe is either worn out badly till the sole start to come out or you lose your only favourite pair of running shoe.
If you are facing that problem, get the same old model that you have been wearing for the past runs. If that old model no longer exist, get one that is closest. Seek advice from the sales specialist. After purchase, if possible, walk out with it at least a day or two before race day . The feeling of a new shoe is different even though it is the same model.
Timing Devices
Timing devices will be issued to you with the race pack. It is either in a form of a chip or a band to be tied around your shoe or it is sticked behind your number tag. Ensure that the timing chip is inside your race pack when you are collecting it.
Race Belt
To avoid pin holes on your favourite running shirt, you can consider using a race belt to hold your number tag. There are different types of race belt available in the market. The race belts comes in either with or without holding the hydration or energy gels.
Runners Identification
Please bring along your ID during the run! The race orgniaser might print your emergency contact number behind the number tag, however, to be safe just bring along your identification. For those who have those ID tag, use it! It will definitely help alot especially in an unforeseen situations.
Money
Bring a couple of dollars and waterproof it. Notes are better than coins due to its weight. Just in case you may need to buy some drinks during or after race. Other than that, you never know how important it is when you face a situation where you feel like you wish you have some cash with you at any point of time during the race.
GPS System and Watches
Technology is getting better. You can use smartphone apps or GPS watches to track your distance, speed and time. It definitely helps you to pace yourself well during the race. Use it as you used during your training runs! Do not depend on technology whole heartedly and do not take the information seriously as it may not be accurate. There are soo many factors involve in its accuracy. Instead, use it as a guide.
IMPORTANT!
To summarise, most importantly, NO NEW IS GOOD NEW! So wear something which you have worn before especially those that you wore during your long slow distance training run previously. Be comfortable and stay comfortable! You will do GREAT!
Photos from Google Image Search
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