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JOIN NOWWhat to Wear for a Marathon or Half Marathon
Putting in all those miles of training is, of course, a big factor in reaching the finish line of a marathon or half-marathon. But it can be just as important to get the right running gear.
Avoid trying new things at the last minute. Ideally, your shoes, clothing and accessories will all have been tested for a period of time, so you don't have any surprises with your marathon or half marathon gear; especially if this is your first one!
If something has worked in training, you can be confident it'll also work in the race. Above all, whatever you wear on race day must be something you're comfortable in. Keep an eye on the weather conditions and make sure you have a couple of options if it’s an unexpectedly hot, cold, windy or rainy day.
So, what are the 10 must-haves for marathon & half-marathon runners? With this simple checklist, we aim to get you race-ready and flying through the finish line with a smile:
1. Running Shoes
In case you've suddenly realised that your current shoes have done way too much mileage than they should have, or they're causing you some problems, check out our Natural Gait Analysis service. We'll make sure your shoes are still the right type for you and won't bring you any surprises on race day. If you can't make it to our London store, we also offer Online Gait Analysis.
Weeks and months go fast, so don’t leave it too late. Give yourself enough time to try the shoes and break them in. We recommend at least 4-6 weeks ahead of the race.
2. Running Socks
To keep your feet comfy, fresh and chafe-free throughout the race, we recommend you invest in a pair of technical running socks. All of our socks are designed to wick away moisture from the skin.
To further help prevent blistering, some have twin layers, and others have 5 individual toes. We stock a wide range of different levels of cushioning, lengths and, of course, different styles – from funky to functional!
A lot of it is down to personal preference, and the conditions you're likely to be running in. Here are some of our top picks to try out in training and see what works for you:
3. Running Bottoms
When running long distances, consider wearing versatile shorts or bottoms with plenty of storage space, to carry your energy chews and gels. Think about the right level of warmth, so your muscles don't get cold, but you also don't overheat. 2-in-1 shorts – a lycra bottom layer and a loose top layer – are a great solution to help avoid friction while maintaining a flattering look.
5. Running Caps, Visors & Headbands
Don't let running hats take the back seat this season; they can be a game-changer during your race. While we always hope for a perfect day, the UK weather is – of course – rather unpredictable.
Shield yourself from the scorching sun, pouring rain or chilling wind. A running cap acts as a barrier, protecting your face, eyes, and head to optimise your focus and performance on the road or trail. You'll be glad you decided to bring it after all. Visors are a super-lightweight option, or split caps cleverly fold in half to stuff in a pocket or waistpack when not needed.
If you don't want something covering your whole head, headbands are an alternative for keeping your hair (and sweat!) out of your face.
7. Running Watches
A GPS running watch is a great companion for runners, and even more so for a race. It can help you during your training to measure your distance, time, speed and heart-rate. It will also track your stats and give you detailed running data. The models featured below tick all the boxes.
Some models will also offer you training plans to follow – they will even create a personal training plan for you based on your individual metrics. The top-of-the-range watches help prevent injury by giving you advice on your recovery or notifying you when it’s time to rest up.
8. Running Accessories
These running accessories won’t make your marathon or half-marathon distance shorter, but they can definitely make it more enjoyable. Sunglasses will keep you protected from the glare of the sun, and race belts come handy for carrying essentials. For longer races, or to stay in control of your fluid intake, check out hydration vests, which are also great for storing essentials. Bone-conduction headphones are almost like having 2 pairs of ears! They allow you to stay aware of your surroundings while listening to music or audiobooks.
All Headphones / All Sunglasses / All Hydration Vests / All Waist Packs & Belts
9. Running Nutrition
Carbohydrates for energy and electrolytes for hydration are important to take before and during a run. Protein for recovery, on the other hand, is crucial after your run to help your muscles rebuild. Test your nutrition on your training runs to make sure you get on well with it during a race.
All Drink Powders / All Energy Chews / All Energy Gels / All Energy & Recovery Bars
10. Anti Chafe and Injury Care
Some runners think that a marathon equals painful chafing and blisters. But all that can be avoided thanks to these great little helpers. BodyGlide is an amazing, miraculous, invisible lubricant that glides over your skin and leaves a protective, slick layer, thus cutting down on friction-induced problems. Apply to your feet or underwear area to keep blisters and chafing at bay. Nip Guards are great protection for male runners, and Compeed could save your feet if the worst comes to the worst (best to put it on your hot spots in advance).
Then there's a range of massage aids, either to help prevent aches and pains or for recovery afterwards. The key is gently massage areas that feel sore before or after training.
Best of luck with your training and preparation! Get loads more free tips from our expert advice team in this Run Better section:
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