Advice on what to wear for Marathon

Raging_Hull

All going well I will be doing my first marathon at the end of the month (DCM). Just wondering what type of tops/shorts people wear for Marathon distance races?I have been wearing Adidas compression shorts for my LSRs and found them good, but I notice in photos of marathons most people wear ordinary shorts.On the top front, with all the wonderful reviews of Peal Izumi, I bought a long sleeved running top and it has been great for long runs in the early morning when it's still cold. Don't intend to wear it for the marathon. Do people wear singlets (or is it too cold) or short sleeved tees? I bought a Asics singlet in Arnotts yesterday to use on my last LSR tomorrow, but looking out the window, the thoughts of going out in it for 3 hours in the cold/wind/rain tomorrow does not seem like a good idea!Any advice appreciated.

HardyEustace

Raging_Hull wrote: »

All going well I will be doing my first marathon at the end of the month (DCM). Just wondering what type of tops/shorts people wear for Marathon distance races?I have been wearing Adidas compression shorts for my LSRs and found them good, but I notice in photos of marathons most people wear ordinary shorts.On the top front, with all the wonderful reviews of Peal Izumi, I bought a long sleeved running top and it has been great for long runs in the early morning when it's still cold. Don't intend to wear it for the marathon. Do people wear singlets (or is it too cold) or short sleeved tees? I bought a Asics singlet in Arnotts yesterday to use on my last LSR tomorrow, but looking out the window, the thoughts of going out in it for 3 hours in the cold/wind/rain tomorrow does not seem like a good idea!Any advice appreciated.

Wear a singlet and what ever shorts you normally wear. I've proper running shorts with the built in undies that are brilliant.

Biggest rookie mistake I made when running my first marathon (DCM) was wearing leggings. I was BAKED. I don't even want to think of what it cost me in time.

MREGAN

Like above but I would also say wear something you are comfortable in for your long runs. I try to stick to the same clothing for all runs. Change on the day may play on your mind or worse hurt you from rub etc. Again as above states over heating can be a real problem. Stay warm but dont over do it.

Good luck with Dublin! I am doing the Causeway Marathon next Saturday and I think its going to be a different kettle of fish with it being 90% off road.

Domer

I wore an old long sleeve t-shirt for the first 4 miles over a running vest. Then took it off at a water station and left it there. Most races collect such discarded clothing and give it to the homeless I believe... plus you get a nice new one when you finish. Helps keep get warm over the first few miles, and also while standing around waiting.

My wife says I have too many t-shirts anyway!

Bobby04

Domer wrote: »

I wore an old long sleeve t-shirt for the first 4 miles over a running vest. Then took it off at a water station and left it there.

I had thought about wearing two layers and discarding the top one when warmed up also, but how do you manage the race number on your top then??

Krusty_Clown

Get a bin-liner for the start, and some old clothes to discard. I had a pair of gloves that I bought the previous days in Pennies for 3 euro, which I discarded after the first 4/5 miles.

Raging_Hull

Thats great advice guys, thanks a mil.

Domer

Bobby04 wrote: »

.... but how do you manage the race number on your top then??

Race number on running vest, not on old top to be discarded. You will not be the only one doing this, believe me! If it is raining have the field will be running the first few miles in black bin liners!!!!

colblimp

I'd wear a nice dinner jacket with trousers and a stylish pair of loafers. Throw on a nice double cuffed shirt, some classy cuff links and you'll look the business! :P

Seriously, a singlet, short shorts - basically what you wore in training, don't go buying anything at the expo to wear in the race.

jlang

colblimp wrote: »

don't go buying anything at the expo to wear in the race.

Except BodyGlide.

But if you haven't had a need for this by then, you're probably safe.

HardyEustace

Write your name on your number or your top and people will yell out your name.

Sounds really basic and probably a bit cheesey but you'd be surprised at the things that can cheer you up when you're struggling.

RacoonQueen

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Get a bin-liner for the start, and some old clothes to discard. I had a pair of gloves that I bought the previous days in Pennies for 3 euro, which I discarded after the first 4/5 miles.

I do that too, penneys are great.

racheljev

An aside to this: running for Temple Street and they sent me a cotton tshirt to wear. It doesn't feel great to be honest, and I'm used to running in the wicking stuff - is anyone else NOT wearing the tshirt of the charity they're running for?

goofygirl

I'm running for CF Ireland and will certainly not be wearing an enormous cotton t-shirt flapping in the breeze behind me either Rachel

Peckham

As with suggestions above, just stick with what you're used to. You should ideally do at least one full dress rehearsal for the full day - this means eating the same food as the day of the marathon, wearing your race gear (shorts and singlet/t-shirt), taking the gels/isotonics and doing a long run of 18-20 miles.

Bin bags are only useful if it's raining, otherwise you'll just sweat unnecessarily. Am always amazed at the numbers you see at races (e.g. the Dublin Half last weekend) wearing bin bags when they're unnecessary.

As KC says, buy some cheap Penneys gloves and hat for the start, and find an old long sleeve top that you can discard. As Sungod will remember, I turned up at start of DCM last year wearing an old woolen coat that I found in the recycling pile at home - was probably the warmest and smartest dressed individual on the startline!

Most races no longer collect discarded clothes for charities, as a lot tend to be (eh, no polite way to put this) urine stained from people relieving themselves at the sides of the road near the start.

Bobby04

Domer wrote: »

Race number on running vest, not on old top to be discarded. You will not be the only one doing this, believe me! If it is raining have the field will be running the first few miles in black bin liners!!!!

Thanks. I just thought the race number would have to be visible at the start, but I guess you can just "flash it" if necessary

rainbow kirby

HardyEustace wrote: »

Biggest rookie mistake I made when running my first marathon (DCM) was wearing leggings. I was BAKED. I don't even want to think of what it cost me in time.

Gonna assume it's ok to wear my capris... I've worn them for every long run over 13 miles I've done so far and I'm far more comfortable in them than shorts.

HardyEustace

rainbow kirby wrote: »

Gonna assume it's ok to wear my capris... I've worn them for every long run over 13 miles I've done so far and I'm far more comfortable in them than shorts.

Rk, I'd seriously, seriously consider investing in something even to the knee. You'll be absolutely baked in capris. For the first six miles you're in teh city surrounded by a lot of people and it really heats up. Just look at the finsihing photos from any race, the vast majority are in singlets and shorts.

if you're worried about getting cold then have someone waiting around mile 16 with the trusty capris. You can always just change on the side of the road (you won't give a crap about modesty or what you look like at that stage, you'll just want to finish).

But you will bake in teh capris. If it's wet they'll get water logged and weigh you down.

RacoonQueen

I've worn my capris the last two years in Dublin and have been fine.

rainbow kirby

The ones I'm planning on wearing are to just below the knee. Though if anyone has any recommendations of shorts (preferably that won't ride up or chafe, Body Glide can only do so much!) that would be great!

goofygirl

I have a pair of Nike lycra shorts which are above the knee so you get the best of both worlds: not too warm but also no chafing.

RacoonQueen

rainbow kirby wrote: »

The ones I'm planning on wearing are to just below the knee. Though if anyone has any recommendations of shorts (preferably that won't ride up or chafe, Body Glide can only do so much!) that would be great!

Ones I normally wear are like these

have worn ones like that in every race I've ever run except the half last weekend where I wore shorts. I'll probably opt for the shorts on the 26th though.

Izoard

HardyEustace wrote: »

Biggest rookie mistake I made when running my first marathon (DCM) was wearing leggings. I was BAKED. I don't even want to think of what it cost me in time.

I've a great photo of myself from a couple of years ago at mile 25 or so, with beanie, gloves, long sleeves, running tights and shorts. The funny part is that the 6 or 7 around me are all in singlet + shorts:-)

I generally find Dublin a cold event, so unless the sun is splitting the stones, it will be leggings all the way....

RacoonQueen

Izoard wrote: »

I've a great photo of myself from a couple of years ago at mile 25 or so, with beanie, gloves, long sleeves, running tights and shorts. The funny part is that the 6 or 7 around me are all in singlet + shorts:-)

I generally find Dublin a cold event, so unless the sun is splitting the stones, it will be leggings all the way....

Yeah I wore short sleeves in 2007 and my arms were FREEZING, which is why I wore the long sleeves last year.

SucCes09

learn from my mistake in Connamara... was doing the half and it was really cold where we wait waiting to begin. Left on my comp tights, shorts, wick-away top, running top and running jacket from the start... jacket was tied around my waste for about 20km of the 21km, and was baked in the other gear, even in March.
Saw a few people with bin liners on over their singlets and reckoned they had forgot to bring something warmer... now i see their wisdom...

rainbow kirby

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Yeah I wore short sleeves in 2007 and my arms were FREEZING, which is why I wore the long sleeves last year.

Wasn't it *really* cold on marathon day last year too?

TFBubendorfer

rainbow kirby wrote: »

Wasn't it *really* cold on marathon day last year too?

I was absolutely frozen at the start, wearing just a t-shirt. Once we got going, I was ok.

az2wp0sye65487

Forgive my naivety, as I have very little knowledge or experience with marathons & running in general!

But, do people actually stop to change (add or remove) clothes during the marathon?

--amadeus--

I've never seen anyone adding clothes but lots of people will take off extra layers of T shirts, etc and you don't need to stop to do that.

And if anyone out there is worried about being cold...just run faster

aero2k

I tend to suffer from cold hands, so if it's cool I'll be wearing a very thin pair of Hilly gloves, plus a technical t-shirt and shorts. If it's over 10 degrees I might wear a singlet.
I think it was about 5 degrees last year and once I got going I only noticed the cold on a couple of occasions when the wind was blowing. I did have the bin-bag while waiting at the start.

BeepBeep67

I came across cheap lightweight rain ponchos in the 2€ shop, yes 2yoyos, have 2 in my kit bag, purchased after the Raheny 5 earlier this year .

RJC

jlang wrote: »

Except BodyGlide.

just don't rub the deep heat version on your middle bits:rolleyes:

RJC

racheljev wrote: »

An aside to this: running for Temple Street and they sent me a cotton tshirt to wear. It doesn't feel great to be honest, and I'm used to running in the wicking stuff - is anyone else NOT wearing the tshirt of the charity they're running for?

wear it at the end or at the start but don't run in it - you'll die in it!

plodder

Apart from the weather predicted for the day, it depends on how fast you run as well. Faster runners produce more heat and therefore need less gear. The best advice is to wear the same as what you wore for your long training runs assuming that worked ok.

HardyEustace

plodder wrote: »

Apart from the weather predicted for the day, it depends on how fast you run as well. Faster runners produce more heat and therefore need less gear. The best advice is to wear the same as what you wore for your long training runs assuming that worked ok.

Towards the end I was wearing running tights for my runs as the weather was much colder. However on the day, it was very warm and I should've worn shorts.

Have a look at the forecast. Don't panic if you're cold at the start, you're meant to be cold until you warm up (pre-race layers notwithstanding). Have someone out on the course with a pair of leggings if you're genuinely worried about the cold.

I really don't think you'll need them unless you're planning a 5.5 to 6 hour marathon and thus will be out there a long time.

hunnymonster

For the cold hands people, you can get fleece gloves in penny's for a euro. They'll keep your hands warm until you get the circulation going and you won't mind ditching them as they are so cheap.

RJC

hunnymonster wrote: »

For the cold hands people, you can get fleece gloves in penny's for a euro. They'll keep your hands warm until you get the circulation going and you won't mind ditching them as they are so cheap.

Good idea. I wore socks on my hands last year and they were not the great solution I thought they'd be (hard to flick the cap on the bottle of nerve settling energy drink at the start)

aero2k

hunnymonster wrote: »

For the cold hands people, you can get fleece gloves in penny's for a euro. They'll keep your hands warm until you get the circulation going and you won't mind ditching them as they are so cheap.

Cheers HM.
I probably didn't emphasise just how cold my hands get - last Sat and Sun I ran in a t-shirt and shorts, with no gloves, and I had difficulty getting the key in the door when I got home. The rest of my body was fine. I also suffer from cold feet, but not when running. I have (happy?) memories of ancient days before bootees etc when I would have to get off the bike and walk to get some circulation going in my feet!
I tend to wear several layers on the bike in cool weather but I nearly always regret wearing a second layer or long sleeves when running - if I'm not feeling cold for the first 5 mins I know I'm going to be too warm. I'm often amazed at the amount of clothing some people wear - I wouldn't be surprised if they're wondering why they find running so hard.

az2wp0sye65487

Sorry to hijack the thread with this. I'm new to this running outdoors malarkey! (i.e.) only started a week ago.. only ever used a treadmill before.. and I'm having trouble finding a top for the colder evenings. I have running shoes, shorts & dry-fit t-shirts, but the weather is bound to keep getting colder at night coming into the winter.

I have fleeces / hoodies / jackets etc. but they all feel too heavy & too bulky/baggy to be running in.

Could anyone recommend somewhere in Dublin I could find decent tops / sweatshirts that are heavy enough to keep you warm at the start of your run; but also light / breathable enough that they won't hinder you once you get going. I have seen a couple in JJB / Lifestyle / Elverys / Champion Sports etc. but they didn't really have a good selection. The ones they did have were about €60 - €80 each! I don't really have that sort of money to spend...

macinalli

Lana Harsh Train wrote: »

Could anyone recommend somewhere in Dublin I could find decent tops / sweatshirts that are heavy enough to keep you warm at the start of your run... I don't really have that sort of money to spend...

Buy a hat!

The Davestator

Lana Harsh Train wrote: »

Sorry to hijack the thread with this. I'm new to this running outdoors malarkey! (i.e.) only started a week ago.. only ever used a treadmill before.. and I'm having trouble finding a top for the colder evenings. I have running shoes, shorts & dry-fit t-shirts, but the weather is bound to keep getting colder at night coming into the winter.

I have fleeces / hoodies / jackets etc. but they all feel too heavy & too bulky/baggy to be running in.

Could anyone recommend somewhere in Dublin I could find decent tops / sweatshirts that are heavy enough to keep you warm at the start of your run; but also light / breathable enough that they won't hinder you once you get going. I have seen a couple in JJB / Lifestyle / Elverys / Champion Sports etc. but they didn't really have a good selection. The ones they did have were about €60 - €80 each! I don't really have that sort of money to spend...

Keep an eye on Lidl and Aldi as they have cheap gear every so often. You can see whats coming on their websites.