General Marathon Advice - Attire & Shoes

Abril9

Hey everyone,

Just curious and want to seek some wisdom from folks with some marathon experience.

I suppose to begin just a little background on me and my running "hobby".

You could say I got into running by chance a few years ago and since then I run most weeks consistently (40-50 miles). It is only recently that I have gotten into competition runs (organized events) if you like over the last 12 months. Before then it was just me and my phone (MapMyRun, Strava etc).

So anyway I'm doing the Dublin marathon this year and want to make sure that I am clothing-wise-prepared. At present most of my running is mixed between trail terrain and tarmac therefore if it's very muddy/wet I'm in heavy trail shoes, if it is a bit muddy or mostly dry then it's lighter trail shoes. I have a light pair of shorts and a general polyester mixed running t-shirt.

As with most trail shoes there is a bit of extra weight which I will be looking to drop come October. So for the road what do people recommend what is the go to Marathon shoe?

I plan to buy what is recommended and vary my routes so I can get in some steady road work in the lead-up. Secondly on the vest/sleeveless top does anyone have any recommendations on something comfortable to run in? I don't want something too heavy that'll turn my nipples into Cherry Bakewells.

The plan is to tryout some stuff (shoes/vests) in the leadup and go with what feels best closer to the time. I guess for now I seek the wisdom of ye seasoned marathon pro's :)

Thanks in advance

PaulieC

I would recommend not straying too far from what you currently wear for road running. If you are used to a brand, probably best to stick to it as you'll be used to fit, sizing, etc. That and there is no go-to marathon shoe as such, each major brand probably has 2-4 models that would be suitable.

Regarding the top and cherry bakewells, I heartily recommend buying a roll of zinc oxide tape. It costs less than a fiver and lasts for years and save a lot of heartache

CuriousCucumber

At the end of the day, it's a personal decision. Only you know what feels good, and you need to try things out for yourself.

But for me, this is what I wear/use…

I have 4 pairs of shoes in my rotation when it comes to marathon training (Probably at least 2 pairs too many)

1. Everyday shoes for slow runs - I wear Asics Novablast Lite Show 3 (My favourite shoes by a mile)
2. Speed runs - A pair of Brooks Hyperion Max
3. Long Runs - A pair of Nike invincibles (my least favourite)
4. Race Shoes - A pair with a carbon plate. Currently using Nike Vaporflys, but they're close to the end of their life

Each brand, generally have different shoe types, for different run types. If you have a preference for brands, check out youtube. Youtube runners like Kofuzi or Ben Parkes have videos where they giving their opinions on different shoes

Regarding clothing, find whatever you are most comfortable in. I find under armour shorts to be great for a lot of training runs, and have some Brooks shorts I use when carrying gels.

The decathlon gear is also supposed to be very good

I have a few running vests from reebok which I find excellent, but generally only use during races. For the majority of my training runs, I have about 10 t-shirts I got given in other races that work fine.

On race day, I cover my nipples with plasters. They've never caused me issues

JohnnyChimpo

Is the bleeding nipples even a thing if you're not wearing cotton? I've done some long long runs in polyester running shirts and never had the slightest bit of chafing, and I'd have fairly sensitive skin.

Trevorfromtheshoppingcentre

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122441108#Comment_122441108

I had very sore nipple chafing after a 10 mile race with heavy rain. Was wearing a techical tshirt or singlet.

I will be taping for my first marathon to be on the safe side

JohnnyChimpo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122443390#Comment_122443390

I guess the heavy rain is the factor I hadn't considered yeah

marathon2022

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058361277/general-marathon-advice-attire-shoes

I love this question.

For the clothing you wont go wrong with Decathlon Kiprun range for tops, very nipple friendly :-).

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/sports/running/running-vests

Shoes is a more personal but If I was you I would get a pair of Saucony Triumph, Hoka Mach 5/6 or Asics Novablast for daily training and a pair of fast fast carbons for the race itself, Nike Alphafly is the best of the current super shoes for Marathons but there are many more if you willing to spend.

Get yourself a running belt, I bought one of these a few weeks ago, cheap and perfect for soft bottles/phone/gels etc https://www.amazon.co.uk/OneNine-Fanny-Pack-for-Running/dp/B0C2YL481W?th=1

oinkely

Shoes - whatever is comfortable for you - i run in zero drop altras which would probably shag your calfs in the first 5 miles if you are used to asics/nike etc. So stick with whatever brand you currently wear on the trails if they have a road version.

I get the nipple issues - my chafing reduction regime is a hearty dose of bodyglide or decathlon 'creme anti frottement' and a very specific range of next to skin wear - the decathlon soft weave running tops are fine, as are lycra base layers from lidl - anything else will lead to chafing and severe pain in the shower afterwards for me!