Before embarking on a race, every athlete must be prepared not only physically or mentally, but also knowing what clothes to wear for the task.
It is not all appearances when it comes to participating in a half marathon, you should try to be as comfortable as possible to get the best experience. Whether you have a lot or little money to spend on a sports outfit, here are some factors to think about before dressing for a half marathon .
How to dress for a half marathon
1. Learn about fabrics
At first you think that the fabric your outfit is made of does not matter at all, but the truth is that it has a great influence on your performance.
The least ideal when buying an outfit is to choose fabrics made with cotton. This is because cotton absorbs too much sweat and moisture, so it sticks to your skin as you train, eventually putting unnecessary weight on you. In addition, when your skin comes into contact with this type of fabric it can cause irritation and even blisters.
Synthetic fabrics, those that do not transfer sweat, are the best for running. Some of them are polyester and nylon, although you can get more natural ones such as merino wool or bamboo, similar in their properties and softer when in contact with the skin.
2. Take into account the conditions and your comfort
Many athletes make sure to check the weather forecast before attending a half marathon. This is a good idea, since the amount of humidity, heat or cold that occurs that day will influence the clothes you should wear.
However, remember that when you do the marathon you will warm up. Therefore, it is advisable to go prepared as if the weather were hotter than it really is. Don’t worry, if it’s cold at first: your body will adapt to the conditions.
Almost all runners tend to choose shorts and a tank top as the best option, although the choice always falls on the tastes of each one. If you feel comfortable in long pants, feel free to wear them.
3. Wear an outfit that fits your needs
It is normal for half marathons to last many hours. You probably start very early in the morning when it is a little cold and end at noon when it is very hot. The reality is that you cannot do anything against the change in temperature, but you can adapt to it.
Use arm, leg and glove warmers that can be easily removed throughout the hours for your convenience. Also, if you are in winter, the best strategy is to use many layers of clothing that you can get rid of along the way. You can also add a light waterproof coat in case it rains.
4. Protect your head and face
Another way to manage your body temperature is by wearing the correct headgear. If the weather is too cold, consider wearing something that covers your neck, ears and part of your face, this way the air will warm up before entering your lungs.
On the other hand, for many, visors are excellent to divert the sun from their eyes, but for those with hair that is too thin or bald, it can mean getting sunburned. In those cases, it is best to wear hats.
Lastly, don’t forget to buy some sunglasses. There are many types that adapt to different types of light and can dramatically improve your performance.
5. Don’t forget the accessories
It is always good to consider taking certain things with you during a half marathon. In your internal pockets you can carry some items such as energy bars and mobile phone.
Almost all running shorts and pants have this type of compartment, but if yours does not, consider using a separate belt that can fulfill this task. This way you can take your own energy water with you to last longer, although keep in mind that there are usually places where you can stop and hydrate during a half marathon.
The last accessory you should think about is the watch. You can buy a gps watch that can record your route, although if the race is in an area with no signal, you could find some problems to make it work.
6. Check that everything is ok
Do not forget to check that your outfit is comfortable: this way you will not find any inconvenience during the activity and you will be able to prevent many problems such as irritations and later discomforts.
The best way to do this is to dress like you’re going to the half marathon and run for a little bit. Your goal is to identify if something is wrong and fix it as soon as possible, to enjoy this experience as much as possible.
conclusion
You don’t have to spend all your money to run a half marathon, but you do need to read our tips to have the best possible experience. Remember to equip yourself with the necessary and prepare everything in time to prevent later problems.
References
- Cindy, K. Exactly What to Wear for Your First Half-Marathon. For Livestrong. [Revised September 2019].
