What to wear for a cold weather marathon
LOWER BODY:
It is rare for us to recommend anything but shorts for a race, but depending on the weather this could be necessary. If below freezing again this year then all but the most hardy will want pants or tights.
Pants and tights vary in how warm they keep you. Go with what feels right for you.
Also, don't forget you still need pockets if you are carrying gels or snacks.
UPPER BODY
Post Race clothes: Use the official race 'gear drop' so you can quick access to warm clothes post race.
Bottle of water: Bring it to the starting line
Post race snack: Bananas, Bagels, Gatorade, or anything you think you can tolerate but that will give you quick recovery calories.
Pants and tights vary in how warm they keep you. Go with what feels right for you.
Also, don't forget you still need pockets if you are carrying gels or snacks.
If it is as cold as last year, or at least below 40 degrees then just about everyone will want long sleeves
Option one: Thin baselayer against your skin and a jacket or vest on top. This is a great option for the marathon, as it warms up slightly later in the race, you can remove the top layer.
Option two: One warmer top, such as Mizuno's Breath Thermo Stretch Crew or Half Zip. This should keep you comfortable through the Half Marathon or 8k without overheating.
Option Three: Arm-Warmers. Crazy elites like Ryan Hall and Dathan Ritzenheim have made these arm sleeves popular. Not as warm as a shirt, but easy to take off if you get hot. A good choice if you are chasing a fast time and tend to heat up quick.
Nutrition and Hydration
Even in cold marathons, you still need to drink water to run your best marathon. Try to drink small amounts more often. Alternating water stops with water and Gatorade is the preferred by many marathoners.
Gels or Bloks? Stick with what you used on your long runs, be sure to start a small rip in the packaging so it will be easier to open with cold fingers.
Half marathons are a great chance to try out an energy gel if you have future goals of a full marathon. Try Vanilla Gu, our most popular.
Gels or Bloks? Stick with what you used on your long runs, be sure to start a small rip in the packaging so it will be easier to open with cold fingers.
Half marathons are a great chance to try out an energy gel if you have future goals of a full marathon. Try Vanilla Gu, our most popular.
BodyGlide - The Marathon Essential
Essential in any weather, BodyGlide and similar products (Chaf Free, Vaseline) prevent chafing and blisters.
Use it anywhere you think you might chaf: feet, waistband, sports bra, thighs, nipples...
Use it anywhere you think you might chaf: feet, waistband, sports bra, thighs, nipples...
Hats, Gloves, and Socks
Start with a hat and gloves, you will appreciate it waiting for the start, and will probably keep them on the entire way. If you find yourself taking them off heading out from the Art Museum, keep them with you. Put them in the waistband of your shorts or tights. It can get cold coming back from mile 20.
Hat/Headband: Try a few on and find one that isn't too tight and keeps your ears covered.
Gloves: How cold do your hands get? Asics Hybrid Glove will keep your fingers toasty and flips up to let you grab a cup of water. Mizuno's BT Glove or Sugoi's Firewall gloves fit tight and stay warm when you get them wet.
Socks: Stick with something the same thickness you have used for long runs. We have many to choose from so stop in one of our shops.
Hat/Headband: Try a few on and find one that isn't too tight and keeps your ears covered.
Gloves: How cold do your hands get? Asics Hybrid Glove will keep your fingers toasty and flips up to let you grab a cup of water. Mizuno's BT Glove or Sugoi's Firewall gloves fit tight and stay warm when you get them wet.
Socks: Stick with something the same thickness you have used for long runs. We have many to choose from so stop in one of our shops.
Marathon Extras.... It's the little things
Bottle of water: Bring it to the starting line
Post race snack: Bananas, Bagels, Gatorade, or anything you think you can tolerate but that will give you quick recovery calories.