Newbie needs clothing advice

[rubato]

I just signed up for my first race. I'll be running a half marathon in April. What do I wear?

I am not up on the latest running gear and don't even know what running tights are (read about them in another post). When I run at home, I wear the standard running shorts and a tank top (with the obvious sports bra).

So, what do you guys wear when running a marathon? I don't know how cold it will be in Kansas in April, but it'll probably be chilly when I start at 7:30. Thanks for any advice.

 

[cewait]

The basics:
A good pair of running shoes – log miles you run on the shoes and rotate out when mileage hits 350 – 500 miles. Ideally, you will have two pair of shoes that you rotate, allowing the shoes time to recover between runs. Hint, start the second pair of shoes at about 250 miles on the first pair of shoes and you will always have a pair that is fresh and a pair that is the trusty standby. Also, you will be better able to gage when the older pair should be retired.

Shorts – you have them. Note that shorts made of sport, moisture wicking fibers are better than cotton for most folks. Cotton holds moistures, gets heavy and the fibers can become abrasive. You can find shorts with a built in brief. You have the option of wearing compression shorts (used to be known as bike shorts but without the pad). These are great in preventing chub-rub oin the inner thigh area. Finally as a female you have the option of running skirts.

Tops – Sport bra with a moisture wicking top. Again, for most runners cotton is not a friend.

Now for tuning your wear.

As temperatures get cooler you will need to add clothing. The general rule of thumb is to dress as though its 20F warmer than it really is. In other words, as you stand outdoors pre-run you really want to feel cool if not almost cold. Also, think layers. You can peal layer off easily as you or conditions warm.

Below is what I aim for (some taken from Runner’s World and other sources over time)
60 up – Shorts and a shirt either a tank top (singlet) or short sleeved shirt
45 – 60 short sleeved shirt and shorts
30-45 Long sleeved tech shirt and shorts
30 degrees: 2 tops, 1 bottom. Long-sleeve base layer and a vest keep your core warm. Tights (or shorts, for polar bears).
10 to 20 degrees: 2 tops, 2 bottoms. A jacket over your base layer, and wind pants over the tights.
0 to 10 degrees: 3 tops, 2 bottoms. Two tops (fleece for the cold-prone) and a jacket. Minus 10 to 0 degrees: 3 tops, 2 bottoms, extra pair of mittens, 1 scarf wrapped around mouth or a balaclava.
Minus 20 degrees: 3 tops, 3 bottoms, 2 extra pairs of mittens, 1 balaclava, sunglasses. Or, "Stay inside."

Note that running tights can be found in running stores. They will generally have zippers at the bottom of the legs to allow them to be pulled on or off over shoes. They are form fitting and you can wear shorts over them for modesty, if desired.

A running jacket is usually little more than a wind breaker with added vents. You need a warm to vent off moist air yet be able to zip those paths closed when you turn into a wind.

A great long sleeved running shirt will have a quarter zip on the front to allow heat to escape when temps start to rise.


Hope this helps.

 

[rubato]

Thanks for your advice. Very detailed! If I follow your recommendations, I will, at most, be wearing shorts and a long sleeved shirt. I have also heard that runners layer with things they don't want to keep and discard as they warm up. This will also work for me, I'm sure. I'm super excited to finally be giving this a try and want to make sure I'm prepared. I will definately be feeling out of my element, so I should at least look good, right?

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I cannot add anything to the list other than depending on weather with throw-away clothing, you could add gloves that you can discard. I also will travel with a head band, visor or hat to help soak sweat or keep the sun out. Technical head wear helps me.

Have fun!