Mary: Long Distance Hiking Clothing
Preparing for the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club's Dogwood Half Hundred Hike
Tops: In the winter I wear a biker's tank top (with built-in bra) made of Cool Max.
If the weather is hot, I may just wear a sports bra.
I also usually wear a very thin fleece shirt, though I probably won't in April.
Bottoms: I am now wearing either a pair of nylon trousers or polypro tights (depending on the weather), though I imagine that I will wear nylon shorts in April.
Boots: I've been hiking very comfortably in various pairs of lightweight hiking boots, though I'm going to try regular running shoes.
Outerwear: I've been carrying a lightweight Gore-tex jacket and nylon pants as rain gear/wind protection -- but these weigh over two pounds and seem like overkill, so I plan to trade it in for a very light coated nylon poncho
Klaus:
Normally I wear some light clothing, i.e. shorts and T-shirt as well as a wind-breaker set.
Mini rucksack: I used to have a mini rucksack with me with my rain clothes. This is also good for the wind-breaker set when it gets warmer throughout the day.
Shoes: I prefer a pair of rugged walking shoes - rather too big than too small.
Socks: I wear two pairs of socks, namely a pair of white cotton socks inner and a pair of wool socks outer, even in the hot summer.
If the socks are made of *pure* wool with no syntethics, they give one a comfortable warmth.
The cotton socks must be made of 100 % cotton. The reason why I prefer white socks is that colored socks give many people problems when worn for a long time (allergic reactions).
Sharon:
I just did the SanDiego Half Marathon in January.
Tops: I wore a tee shirt made out of Cool Max. (The Leukemia Society provided it, but you can find them elsewhere.) Find one long enough and you will be fine. (It covered what I wanted to hide)
Raingear: Walgreens has $1.99 raincoats that you can always throw on before the race and at the beginning if it is cold, then throw away!
Shorts: I wore Lycra/Cool Max Bike shorts, but thought they were a little constricting. There are some shorts that have a Cool Max liner and are are looser. The best place to buy this stuff seems to be before or after the marathon at the EXPO's they have.
Socks: I wore two pairs of socks, one very thin and Cool Max and one thicker Cool Max padded socks and didn't get blisters.
Essentials: Don't forget a hat, sunglasses, moleskin, food, bandaids, candy (but only after mile 18 or so).
Another thing I can tell you is: Forget about Fashion and just be comfortable and have fun!!
Bonnie:
Depending on the time of year for the marathon - we could go in cold weather or warm weather attire. But, here are some essentials that apply to any time of the year:
Know your gear: Something comfortable that you've done very long training walks in. This is to assure no friction areas. The worst mistake we can make is getting a new outfit the day before the race.
Wicking: I like wicking fabrics (no cotton) that pull the moisture away from your body.
Shorts: If wearing shorts, bike style aerobic shorts are good so that your shorts don't ride up. Don't use the real bike shorts with the pad, of course.
Moving Comfort: Moving Comfort makes wonderful women's wear with wicking fabrics. They fit women's shapes better than most companies I've tried. They have running/walking shorts in 5 different lengths to accomodate all preferences. They have fabulous colors and patterns so you look good while staying dry and comfortable. Their tights fit women's bodies better too - a little wider in the hips and slimmer in the waist than the typical athletic companies.
Dress to prevent stress: Lastly, whatever the temperature, plan on dressing as if it was 20 degrees warmer than the real temperature. If it's 40 degrees, dress like it's 60. You'll be a little chilly at the start, but must more comfortable 10 minutes into the marathon.
Essentials: I would carry a waist pack with snacks like Power Bars or Power Gel, Runner's Lube for friction areas, chapstick, Compeed blister pack (the best I've ever used), and maybe a throwaway camera if you're not racing, but just having fun. I carried a throwaway in the Disney Half Marathon this year, and had a blast.
More Reading:
Sports Bras
Part I: Training for Marathons and Ultras
Myrtle Beach Marathon Report
Disney Marathon Report
Gear and Clothing Article Archive
Marathon Net Links
Gear and Clothing Net Links
Shoe Net Links
Event Net Links
