After weeks of training, you’re on the cusp of your goal: running your first marathon race. You have a lot to look forward to. On the day itself, you can expect an electrifying atmosphere made up of the energy of thousands of runners. Everyone is sure to be welcoming—there’ll be pace groups you can fall into step with and spectators who will cheer you on. All you have to do is show up.
That said, you’ll want to head to the starting line prepared and ready for anything. When it comes to marathon racing, this isn’t a matter of what to bring—you’ll have all the supplies you need. The marathon route will be marked clearly, medical personnel will be available for any issues, and water and electrolyte stations will be placed at regular intervals. Rather, you need to select carefully what to wear. Your running gear is all you’ll have on you, and you’ll want to put a stellar ensemble together for your first marathon race.
Performance sunglasses
Your skin isn’t the only body part at risk of UV radiation during your marathon race. You’ll need sunnies to shield your eyes from the sun, preferably the kind that can promise 100% UV blocking. You don’t have to stop there, though. Consider getting sports performance sunglasses that can protect your eyes and enhance your vision with the latest technologies, preventing eye fatigue and letting you see the road and avoid any obstacles in your way with ease. Oakley is a renowned athletic brand that creates precisely this—and it just released the Corridor, sunglasses specifically designed for runners that feature lightweight frames and Prizm lens technology for sharpened colour and contrast. You’ll be able to see your journey to the finish line in sharp visual acuity.
Compression clothing
You might think that the best kind of clothing for running is baggy for better ventilation—and that is a valid option. However, if you want an extra boost in performance for your first marathon race, consider getting compression clothing instead. This activewear will squeeze your muscle tissue and keep the blood from pooling in your body, thereby improving blood flow, increasing muscle temperature, and reducing muscle vibration. Because of this, you’ll find it a little easier to keep up a steady pace and have a shorter recovery time afterwards. For your top, try the Under Armour HeatGear Armour Short Sleeve Compression Shirt, which has sweat-wicking and anti-odour technology that can keep you fresh throughout the entire race. It’s also great for thermoregulation. For your bottoms, use the 2XU Mid Rise Pocket Compression Tights, which are breathable yet have a sturdy, supportive feel to your hamstrings, quads, and calves. Its wide waistband will brace your core, while its flatlock comfort feature will reduce chafing as you run.
Running shoes
You can’t run your first marathon race without footwear! Not only does choosing the right pair protect your feet—the right model can also reduce ankle or knee pain. Comfort is essential. You’ll want shoes designed to keep your arch from dropping where it will pressure your knees and ankles, with enough room in the interior to allow your feet to swell as you jog. Try On’s Cloudsurfer running shoes. The design is the product of a collaboration between triathletes and engineers, and you can tell: it has a zero-gravity EVA foam construction, which cushions your landing and springboards your inner sole. With this footwear, your race will feel like running on clouds.
Optional: a smartwatch
While this gadget isn’t essential, it’s an investment that can help you with your marathon race and improve your overall running habits. The main benefit of a smartwatch is that it keeps you aware of your physical activity. If you use it a few times before the marathon race, you’ll get a good amount of data about your cardiovascular endurance, distance capacity, normal oxygen levels, and more. On the racing track, this awareness can alert you when you’re overreaching and need to take a break. It can also remind you that you’ve gone farther before during training and power you up to go that extra mile. Even more crucially, a smartwatch can help you quickly get assistance in case you run into an emergency.
Your first marathon will be both thrilling and rewarding. Make sure you’re prepared for it by choosing what to wear carefully.
