The marathon is just around the corner and the big question is “What are you wearing?’ Yes, even with the physical training and mental preparation, the clothes you’ll have on March 2 matter…A LOT. It’s true. Here we'll explore apparel options and what the first time marathoner needs to know when they dress up for the big day.

Before writing up this post, I did some research and asked experienced runners what the newbie must wear. Although they suggested different brands, styles or fabrics, they unanimously stressed that one must feel completely comfortable in whatever they’re wearing, be it be snug, loose, etc. So here’s a suggestion: Prior to the marathon, wear your gear during a long run and confirm it feels just as good when there’s five pounds of sweat on it. Make sure that it can sustain through hours of physical activity. See if it will chafe your skin or fall apart. A nagging shirt tag or a poking thread has the great potential to screw up your concentration. And let’s face it – concentration is all you have for 26.2 miles.

According to weather.com, it will be a nice 70 degrees on March 2. That being the case, it would be wise to wear a tank and shorts to keep cool and weight free. There are many athletic brands that sell high quality running apparel, some in fabrics that wick away moisture from the body. This type of specialty clothing is sorta expensive, yet TOTALLY worth it. You need to enter the race armed and ready. That means sporting the right gear that will assist you through the run. Don't wear the drawstring shorts from high school PE or your throw away tee! Bust out the wallet and go shopping! lululemon is my go-to store for athletic apparel. All of their products are stretchy, durable and “flat-seamed to prevent irritation or chafing of the skin.” And did I mention it feels like butter? No matter what brand you buy, spend the extra dollar on clothing that will support your body.

Enough with the clothing - how bout the kicks? Recently, I sat down with experienced runner Kirk Antonston of Runnergy in Sherman Oaks and he provided some marathon shoe tips. "First," he suggests, "don't go into the marathon wearing new shoes." Purchase them a couple weeks beforehand and have a couple long runs in them. Five miles into the race, you don't want to realize that your shoes don't feel that great. In order to find the right shoe, he advises to seek the assistance of a running shoe professional. An expert can lead you to the style of footwear that meets your unique needs. Me? I'm flat footed and roll my heal on the inside. After studying my running pattern, Kirk was able to lead me to the Adidas Supernova's which not only provide the support I need, but also feel like pillows on my feet. However what feels great for me may not for you. Kirk says, "Everyone is different. You just need to figure out what shoe fits you perfectly." You can do that by providing your shoe adviser with feedback, letting them know what feels right and finding the ideal shoe. "Ultimately, the comfort should be immediate. Your shoes should feel like home.”

As far as socks, there is no special style to wear for the marathon. "It's all about personal preference," Kirk maintains. Just make sure that the socks "don't dip below the heel or have protruding seams." After a couple of miles, both can create nasty, painful blisters. From my experience, cotton socks don't work exceptionally well since they make my feet hot. I prefer wearing the Adidas Climacool low cut socks made up of 75% polyester/15% nylon/7% cotton/3% Lycra. They keep me cool, support my feet and don't hurt the wallet.

Now that you have all the info, hit the mall this weekend and buy yourself the most important outfit of the year! Double points if it's super cute and matches. Ready, set, GO!

Top photo by Daniel Williams, bottom photo by yoppy via Flickr