LAist: Los Angeles Marathon - What Are You Wearing?

futureperfect

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:05:41 -0800

how dare you put up a picture that isn't even the LA marathon! i'm so insulted.

Caroline on Crack

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:11:38 -0800

LOL I thought this was going to be a post about what wacky thing runners are going to wear to stand out from the crowd so their friends could see them run past. I was thinking about that today, about what to put on my hat without it interfering with my running. Still haven't gotten any ideas. Anyway, yes to no cotton at all. And there are these special socks that are doubled up so that they don't rub your feet as much if at all. Found them at Roadrunners in Torrance. And to keep fairly warm in the morning before the race, my pace group leaders have recommended wearing a garbage bag. I heard it's very effective.

Sarah Ardalani

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 23:31:11 -0800

Tough crowd!

hipsterorbum

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:36:49 -0800

How informative! If only I didn't hate running!!

Callie Miller

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:30:22 -0800

The sock/shoe combination is critical. Critical! WrightSock Coolmesh is the best sock I've ever found. Shoes are so personal to your feet and running style. I've tried every brand and every style and the only ones that work for me are Asics Kayano. And: absolutely, positively, no cotton. None. It becomes heavy when wet, will give you chills if you're in the shade, and will chafe in the worst kind of way. Especially when wet. And let's face it, you'll be wet. Again: no cotton! And no running shorts that sag in the middle and make you want to just rip them off and go nude to the finish line! :-) Can't wait to see run past my building on the big day. We'll be camped out and waiting. With cameras. And water. And non-cotton items.

Ryanicus

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:29:39 -0800

- Put some vaseline under your arm pits, and around the groin area where your thighs might scrape on the other. - the early morning start will be cold, so make sure to bring something to keep you warm in the starting line that you can easily dispose off. You will be waiting awhile before you actually get to run.

Will Campbell

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:59:43 -0800

Having done three marathons I can confidently say that socks do matter. Your source's points about the seams and such are spot-on, but there's more to it than that. Turn yours inside out and take a look because It's veeeeery important not to wear any footwear where the insides resemble something along the lines of a terrycloth towel. Trust me on this I did two marathons with these type of socks (first time because they were my fave socks and I didn't know better the second because I was just stoopid) and they were murder from mile 10 onward. it was like sandpaper. Last year I bought special thin-fabric socks and sailed through almost painlessly... at least where my feet were concerned.

Adam_Rakunas

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:33:15 -0800

Oh, hell yes to Body Glide. A little swipe on the nipples and you're good to go.

b3rti3

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:27:20 -0800

I would definitely agree with Raul wear something old and comfy (& worn in shoes). It does get super cold in the morning. I am not sure how early you have to be at the starting line. I ran Chicago & I had to be there at 6am or something crazy like that, so I took an old sweater I was comfortable just tossing away once it got warm.

raul

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:58:06 -0800

That's not a picture of the LA Marathon. The main thing, as you point out, is to wear something comfortable. I'd even suggest not wearing something new. Wear your favorite pair of shorts, shirt, socks, underwear, whatever. Stick with what worked before. For the guys I'd suggest investing in NipGuards unless you want to risk looking like you've been shot twice in the chest. BodyGlide! I don't use BodyGlide since wearing compression shorts is enough to keep me from chafing, but others swear by it. Apart from that, take whatever the race throws at you--rainy or hot--and enjoy it as much as you can.

icharry

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:54:08 -0800

As a wimp, I do the Bike ride that morning before the runners... its great - getting to ride the streets of LA without fear of cars... as far as clothes go - whatever you like... BUT wear gloves... the 1st 30 minutes or so its pretty cold especially with you hands literally being the leading edge / windbreak.

PinLA

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:40:23 -0800

I wear the same stuff year after year. As to the newest and best, it is akin to "needing" the latest, fastest computer in order to use MS Word. Give me a break. Also, we don't even know what the temperature will be tomorrow, much less in three weeks.