Trainers & clothing for marathon running

Trainers
Your trainers are without doubt your MOST important item of clothing. It is not a good idea to get the old ones from the back of the cupboard and just set off on a training run.

You will be looking to spend around £60 or maybe more for a pair, but they are worth every penny. I saw many people at the end of the London Marathon with trainers red from blood. They must be comfortable and the right type for your running gait, your running gait can be analysed at most good running shops.

The wrong shoe can quickly cause knee and hip injuries as your runs become longer, so do seek advice. If you can afford it try to have at least 2 pairs both ‘run in’ – tried and tested on long runs - to choose from on the day.

Some shops offer a 30-day return on trainers even if worn; this means you can try them out to see if they suit you. Well worth asking if this is the case before you buy. I have had one or two clients who have bought new trainers only to find they experienced knee problems within a week or two of wearing them. The shop took them back and changed them and within a week the injury was gone.

Socks
‘Double skinned’ socks or anklets make it less likely for blisters as the two layers rub together to prevent the fabric rubbing on your skin. However these can be pricey, (£9 per pair) warm and need specific washing in order to keep them wearing well.

In September last year I had both my feet operated on for severe bunions that used to cause constant blisters with my running gait. Following the operation the right socks and trainers meant I ran the 26 miles without any discomfort at all. Again several pairs will be needed, try Hilly or 1000 miles socks

Leggings / Shorts / Capri Pants
This is your choice. I wear long ‘skins’ in the winter and capri pants or shorts in the summer. A lot will depend on the weather while we are training and the weather on the day of the race – so have a couple of options that you have tried and tested – remember the rule – Nothing New on Race Day!

Find your favorite during training and wear these on the day. A quick word on pants – as in underwear – these can be a source of chaffing, thongs especially! Vaseline or ‘body glide’ can prevent this, but try different types in training.

Crop Tops / Sports Bras
No matter your size it is a good idea to be properly fitted for a sports bra, M&S can do this and so can Sweatshop. Again find your favorite in training and wear that for the race. Be aware that this is one area you may find chaffs especially with a Heart Rate Monitor.

Vaseline or ‘body glide’ can prevent this. It is unlikely that women suffer from runner’s nipple – generally a man’s problem as they do not have the support from a crop top, but plasters over the nipples or ‘Nip Guards’ can prevent any problems arising. Again try them out during your long training runs.

Singlets / Vests/ T-shirts
Your charity may provide you with a running shirt. Make sure you run in it and wash it a few times to soften it, I have found in the past that the material is often not good for running in if you are prone to chaffing. For London I cut down my charity vest and sewed it onto a vest I knew I was comfortable with. Alternatively wear it over a base layer.

Wet Weather
Unfortunately we need to be prepared for any eventuality with the weather. I find a baseball cap good for rain as it keeps it off your face, but a beanie hat or headband for cold weather to cover your ears is a good idea. Perhaps get used to an old one that you can throw away during the run if necessary.

Showerproof / windproof jacket, hi-vis is good idea during training. Remember in the race your Number will need to be visable along with your name – in large letters on your vest to allow people to cheer you on! Don’t be put off by rain – drizzling conditions make it better for breathing so you may be surprised by how good it feels to run in the rain!

Layering
Cold weather training will need a good base layer – any outdoor clothing shop will provide good base layers that draw the sweat away from the skin, worth having at least one. With the Yorkshire Marathon being in October we should be quite lucky with the weather during training and even hopefully on the day. Just make sure you have run in all types of weather that could be possible in the UK!

Running Belts
On training runs you will need to carry your own water – especially on your longer runs. Try to get one that is slightly angled so when the bottle is half full the water doesn’t ‘slosh’ around too much. You will probably not need this in the race itself as there are frequent water / fuel stops.

Get used to drinking ‘on the run’ stopping for anything can make it hard to start again. I use a running belt that has elastic sections for Gels and a small pocket – for Jelly Babies! This is light and hardly noticeable when running. On really long training runs I went out prior to the run and placed water in hedges etc., or got my partner to meet me with extra water/ energy drinks.

Other Accessories
Phone carrier and good headphones are great accessories. Simple elastic armbands will take your phone – but maybe invest in a specific waterproof one for your phone, my running partner got her phone very wet during the snow in training and her phone died!

If you have any questions about what to wear or your trainers please contact me.

You can follow Barbara on twitter @50percentdiet or email her at babs@barbarashiells.com about any training issues you might have for the Yorkshire Marathon.

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