MetaChat - running wear

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16 May 2014

running wear So I'm running in a half marathon tomorrow, and I can't decide what to wear. Help me!→[More:] Usually I wear shorts and a tank for a half marathon, nbd. However, the forecast is for a temperature that I can go either way on -- it should be about 58 at race start time, 65 when I'm done. Ish. For a shorter race, I'd wear shorts and would be fine. But for a longer race, I have a couple more issues.

Shorts
Pro: cooler, has a little pocket that I can stash energy gel
Con: have to slather thighs in bodyglide

Tights
Pro: no worrying about chafing
Con: no pocket, may get slightly too warm by the end of the race.

So it's pocket v chafing. I don't think temp is going to play too much of a role (although I will be heading to the subway at 5.30 am and it'll be a bit cooler then) What would you choose?

post by: gaspode at: 08:08 | 9 comments

I would go with the tights. Even a little bit of chafing is going to be uncomfortable. But what about a compromise - those 3/4 or knee-length running shorts that are like tights and have a pocket. That's what I always wear and they're super comfortable.

posted by Senyar 16 May | 09:04

Well, I defintely won't get chafing if I use bodyglide -- I've never run a half marathon in tights before (another con for tights?) Not buying anything new... hrrmmm. I just can't decide!!

posted by gaspode 16 May | 09:21

this is exactly what capri length is for.

also embrocation, which is a whole realm unto itself. For bike races like this (in between temps) I usually opt for the shorts with a layer of embro (heating balm) on the lower legs.

sorry if that's unhelpful!

posted by lonefrontranger 16 May | 13:07

oh not to mention I am a huge fan of the added support and chafing relief I get from my v. excellent Adidas running capris. Especially for cooler temps and longer distances / trail running where the added support means I don't get as terrible a case of DOMS from the added pounding. however I am a bike racer with big thunder thighs so there's that.

posted by lonefrontranger 16 May | 13:11

Good luck at the half tomorrow, Gaspode! I was signed up to volunteer there once-upon-a-time but I backed out. Pregnancy has derailed my unrealistic expectation that I could be pregnant and also qualify 9+1. OH WELL. Maybe next time! :D

posted by ThePinkSuperhero 16 May | 14:12

when I say tights I mean capri length, actually. They go just below my knee. I'm not worried about the heat so much, than the pocket.

I think I'll wear my tights and carry my little water/pouch thing. I don't usually do that for races, but it will make me feel better about having my metrocard and gel on me.

posted by gaspode 16 May | 15:45

thanks, TPS!!

posted by gaspode 16 May | 15:45

If it's going to be as hot as 65, I'd have to go with the shorts. But then I overheat really easily and generally will wear shorts to run in as long as it's above freezing out.

posted by octothorpe 16 May | 17:11

Game time decision was shorts. Thighs are sufficiently basted. 54 deg. Standing on a subway grate to keep warm. 'No sleep till Brooklyn' is blasting on the sound system...heh.

posted by gaspode 17 May | 06:12

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