What are the Key Mistakes to Avoid While Buying Marathon Clothes?
Jeffrey Horowitz once remarked that there are “…no shortcuts in marathoning, so anyone who is a marathoner has worked hard,” and how true he had said. It is absolutely true that one has to train very well to do best in a marathon event and it is important to have the right clothes and gear to support the Endeavour. You must keep it in mind that while buying clothes for a marathon, it is necessary to avoid these common mistakes, so as to make an informed purchase decision.
Wearing New Clothes On The Day Of Racing
It is always important to test your marathon clothes during training runs. This will help you to get adjusted to the garments. Also, you can avoid chafing, blisters or any kind of discomfort due to improper fit or unfamiliar fabric. You can feel absolutely comfortable and well-adjusted to your marathon clothes when you try to give your best performance on your big day.
Ignoring Moisture-Wicking Fabric
No matter what the weather condition is, you are likely to get sweaty by the end of your run. In warmer climates and countries, the more you run the more you will be likely to perspire. Thus, you should always choose clothes composed of fabrics that can draw sweat away actively from your body. During long races, this is how you can stay cool and dry. It will help you to keep giving your best for the longest possible duration. When you try to buy marathon clothing, always look for breathable, lightweight fabrics such as nylon or polyester with moisture-wicking ability.
Choosing Marathon Clothes With A Poor Fit
If you go for clothes that are too tight for your body, it can restrict your movement. You are sure to feel discomfort while running and cannot run properly for a long time. On the other hand, if you choose clothes that are too loose on your body, they can flap around and disrupt your stride. Naturally, you need to look for clothes that can fit your body in a proper way and help you to run your best.
Not Considering Areas That Are Chafe-prone
You should always look for marathon clothes that come with flat seams. It might be a good idea to go for clothes with special designs in armpits, inner thighs and other important areas, so that the risks of chafing are minimal.
Looking For Style Over Functionality
It is quite possible that you might like the appearance aspect, or how a specific running outfit looks. However, you should not focus only on the style aspect. Functionality is more important to care about and you should always consider going for marathon clothes with features like quick-drying capability, lightweight fabric and breathability. Aesthetics should not rule over practicality.
Not Checking The Quality And Labels
You must have a proper idea about the technical specifications of the fabric that your marathon clothes of choice are constructed from. Always look for reputed brands that prioritize performance for marathon runners.
Not Using The Trial Room Before Buying
This is a key mistake that you should avoid while purchasing marathon clothes for yourself. The market abounds in readymade marathon garments. However, you should keep in mind that every runner has a different body shape and requirement. Thus, before your purchase, you should always try on marathon clothes to ensure a proper fit.
Not Looking For The Right Features
Note that your marathon clothes should also come with the right properties, to improve your performance and make you feel more comfortable when you go for long-distance running sessions.
If you choose half-marathon garments with compression fit, you can get excellent support for your muscles during long runs.
If you will be running in low light conditions go for marathon clothes that have reflective details for better visibility.
Also, look for suitable layering options, so that you can adjust to changing weather conditions.
Bottom Line
As you can see, you have to consider many important factors while trying to buy marathon clothes for yourself, so that you can make a proper choice. Even if you do not manage to come up as the winner, you will definitely able to do much better on the tracks and feel quite satisfied with your performance.
